Out of Control: Palestinian News Satire and Government Power in the Age of Social Media

Abstract

This article analyzes the Palestinian sketch comedy show Watan Ala Watar, placing the groundbreaking program in the context of theories of satire, government control, and popular resistance. Detailing the show's tumultuous relationship with the Palestinian Authority, the article argues that despite publicly supporting Watan Ala Watar so as to create the impression of a liberal media regime, the government ultimately could not accept the existence of uncensored political comedy. However, the article shows that through the use of new media, the program has continued to have an impact despite the government's refusal to put it on air.