Dubai: Al Jazeera has been named the most watched and most trusted news channel in the UAE, according to the latest syndicated survey released by YouGov Siraj.
Around 42 per cent of the 1,509 respondents said Al Jazeera was their favourite news channel, while 38 per cent named it their most trusted.
"At a time when appetites for news have clearly increased across the region, TV remains the most popular source. While social media has hit the headlines for putting forward new ideas and opinions, understanding how issues are being reported is crucially important to our clients and our industry," said Guy Taylor, managing director of Grayling Momentum in the Middle East.
BBC World News English was ranked second with 35 per cent saying it was both the most watched and the most trusted channel. This was followed by CNN at 32 per cent and 30 per cent respectively. Sky News, which will soon be opening an Arabic service from Abu Dhabi, was ranked tenth with only seven per cent.
The results reflect changes in viewing habits and renewed interest in news channels amid the regional turmoil.
"There has definitely been a shift in media consumption overall. There is increasing dependency on news channels. There are a lot of people who have family in Egypt, Syria, etc., who are looking at the news to find out what's happening in their own countries," said Taylor.
Al Jazeera's move to the top spot also shows a shift in perception. Results from a similar survey conducted in 2006 put BBC World at the top. The PAX survey, conducted by Synovate, reported that BBC World was the most watched global channel with a daily audience of 14.6 per cent, while the CNN had a daily reach of 12.5 per cent. The survey was based on 56 news channels and 2,600 individuals.
Al Jazeera's coverage of regional events boosted its status among North America-based news networks. US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton also recently praised Al Jazeera for its coverage of the events in the Middle East.
"Not long ago, Al Jazeera was looked at with great scepticism. Now it seems to be one of the most popular news channels," said Taylor.
