CNN and BBC Shaping the Opinions in Different Countries: A multi-dimensional descriptive commentary related to security, military and diplomacy

Both BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) and CNN (Cable News Network) are influential global media organizations with extensive reach. They play significant roles in shaping ideas, political movements, and public opinion in the countries where their broadcasts are consumed (Kennedy & Prat, 2018). Though these networks are independent and generally maintain editorial freedom, their influence on public diplomacy stems from how they represent and communicate their home countries' values, policies, and narratives to global audiences. BBC and CNN played a pivotal role in the international coverage of the Arab Spring, helping to amplify the voices of protesters across the Middle East (Gillespie et al., 2015). Their live reporting showcased the grassroots nature of the uprisings, framing them as democratic movements against authoritarian regimes. This coverage was vital in increasing global awareness and providing legitimacy to the protestors, which in turn influenced international public opinion and diplomatic responses, especially in countries like Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. For example, the protests in Libya gained significant international attention, leading to NATO's intervention against Gaddafi's regime (Harlow & Brown, 2021). However, by consistently framing the movements as purely democratic revolutions, both networks arguably simplified the complex local political landscapes, overlooking the deep-rooted social, economic, and tribal tensions in these countries. This resulted in global support that sometimes underestimated the long-term consequences of toppling established regimes without fully considering the potential for instability.