media landscape guide about Somalia - Internews

4. TelevisionTelevision has become increasingly popular, especially with the growth ofsatellite and online TV services in the Somali language.Universal TV, which is based in Hargeisa, and Horn Cable TV, whichbroadcasts from studios in London, UK, are particularly popular.International satellite broadcasters in Arabic and English such as Al Jazeerahave also acquired a strong audience.Al Jazeera is widely seen as more relevant to Somalia than Western newschannels such as BBC World and CNN.Many people do not have a TV set at home, but still manage to watch satelliteTV channels at public viewing centres known as ‘video parlours.’However, television viewing has been severely curtailed in South CentralSomalia following the rise of Al Shabaab.The Islamist movement forbids people to watch sports, music and otherprogrammes, especially in video parlours.In some areas, Al Shabaab has even placed curbs on the programmes thatpeople are allowed to watch within their own homes.It only allows them to watch Islamic religious programmes and Islamistpropaganda.Television viewing is mainly restricted to people living in urban areas withready access to an electricity supply. It is especially popular in areas outsidethe control of Al Shabaab.However, TV is not well-suited to Somalia’s predominantly nomadic, rural wayof life.Neither is it widely accessible in refugee and IDP camps.It is much easier for most Somalis to access radio.Several Somali language satellite TV channels have been launched over thepast decade. Many of these have been founded in the diaspora.They are usually receptive to the idea of broadcasting humanitarianprogrammes.The satellite TV stations have the potential to reach Somali speakersthroughout East Africa, as well as the diaspora in the Middle East, Europe andNorth America.54