Arab Media Forum: Panel debates merit of unbridled reporting

Dubai: The media may be to blame for inciting sedition, spreading hatred, and negatively affecting the stability of society, claimed speakers at the first session of the second day of the Arab Media Forum.

Describing media as a time bomb, speakers offered their opinions on the role of various media outlets in highlighting religious symbols and reinforcing sectarianism.

The communication experts pointed out the need for a media code of conduct and early education on the ‘digital citizenship’ concept in schools.

“Media should play a constructive role here. They usually highlight the views — particularly extreme views — of some groups as if they represent the majority of people. But there are media people who cannot differentiate between right and wrong, and therefore a reference is required to define what is right and wrong,” said Ammar Bakkar, CEO, Yes2Digital (Y2D).

The experts’ panel — which also included Ali Bin Tamim, Editor-in-Chief, 24.ae, Mustafa Agha, MBC Anchor and Waseem Yousuf, Anchor at Al Dar Channel — said misuse of media outlets has gained unprecedented momentum across the Arab World.

Waseem Yousuf suggested that media should consult religious leaders before presenting their views as the media often does not represent the truth.

“They did not support good things. Religious characters are not as famous as film personalities. That’s why we need some guiding principles and code of conduct.”

Describing the media as “divided” and “puzzled”, Bin Tamim played the devil’s advocate by pointing out the possible negative consequences of a code of professional conduct.

“It could cause a dilemma that could interfere with individual freedom of expression,” he said. He agreed that the concept of sedition and inciting should be defined first before any principle or code of conduct is worked out.

Also referring to the media as a product of its own environment, MBC Anchor Mustafa Agha added there is no 100 per cent independent or unbiased media.

“Even in selecting a guest at a talk show, they take a stance, and some are paying a price for telling the truth,” he said.

Need for awareness

Imparting education at school level and bringing in ‘responsible journalism’ were also suggested as key remedies to limit the misuse of media.

“There are two ways to limit or help solve the problem. One is to educate the new generation in schools, and the second is to teach the concept of ‘digital citizenship,’ which is taught in the west,” said Bakkar. The concept of ‘digital citizenship’ acts as a point of reference by defining the values of social interaction in the virtual world.

While the need for awareness is apparent, the speakers left the audience thinking about whether the widespread incitement of sedition is a reflection of the struggle for power in Arab countries or if it is a dormant cultural inheritance brought to the surface by political and ideological conflicts.