May Azzam

The Development of Communication Satellites in the Arab World: a Case Study of Nilesat May Azzam

Never has there been a greater technological development in the field of communication than the one witnessed on our modern age. Ther has been a huge development in this field due to the development of computers and new techniques to produce, store, and transmit infromation. My research aims to be both explorative and explanatory. The study focuses on the development of communication satellites, and takes the Egyptian satellite "Nilesat" as a case study. The need for satellite in mass media in the Arab World was detected due to the strong impact of Western media on Arab viewers. The theoretical framwork of the research is based mainly on two theories: The knowledge Gap Hypothesis and the Uses and Gratifications Theory. The research has an objective of answering questions regarding the need to the Nilesat, other providers of satellite services, and services of Nilesat. Another objective was to check if the penetration of the Nilesat narrowed the knowledge gap between Egypt and the developed countries. The research helps shed light on the new broadcasting enviroment. It is specially useful to professionals in communications and anyone who is interested in the broadcasting field.