Arab Television Industries

Portrayals of Women in Transnational Arab Television Drama Series

“…This transnational industry connecting two dozen countries, commercially, politically, and culturally is ''arguably historically unprecedented'' (Kraidy & Khalil, 2009, p. 10). However, this large Arabic-speaking market is far from homogeneous, as the Arab countries vary greatly in their social, political, economic and legal systems, as well as cultural sensibilities (Kalliny et al, 2008;Kraidy & Khalil, 2009). In order to capture this diversity, Kalliny and colleagues (2008) placed Arab countries on a liberal-conservative continuum with regard to cultural values, for the purpose of identifying cultural differences in Arab advertising.…”

“…An estimated 40-70% of advertising expenditures in the region is spent in Saudi Arabia (World Association of Newspapers, 2008), which has the largest wealthy population in the region with 25 million Arabic-speaking consumers and high per capita income (Kraidy, 2010). Therefore, as television companies aim to attract the largest number of wealthy consumers, they must cater to the tastes of Saudi viewers (Kraidy & Khalil, 2009) and be aware of what is acceptable in the distinct Saudi market (Cochrane, 2007), especially in terms of gender representations. For example, LBC, which started as a Christian militia station after the Lebanese civil war and is known for its liberal Arab Christian values, features Saudi hosts particularly targeting Saudi viewers (Kraidy & Khalil, 2009).…”

“…Therefore, as television companies aim to attract the largest number of wealthy consumers, they must cater to the tastes of Saudi viewers (Kraidy & Khalil, 2009) and be aware of what is acceptable in the distinct Saudi market (Cochrane, 2007), especially in terms of gender representations. For example, LBC, which started as a Christian militia station after the Lebanese civil war and is known for its liberal Arab Christian values, features Saudi hosts particularly targeting Saudi viewers (Kraidy & Khalil, 2009). …”

Bedouinity on Stage. The Rise of The Bedouin Soap Opera (Musalsal Badawi) in Arab Television

“…The data presented in this analysis were collected while undertaking research in Syria, Jordan and the UAE in 2006, 2009. During these field trips I conducted extensive interviews in Arabic with a series of renowned representatives from the film industries in these countries.…”

“…Viewers from the middle class are divided in their opinions about the quality of the Bedouin series, as 19. For a general discussion of the methodological problems involved in studying viewership in the Middle East, seeKraidy and Khalil (2009) and Della Ratta (2013). 20.…”