Jihad TV illustrates how al Qaeda scores propaganda points through the production and distribution of terrorist videos featuring suicide bombers, fearful hostages, and insurgent ambushes against U.S. forces in Iraq. While the Internet has brought this type of gruesome footage to a global audience, many would be shocked to discover that this material is also sold openly on DVD—with bright packaging that rivals any Hollywood poster design—in Baghdad markets, where Iraqi youngsters snap them up as if they were the local equivalent of the Harry Potter franchise. As Jihad TV points out, however, none of this is a sign of any cinematic or marketing genius on the part of al Qaeda—anyone with a cheap digital video camera, the right editing software, and high-speed Internet access can achieve the same results. While some of the footage presented here is indeed jolting, self-congratulatory propaganda is as old as warfare itself, and ultimately the film fails to explore what kind of long-term impact these homemade videos might have on the present conflict. Jihad TV should still be considered for courses in Middle Eastern politics and journalism, but is optional for others. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
Jihad TV: Terrorism and Mass Media
(2006) 48 min. In English & Arabic w/English subtitles. DVD or VHS: $149.95. Journeyman Pictures (dist. by Films Media Group). PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-4213-7939-5 (dvd), 978-1-4213-7938-8 (vhs). Volume 23, Issue 2
Jihad TV: Terrorism and Mass Media
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