The militant Lebanese movement, Hezbollah has maintained its own television station, Al Manar (The Beacon), since 1991. The station broadened its audience considerably when it began broadcasting by satellite in 2000. Like Hezbollah itself, the station has raised questions about whether it is a legitimate or a terrorist entity.
Al Manar blocked in the United States and Europe:
- The U.S. Treasury Department sought to freeze funding to Al Manar, as a terrorist entity, in March 2006.
- The European Union takes Al Manar off the air in 2005.
Observers weigh in:
- Al-Manar: Hizbullah TV, 24/7
Avi Jorisch charged in 2004 that while Al Manar looks like a conventional TV station, its product is "propaganda in its most undiluted form. - When in Doubt, Tune in to your Favorite Station?
Ramez Maluf says Hezbollah's "credibility as a source of information" contributed to its public relations victory over Israel in July, 2006, battles in southern Lebanon. - Record of a 2004 online dialogue hosted by former Al Manar journalist Mohammad Dalbah
Respondents from around the world discuss Western responses to Al Manar.