Al Mayadeen
Al Mayadeen (Arabic: الميادين, al-Mayādīn, lit. "the plazas") is a pan-Arabist satellite television news channel and media network headquartered in Beirut, Lebanon, launched on 11 June 2012 by a group of journalists, many formerly with Al Jazeera.[1][2][3] The network broadcasts 24/7 in Arabic with English and Spanish digital editions, focusing on regional politics, conflicts, and resistance narratives, often countering Sunni-majority or pro-Western media outlets.[2][4] Positioning itself as an independent voice for "the reality as it is," Al Mayadeen has gained prominence for its alignment with the Iran-backed "Axis of Resistance," including Hezbollah, providing sympathetic coverage of groups opposed to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and U.S. influence in the Middle East.[5][6] This stance has led to accusations of propaganda and bias, with analyses noting its role in constructing adversarial images of Western-aligned states and promoting Shia Islamist perspectives amid Arab uprisings.[7][2] Owned by undisclosed Arab investors, the channel operates amid Lebanon's polarized media landscape, where outlets often reflect sectarian or geopolitical affiliations rather than neutral reporting.[3][8] Significant controversies include bans in Israel, where it is viewed as a Hezbollah mouthpiece inciting terrorism, and suspensions by satellite providers like Arabsat over content disputes.[9][10][11] The network has reported multiple staff deaths in Israeli strikes, framing them as targeted attacks on journalism, while critics highlight its selective narratives that omit or downplay violence by allied militias.[12][13] Despite credibility concerns from fact-checkers rating it as left-biased with poor sourcing, Al Mayadeen maintains bureaus across the Arab world and partnerships, such as with Russian media, amplifying its reach in non-mainstream discourse.[2][4]