Propaganda Techniques

(The Algerian Television as a Model)

Abstract

This study aims to introduce the concept of propaganda and its techniques according to the American Institute for Propaganda Analysis (IPA), especially given the widespread confusion surrounding the concept among both the general public and researchers. A clear indication of this is the fact that large segments of the population often find themselves subjected to misinformation without realizing it. Undoubtedly, there are various techniques employed in the creation of propaganda, taking on multiple forms. This makes the Algerian television’s approach to covering events related to the Kingdom of Morocco fall within the practice of propaganda, against the backdrop of the Moroccan Sahara crisis. The study is classified as a descriptive study and relies on the descriptive-analytical method. It employs a content analysis form that includes several categories, which was applied to all publications on the Algerian television website that contained any reference to the Kingdom of Morocco during the study period—from March 17, 2025, to April 17, 2025. The sample comprised 31 articles published under the "International" section. These were analyzed using the content analysis form, and the study reached a set of conclusions, the most important of which is that the Algerian television website engages in propaganda against Morocco through several themes: the Moroccan Sahara, the Palestinian cause and relations with the Israeli occupation, relations with neighboring countries, and internal affairs. Among these, articles addressing the Sahara issue accounted for 64.5% of all content published about Morocco. The website employed six out of seven propaganda techniques to construct its messaging about Morocco: name-calling (47.5%), card stacking (18.5%), glittering generalities (14.5%), bandwagon (10.7%), transfer (4.9%), and testimonial (3.9%), while the plain folks technique was not used.