MBN reports on the GCC summit at Camp David
Alhurra had extensive coverage of the historic Gulf Cooperation Council summit being held in the U.S. including live coverage (with simultaneous translation) of President Obama’s remarks following the end of the conference on May 14. The network also broadcast the meeting between President Obama and the Saudi Crown Prince and the press conference held by Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communication Ben Rhodes. Alhurra had exclusive interviews with Ben Rhodes, as well as Joshua Baker, State Department Arabic Spokesperson and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).
Alhurra produced an hour-long special on each day of the conference discussing the expectations and impact the summit will have on the region and the U.S.’s role. The special programs focused on human rights issues in the Gulf, military relations between the U.S. and the Gulf, security in the region and Oman’s decision to distance itself from the Gulf. It also included updates from Alhurra’s White House Correspondent who was reporting from Camp David.
The network explored the history of the GCC and the U.S. with former U.S. Ambassador to the UAE Marcelle M. Wahba. Coverage included analysis of several Gulf country’s decisions to send deputies to the summit and if that represented a hurdle to U.S./Gulf relations. Alhurra also examined whether this was representative of a generational shift, as younger leaders look to the future of U.S./Gulf relations. Other reports included whether the summit could lead towards a unified plan regarding Yemen; and a profile of an American professor’s experiences living and teaching in Dubai. Alhurra also had reaction to the summit from Israel and Iran.
Alhurra’s Free Hour dedicated a week worth of shows to the summit, including an expanded two-hour edition following the conclusion of the meetings. American, Iranian, Israeli, Saudi, Jordanian and Kuwaiti analysts examined King Salman’s absence from the summit; what the summit means for the U.S., as well as the U.S.’s relationship with the GCC countries. Alhurra’s All Directions hosted American and Saudi experts to breakdown what was achieved by the summit.
Radio Sawa interviewed Bahraini, Iranian, American, Saudi analysts to get reaction to the summit. The radio network’s newscasts also included comments made by President Obama, the White House and State Department Spokesmen regarding the summit. Sawa Magazine hosted a member of the Saudi Shura Council and an American analyst to discuss what can be expected from the Camp David Summit. Radio Sawa’s Free Zone focused on what was achieved during the summit and President Obama’s commitment to the security of the Gulf countries.