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WikiLeaks Surprise: Saudis “Fascinated” By Fox News Channel, David Letterman and Friends

» 54 comments

Here’s an interesting tidbit we can thank jailed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for: according to cables included in the recent WikiLeaks document drop, informants have told diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia that American television–particularly Fox News Channel and David Letterman‘s Late Show–are proving to be powerful weapons against “violent jihad.”

As the U.K.’s Guardian reports, uncensored satellite broadcasts of popular American shows–with Arabic subtitles–carried via Saudi channel MBC, have turned young Saudis into huge fans of Desperate Housewives, Friends, and Fox News:

“It’s still all about the war of ideas here, and the American programming on MBC and Rotana [a channel part-owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation] is winning over ordinary Saudis in a way that al-Hurra and other US propaganda never could,” two Saudi media executives told a US official in a meeting at a Jeddah branch of Starbucks. “Saudis are now very interested in the outside world and everybody wants to study in the US if they can. They are fascinated by US culture in a way they never were before,” the May 2009 cable says.

The popularity of the channels is particularly surprising given Rotana broadcasts Fox News, the rightwing News Corp channel that takes a hard line against Islamic radicalism and has strongly supported US military intervention in the Middle East.

The emergence of Saudi Arabia as a potential market for American ideas–and media outlets–has even led News Corp chief Rupert Murdoch to dispatch one of his sons to the Kingdom to talk about a potential Arabic version of The Wall Street Journal, according to the Guardian.

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  • http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

    Even Arabs know FOX is the place for REAL fair and balanced news.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jon-Martin/43100610 Jon Martin

    So Fox News is making more Muslims come to America?

    hmm

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jon-Martin/43100610 Jon Martin

    gordonbloyershow said:
    Even Arabs know FOX is the place for REAL fair and balanced news.

    lol.. right.. and 10% are terrorists, I guess whatever suits your narrative at the time.

  • cjd ohio 1

    same for you jon, it seems

  • Elaine B

    gordonbloyershow said:
    Even Arabs know FOX is the place for REAL fair and balanced news.

    HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

  • Jon Bershad

    This is fascinating. I’d venture a guess that it either has to do with FN’s depiction of America as the most wonderful place ever (thus coinciding with the feeling that many foreigners, especially those in troubled countries, have) or their depiction of America as a place that is constantly on the verge of destruction (thus coinciding with the secret, and not so secret, desire many Middle Easterners have). Probably a mixture of both.

    However, I wouldn’t be surprised if this cable would read very differently after this summer and all the “Ground Zero Mosque” talk.

  • Atticus Draco

    Jon Bershad said:
    Probably a mixture of both.

    IT’S CALLED BALANCE DEBATE NIMROD

  • skyfet

    One of the Saudi Prince is with Murdoch, off course they are fascinated on how stupid crap can be transmitted day in day out.

  • Atticus Draco

    Jon Bershad said:
    This is fascinating. I’d venture a guess that it either has to do with FN’s depiction of America as the most wonderful place ever (thus coinciding with the feeling that many foreigners, especially those in troubled countries, have) or their depiction of America as a place that is constantly on the verge of destruction (thus coinciding with the secret, and not so secret, desire many Middle Easterners have). Probably a mixture of both.

    You know Jon,, this might be too fast for you,,
    THEY ADVERTISE IT LOUDLY,, & PROUDLY,,
    YOU DECIDE!!!
    THEY REPORT,,, YOU DECIDE!!!!

    Instead you’re confused?

    i insist though,, we already know what version of America you got in your head,,
    YES?

  • ModerateMan

    “FN’s depiction of America as the most wonderful place ever”

    Do you watch Fox News? It’s mostly about how America is facing a crushing deficit and how the administration is governing against the will of the people. Hardly “the most wonderful place ever”. I just think they like watching Shepard Smith narrate the car chases.

  • http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

    Jon said,

    However, I wouldn’t be surprised if this cable would read very differently after this summer and all the “Ground Zero Mosque” talk.

    Why would they care? They don’t allow Christian Churches. Duh?

  • The Real Royal King

    Jon Bershad said:
    This is fascinating. I’d venture a guess that it either has to do with FN’s depiction of America as the most wonderful place ever (thus coinciding with the feeling that many foreigners, especially those in troubled countries, have) or their depiction of America as a place that is constantly on the verge of destruction (thus coinciding with the secret, and not so secret, desire many Middle Easterners have). Probably a mixture of both.

    However, I wouldn’t be surprised if this cable would read very differently after this summer and all the “Ground Zero Mosque” talk.

    It’s more of the latter, I imagine.

    ModerateMan said:
    “FN’s depiction of America as the most wonderful place ever”

    Do you watch Fox News? It’s mostly about how America is facing a crushing deficit and how the administration is governing against the will of the people. Hardly “the most wonderful place ever”. I just think they like watching Shepard Smith narrate the car chases.

    FOX “News” is at its core negative with constant bashing of our President and constant wailing about the cataclysm which is upon us.

  • The Real Royal King

    gordonbloyershow said:
    Even Arabs know FOX is the place for REAL fair and balanced news.

    You may be read. The Saudis are know as a fair and balanced people. I’m sure they recognize it in others.

  • Cecelia

    “have turned young Saudis into huge fans of Desperate Housewives, Friends, and Fox News:”

    Hooray!

    Can J. Crew, careers, and Camrys for their daughters, be far behind?!

    Best news I’ve heard all week!

  • Magister

    Though I’ve followed the link and it back to to the original leak, I do have to question that the broadcasts are uncensored. I say that not only because I can recall a backlash from Saudi clerics about female empowerment that they blamed on western television — which unfortunately, I can’t find the an article to illustrate — but also the revelation that around the same time as the cable, it was reported that they censor homosexual content from “Oprah” and for at least the last two seasons, “Desperate Housewives” have included a gay couple.

    IOW: I see the cable and I don’t doubt that the author thinks the shows are uncensored, but he may not realize that he was seeing an edited version.

  • The Lantern of Truth

    skyfet said:
    One of the Saudi Prince is with Murdoch, off course they are fascinated on how stupid crap can be transmitted day in day out.

    The Real Royal King said:
    You may be read. The Saudis are know as a fair and balanced people. I’m sure they recognize it in others.

    I are King , man . Those are two wild and crazy guys above in box on interwebster site of where I am at . I blame myself . And the Palins .

  • Jon Bershad

    ModerateMan said:
    “FN’s depiction of America as the most wonderful place ever”

    Do you watch Fox News? It’s mostly about how America is facing a crushing deficit and how the administration is governing against the will of the people. Hardly “the most wonderful place ever”.

    Underlying the idea that everything is being destroyed is the idea that everything was near perfect before and things would be better again if we just looked to our past. It’s not just that Obama has bad policy, it’s that he’s “fundamentally changing America.” That’s always being repeated.

    That’s why I’d have to say the core presentation is that America is wonderful but, perpetually, about to be destroyed.

  • skyfet

    @The Lantern of Truth
    Stop stalking and get thyself a life. ahhhh

  • Magister

    PS – To all the pro-FNC commenters: If you follow the link, you’ll see that the Fox News content is courtesy of a Murdoch-owned satellite channel. This is not to say that they may not have an affinity for his broadcasts, but it definitely means that they have access.

  • Jon Bershad

    Atticus Draco said:
    IT’S CALLED BALANCE DEBATE NIMROD

    I’m not saying that this is a bad thing. It’s what Fox would always be by definition. The idea that change is bad because things are and were better is basically the definition of the word “conservative.”

  • The Real Royal King

    Jon Bershad said:
    Underlying the idea that everything is being destroyed is the idea that everything was near perfect before and things would be better again if we just looked to our past. It’s not just that Obama has bad policy, it’s that he’s “fundamentally changing America.” That’s always being repeated.

    That’s why I’d have to say the core presentation is that America is wonderful but, perpetually, about to be destroyed.

    That makes sense.

  • writer

    Some things need changing. Some don’t. Trouble is, the far left doesn’t know the difference.

  • skyfet

    @gordonbloyershow
    Sorry to bust your bubble, but it’s partly owned by Arabs. Capiche?

  • Cecelia

    Jon Bershad said:
    That’s why I’d have to say the core presentation is that America is wonderful but, perpetually, about to be destroyed.

    Well, thank you for clearing that up, Jon.

    You wouldn’t want to have us get the impression that you thought FNC was anything but a pernicious influence on any culture, including those that don’t allow women to drive or to be on the street after 10am..

  • moriarty70

    Jon Bershad said:
    I’m not saying that this is a bad thing. It’s what Fox would always be by definition. The idea that change is bad because things are and were better is basically the definition of the word “conservative.”

    But don’t you understand, these days you can’t have a nuanced view of anything even remotely political (including the pivitol “Boxers v. Briefs”). Binary views are the only option in these “end times”.

  • Cecelia

    Jon Bershad said:
    I’m not saying that this is a bad thing. It’s what Fox would always be by definition. The idea that change is bad because things are and were better is basically the definition of the word “conservative.”

    How about his sort of change, Jon– school vouchers, tax exemptions to individuals (rather than corporations) for insurance premiums, alternative investment programs to social security, and a flat tax?

    You may not dig those ideas, but status quo, they ain’t….

  • Cecelia

    “he popularity of the channels is particularly surprising given Rotana broadcasts Fox News, the rightwing News Corp channel that takes a hard line against Islamic radicalism and has strongly supported US military intervention in the Middle East.”

    Never underestimate the fact that the human spirit longs to be free.

  • The Real Royal King

    moriarty70 said:
    But don’t you understand, these days you can’t have a nuanced view of anything even remotely political (including the pivitol “Boxers v. Briefs”). Binary views are the only option in these “end times”.

    I know what the boxers v. briefs are designed to cover up, but I’ve never understood what the answer is suppose to reveal. I assume conservative men wear briefs, even bikini briefs, in bright colors, and liberal men wear Brooks Brother’s plaid boxers, but I have nothing to base that upon. Do you have any insight here? Or you Cecelia?

  • writer

    The King is Mediaite’s version of Bruno, only more gay. If you need any fashion advice, just ask him.

  • Cecelia

    The Real Royal King said:
    Do you have any insight here? Or you Cecelia?

    Yep. You have it backwards. Except the boxers don’t have to be from The Brethern, unless the wives find them on sale there.

    To conservative men, they just have to comfortable.

    That’s why they’re men.

  • dummy123

    The Saudis love Letterman because of his treatment of female interns and low level women on his staff.
    They only wish Dave could have stoned a few of them……..Stupid Human sharia tricks~~~~;)

  • Pablo

    The popularity of the channels is particularly surprising given Rotana broadcasts Fox News, the rightwing News Corp channel that takes a hard line against Islamic radicalism and has strongly supported US military intervention in the Middle East.

    The radicalism may be a split decision, but as far as military intervention, the Saudis seem to love when we do that and often invite, if not beg us to do it. And for that matter, radicalism is falling out of favor as that chicken has repeatedly come home to roost in the Kingdom. None of that is surprising. What is surprising is Saudis airing Desperate Housewives.

  • Cecelia

    dummy123 said:
    ..Stupid Human sharia tricks~~~~;)

    Shame on you…. really! :D

  • Elaine B

    Seriously, it is probably the only station they can watch……

  • Magister

    Pablo said:
    What is surprising is Saudis airing Desperate Housewives.

    MBC4 is billed as the company’s “woman’s channel”, so it makes some sense that they’re heavy on soap operas and Harpo productions. Though if you ask me, the one that seems very out of place from their current lineup is “Two and a Half Men”, one because it’s not very kind to the non-Berta female characters, but also because the “Charlie” seems to go against a lot of their morals. Of course, perhaps they use it as lesson-learned kind of thing, but in my opinion, it really stands out.

    Note: Without doing a thorough analysis, it appears that the majority of shows are distributed by CBS or are Paramount productions. Of course there are exceptions like the “Housewives” and “Days”, but they may get saddled with “Two and a Half” as some kind of contractual thing.

  • dummy123

    The Saudis have mixed feelings about Conan.
    They condemn the fact that Coco steals time-slots and late night shows only to tank in the ratings…..but they are huge fans of the Masturbating Bear.
    I support the Saudis on this!

  • Latin2

    Fox News is the only news that doesn’t sugar coat Islam. Like most young people they want to hear the real truth about Muslims not the Liberal lies.

    There are many Muslims in the Gulf who are questioning how true Islam is the Gulf, just like the young people in Iran.

    The Liberals, instead of taking apart Islam, they make excuses for Islam which is repressive. Younger people in Islamic countries get the same message about “how great” Islam is like the Liberals in the West do, the want to hear another opinion on Islam.

  • Socialist

    so where is letterman in all of this??

  • Latin2

    There is a fledgling raise of people questioning Islam in the Arabian Gulf and Liberals are aligned with Islamists propagating the false lie that Islam is a religion of peace and is better than Christianity, but Fox News shows everything, and is critical of Islam.

    There has been a small raise in atheism in the Middle East.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G46GDFMTRgE

  • Latin2

    Socialist said:
    so where is letterman in all of this??

    Maybe they are wondering how someone so ugly can get so many girls.

  • Latin2

    dummy123 said:
    The Saudis love Letterman because of his treatment of female interns and low level women on his staff.
    ~;)

    lol…they can relate to that. Letterman has had more sex with his own staff than Muhammad had wives.

  • Latin2

    Cecelia said:

    Never underestimate the fact that the human spirit longs to be free.

    That is an interesting point. Fox is the only channel that is critical of the government, shows the Tea Party (people who want a RESPONSIBLE government) without attacking them,has TWO SIDES of a debate and hashes those points out. MSNBC and the rest of the Media are sycophants for the current administration and Arabs see that all the time in their own news.

    Fox is popular with Europeans who are against the total control of the European Union, and Latin Americans who want a free press. Remember Progressives want a ONE International governing body and support Socialism in Latin America, like in Cuba and Venezuela.

  • The Real Royal King

    Cecelia said:
    Yep. You have it backwards. Except the boxers don’t have to be from The Brethern, unless the wives find them on sale there.

    To conservative men, they just have to comfortable.

    That’s why they’re men.

    No, I don’t think it’s that. Conservative men are always so mean and grouchy. I think it must be tight, cheap underwear. Or, their wives.

  • The Real Royal King

    Latin2 said:
    Fox is popular with Europeans who are against the total control of the European Union,

    Curiously, have you statistics on this. My impression from my travels is the only Europeans who know FOX “News” exists are those who travel to the US with some frequency. Murdoch’s UK products are distinctly different than FOX “News”. Far more fair and balanced.

  • felixw

    According to this article, the Fox News channel wins over moderate Arabs and is a powerful tool against jihad. Do you think that will get mentioned on CNN and MSNBC this evening? After all, the MSNBC hosts love to talk about Fox News, so OF COURSE they will mention this…..

  • rockloper

    I bet the teatards actually believe this!! Wake up dumb a$$e$

  • Cecelia

    The Real Royal King said:
    No, I don’t think it’s that. Conservative men are always so mean and grouchy. I think it must be tight, cheap underwear. Or, their wives.

    Like we all don’t know that you’re wearing you’re wife’s cotton calicoes right now…

  • http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

    skyfet said:
    Sorry to bust your bubble, but it’s partly owned by Arabs. Capiche?

    What does that have to do with the price of tea in China?

    Many people partly own AT&T, that doesn’t mean they exorcise any control over it. You need help.

  • http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

    The Real Royal King said:
    Curiously, have you statistics on this. My impression from my travels is the only Europeans who know FOX “News” exists are those who travel to the US with some frequency. Murdoch’s UK products are distinctly different than FOX “News”. Far more fair and balanced.

    Are you this stupid on purpose? Your comments have become stupider by the day. The meds are not working Robert.

  • TeaPartyPatriot

    Saudis “Fascinated” By ….David Letterman

    …Yeah, I can see how these islamic extremists relate to a misogynistic old fart who sexually harasses and demeans his interns. Allah (and hussein) approve !

  • rshaw

    wow .. i think you all are taking this way too serious, i suspect the biggest reason for the fascination with FOX News is all the hot blondes they have on set. Thats something they don’t get to see everyday on the streets of Riyadh. :D

  • ModerateMan

    Jon Bershad said:
    Underlying the idea that everything is being destroyed is the idea that everything was near perfect before and things would be better again if we just looked to our past. It’s not just that Obama has bad policy, it’s that he’s “fundamentally changing America.” That’s always being repeated.
    That’s why I’d have to say the core presentation is that America is wonderful but, perpetually, about to be destroyed

    Your view of Fox News comes across as this: Fox is a “dumb ignorant cheerleader” of America (redneck chanting “USA!USA!USA!) that strives to fearmonger their uneducated viewers about Obama. In other words, a typical condescending liberal stereotype of conservative people. I think Fox News is more complex than that. They point out the good and bad things about America, but with a different point of view than yours- a conservative one.

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