Abstract:
: Adult illiteracy, for decades, has gained international focus and been
placed on the literacy map of the international community. Despite this
acknowledgement of adult illiteracy importance and its socio-economic
repercussions, such focus has lost momentum and funding from governments,
national as well as international NGOs ‘for some time’ (Archer, 2005). In light
of the dwindling resources, the present study investigates the potential and
scope of educational outreach initiatives via the broadcast media in the Arab
World. Guided by its findings and strengthened by applied research trends in
adult literacy TV programming, the present study highlights recommendations
related to age, gender, diglossic/literacy needs, production format and viewing
patterns, essential to the realization and success of future adult literacy TV
programs in the Arab World.
