Community Corner
News of Al Jazeera America Stirs Debate in Plainfield
Plus, headlines you may have missed.
Soon, more Americans could have access to Qatari news channel Al Jazeera, thanks to the network's purchase of Current TV.
Al Jazeera America launched into about 44 million households in the U.S., and got a somewhat frosty reception, based on early ratings. But the network could soon be coming to a cable provider near you — so we asked Patch readers: "Will you watch?"
The results were a mixed bag, with some calling the station "treasonous" to others saying they look forward to a new perspective.
On Plainfield Patch:
Tim Riola: They are a terrorist supporting news network. To watch that channel as an American is borderline treasonous in my opinion.
Grandpamike: Well, in my opinion, Fox is a treasonous network, yet they broadcast.
On Facebook:
Kevin M: The blind refusal to accept an alternative source of information is actually very disturbing.
Ryan K: I'll stick with channels I know tell the truth, like Fox News.
Brian M: Nope and nope.
Amy N: Yes..always beneficial to hear other countries news. Ryan watching it has nothing to do with terrorism...
Joe U: I support free speech but NO. Not unless they start broadcasting CNN, MSNBC, fox news, ABC, NBC, whatever western news station but at least 1 of ours.
Joel C: It's sad how ignorant an uninformed we've allowed ourselves to become. What does 2002 have to do with anything? Al Jazeera (Arabic) is based in Qatar, it's not the media wing of al Qaeda! And guess what? Middle East countries have been watching outlets like BBC and CNN for years (how do you think Saddam knew it was time to hide?). Al Jazeera America is an American station with programming based 100% here. Their mission is to cover all the news that's fit to be covered and be a fact-based source of information. A little critical thinking never hurt anyone. If more people tried it, we wouldn't have situations like the current park district fiasco.
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