The persuasive techniques used in the news of Alhurra channel

Abstract

The study aims to understand the persuasive techniques used in the news of Alhurra channel, reveal the persuasive appeals that were employed in Alhurra channel's news, and identify the meanings conveyed in Alhurra channel's news. The importance of the study lies in the deep understanding of the communication process in Alhurra channel's news through their use of persuasive techniques. Through the study, it is possible to identify the persuasive techniques used, their types, and the damages they cause to the audience's beliefs. After identifying the persuasive techniques, real interventions can be implemented to counter these ideas and ideologies, and to enhance news institutions through scientific research that establishes an understanding of the news techniques used in Alhurra channel's news.

The researchers used a qualitative research method, which means exploring the different meanings people attribute to their experiences, as well as identifying the structures and social processes that shape these meanings. In this type of research, emphasis is placed on providing a "thick description" of social behavior and an explanation of social action, helping us to understand the hidden rules and traditions that give meaning to social behavior. The researchers chose a sample of Alhurra channel's news, deliberately selecting a specific time period (September 1st to September 30th, 2021, with a total of 7 news items), which they believed to be sufficient to satisfy information needs and analysis.

Among the main findings reached by the researchers is that Alhurra channel used several persuasive techniques, including clarity of objectives versus implicit conclusions, the influence of majority opinion, presenting the message with evidence and proofs, presenting one side of the issue versus presenting both supporting and opposing sides, using audience tendencies, and arranging persuasive arguments within the message. The researchers found that Alhurra channel justifies a set of values and concepts to reinforce its messages (peace and stability), which are considered core concepts. It became evident to the researchers that Alhurra channel also presents (cooperation and prosperity) as a direct result of normalization, highlighting the economic and social benefits resulting from it, which contributes to changing the audience's beliefs. The researchers found that Alhurra channel promotes the idea of (confronting common threats), presenting normalization as a means to confront regional challenges such as terrorism, and the channel promotes values (coexistence and tolerance), indicating that normalization will contribute to enhancing understanding and coexistence between different cultures, which is what Alhurra channel tries to convey to the recipient to change their beliefs and perspectives.