I've just finished Hugh Miles's new book tracing the history of Al Jazeera -- and the impact it has had on Arab broadcasting and wider political debate in the Middle East and beyond.

It's an immensely readable, if hugely partisan, account.

Miles recently took part in a panel discussion at the Frontline Club.

I couldn't make it to the event, but I've just received the transcript.

The wide-ranging debate covers the claims that Al Jazeera encourages terrorism, America's half-baked attempts at setting up rivals to the channel and the row over whether US forces deliberately target journalists.

It's well worth reading.

Hugh Miles also did a recent interview on NPR's Fresh Air. Listen to it here.