Whereas the CNN effect is used in the context of mainstream, traditional media networks such as CNN, the Al Jazeera effect generalizes this to newer media such as citizen journalist blogs, internet radio, and satellite broadcasting.
Apabila efek CNN digunakan dalam konteks jaringan media tradisional arus utama seperti CNN, efek Al Jazeera memperluas cakupannya hingga bentuk-bentuk media baru seperti blog jurnalisme warga, radio internet, dan penyiaran satelit.