Saudi Affairs in U.S. Media

Overview:

This study takes a close look at how U.S. media outlets and social platforms covered Saudi affairs between January 2015 and February 2022. To make sense of the coverage, the findings are grouped into two broad themes:

First: Oil, the economy, reforms, defense and arms, human rights and freedoms, and regional and international relations.

Second: Digital transformation, innovation, space, cybersecurity, and the green economy.

The media review draws on the most influential and widely read American outlets, analyzing not only straight news reports but also opinion pieces and editorials—whether critical, favorable, or neutral—that shaped public debate and policymaking during the period.

On social media, the study spotlights key voices and high-impact posts that gained traction through reach and engagement over the final year of the study, from February 25, 2021, to February 25, 2022. In areas where coverage was sparse, we broadened the scope to include all relevant mentions, ensuring a more balanced picture of the conversation. The importance of this report lies in the fact that media narratives influence voter perceptions and, ultimately, shape U.S. foreign policy. Editorial choices are driven by a mix of public demand and the interests of political and business elites, making it vital to understand the tone, frequency, and framing of Saudi-related coverage in the United States.