LONDON: Most American citizens believe that the Qatar-funded Al Jazeera TV network promotes a negative image of the US abroad, with many saying it also acts as a platform for terror groups linked to Osama bin Laden, according to an Arab News/YouGov poll.
The survey of 2,263 people found a high awareness of Al Jazeera among Americans — but also a generally negative public opinion about the network.
Slightly more than half said that Al Jazeera has a negative influence on the US image abroad, the survey revealed. And a majority of those with an opinion on the matter also believe that the network gives a platform to terror groups linked to Osama bin Laden — with 44 percent agreeing with that statement, and only 18 percent saying the opposite. The rest of the US respondents — 38 percent — were unsure.
The Arab News/YouGov poll, conducted in July, was carried out to mark the 60 days since the start of the diplomatic rift between Doha and its Arab neighbors º£½ÇÖ±²¥, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain.
At one point during the crisis, the Anti-Terror Quartet (ATQ) called for a shutdown of Al Jazeera over its editorial guidelines, which allegedly permitted terror-related content.
Al Jazeera executives have denied such claims. Arab News contacted Al Jazeera requesting comment but did not receive a response.
• For full report and related articles please visit : YouGov Qatar Poll