Arab media must stand up for truth

As a lifelong practitioner of the craft of journalism, finding the right balance between reporting the truth and respecting the honour of private individuals has always been a challenge. It’s a moral scruple editors like myself face countless times on a daily basis.

Which reminds me of the parallel wisdom purported by Viscount Rothermere, chairman of the Daily Mail — one of Britain’s most popular newspapers. As an ardent advocate of press freedom he was once quoted as saying, “It is our job to stand back and fiercely defend their independence. We believe we make the best newspaper we can by allowing our editors editorial freedom”.

He added that the newspaper industry contributed much to the greater good of Britain. On the one hand it helped police those in public service by exposing corrupt practices. Conversely — and on a more positive note — the press also played an invaluable role in championing good causes. A great example is the annual Children in Need Charity Event — last year the British public raised £26 million (Dh150.72 million) thanks to the blanket coverage in all the mainstream media of the fundraising activities in the country.

It is my firm conviction that the Arab Spring could herald the dawn of a much-needed paradigm shift towards a more emancipated press. With the advent of new technologies which are readily available to all, gone are the days when the suppression of the media could guarantee a supine populace. The young people of the Arab world now seek a society dedicated to human dignity and the process of law.
Whilst the ruling elite may argue that good governance can bring this about, I truly believe this cannot happen without a strong and independent media. By acting as the “eyes and ears of the people” — unearthing corruption, injustice, abuse of power and other ills that are detrimental to societal development — a strong press could forge a strong partnership with both our rulers and the people at the same time.

I would go as far as saying that there is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our rulers to engage with the public in new and meaningful ways. Recently I asked several young people what their concerns were. In response, they listed education, bureaucracy, environment, the legal system, water supply and the increase in population. These are their real concerns and we in the media can provide a collective vehicle to address these issues in a considered fashion.

Looking forward towards a better future for all, a strong media community can demand transparency in all government decisions and report fairly on the contemporary issues of the day. Over time this would enhance the standing of our rulers as God-fearing servants of their people. This would in turn liberate the people — by feeling truly heard this would prevent the morally tenuous calls for uprisings and democracy. However, I must stress that this will not happen overnight. For far too long the lack of press freedom has resulted in many looking with grave suspicion towards the media.

A brief history of media in the Gulf shows that Saudi Arabia was the pioneer of print media. Initially during the time of the Ottomans there were some publications in the Hijaz. This included a publication called Sout Al Hijaz in Madina — considered by many elder statemen as “the oldest paper in Saudi Arabia” — it was later renamed Al Bilad.

Over time there has been a gradual proliferation of dozens of newspapers, magazines and satellite TV channels. However, what remains unclear is their moral purpose. Surely their brief must encompass more than just providing titillating entertainment.

Where are the documentaries, business analysis, social commentary and current affairs? In all civilisations, mass media contributes many strands of rich content to the social biosphere. This smorgasbord of choice in turn enhances the nations’ sophistication and ultimately its standing on the world stage as it produces scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs.

So who will take the lead in this worthy cause? Although we see examples of state-led initiatives in other parts of the region — Al Arabiya, Al Jazeera and ADMC — these are exceptions to the cultural myopia that prevails. It would be no understatement to say that Saudi Arabia’s long-term prosperity and stability depends upon a rich media landscape.

As a first step lets get rid of the archaic censor board, which can at a drop of a hat ban journalists from writing, editors from publishing and TV producers from creating programmes for treading the road less travelled? The authorities believe that the ills of society should not be exposed and that if anyone has any observations they can be relayed through the majlis (the equivalent of a town hall meeting). But those days are long gone.

If no action is taken then it is inevitable that the void will be filled anyway — citizen journalism and social media can step into the breach and the consequences will be difficult to predict. Whilst Facebook produced extraordinary results last year in Egypt, we cannot be sure that the next big movement has at its centre the pursuit of an equally worthy and peaceful cause.

Leaving things to chance and burying our heads in the sand is not a viable option anymore. What is absolutely essential is a completely different mindset among the governments of the Gulf.

In the final analysis, the age of ubiquitous technology necessitates the creation of a viable, widespread, exciting platform of communication across all media channels. Our youth expect information and demand the right to voice their opinions. Their very futures depend upon this basic human right. Let’s heed the wake-up calls from the precedents set in our neighbouring countries over the past few months and take concrete action before it is too late.

Khaled Al Maeena is a Saudi writer and media analyst based in Jeddah. He can be contacted at almaeena@gmail.com