Saudi journalist makes US award history

Manama: Saudi journalist and entrepreneur Turki Al Dakhil has become the first Arab national to be recognised as an Outstanding Media Leader by an international organisation dedicated to the free exchange of ideas.

The annual awards by the American Abroad Media (AAM) gives recognition to three prominent television and film leaders from around the world.

They are honoured for their contributions in harnessing the power of mainstream media to inform individuals about critical social and public policy issues.

Al Dakhil was recognised for his role in promoting independent thinking, analysis and discussion around important regional and international issues to tens of millions of people across the Arab world, AAM said in a press release.

Through his weekly television talk show on Al Arabiya, Spotlights (Idha’at), where he hosts a diverse range of speakers, Al Dakhil has stimulated discussion on a host of controversial and sensitive topics. In March 2014, he was recognised as one of the world’s 100 most powerful Arabs by Arabian Business Magazine.

“There are many great journalists around the world who work tirelessly to expose critical issues and prompt debate; enabling individuals to make informed decisions in matters affecting their future,” Al Dakhil said in comments on the announcement.

“I am very grateful to be recognised for contributing to what is a vital public service. Throughout my career I have always sought to conduct myself with integrity and reliability. I am fortunate to have had the privilege of helping to raise awareness and prompt debate on important social issues. It is something I am rewarded for every day when I see people’s passion for an issue engaged with, listened to and debated.”

AAM founder and president Aaron Lobel said that all honorees “have used the tremendous influence of media to promote the free exchange of ideas, critical thinking and thoughtful public discourse around the important international issues of our time.”

Al Dakhil along with the two other honorees, Hollywood director, Paul Greengrass, and Impact Partners, will be awarded at the 2014 AAM Awards Dinner in Washington D.C. later this year.

Greengrass is the academy-award nominated director of Captain Philips and Impact Partners is a company that brings philanthropists and filmmakers together to produce independent documentaries addressing pressing social issues.