Believe it or not: Understanding the credibility and effectiveness of Radio Sawa in the UAE

Abstract

**Please note that the full text is embargoed** ABSTRACT: As part of an overall strategy to influence public opinion in the Muslim world, the US government implemented two new international broadcasting tools — Radio Sawa and Alhurra (a satellite television network). In the face of declining support of US government policies in the Muslim world, this study examines the credibility and effectiveness of Radio Sawa in an attempt to understand its effectiveness as a communication tool. The study explores differences in credibility and other dimensions among the United Arab Emirates (UAE) population; surveying both those who use this new medium and those who do not. Results of the study reveal the effectiveness of the US government in reaching its objectives in the region. [© The Author(s) 2011. This is a published version of an article published in "International Communication Gazette" in 2011, available online: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1748048511398601]