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VOL. V NO. 11, May 08-May 21, 2009

Debating an Uncertain Future at the Arab Media Forum

The eighth annual Arab Media Forum concluded on May twelve after two days of workshops and discussions on the recent developments in the world of Arab media.

Under the slogan, “Arab Media: Weathering a Period of Crisis and Change,” this year’s forum brought together over 1,000 preeminent Arab journalists and media specialists from all across the Middle East, according to Emirates Business 24-7.

The two-day forum, which was also attended by renowned American journalist Seymour Hersh, addressed a range of issues from the current global financial crisis to the rise of new media sources and other alternative forms of communication.

One of the most contentious issues discussed was the proliferation of fatwa programming on satellite TV, continues Emirates Business 24-7. In a workshop entitled “From Terrestrial Fatwa to Satellite Fatwa,” Abdul Hamid Al Ansari, Professor of Islamic Studies at Qatar University, expressed his view that “the proliferation of such satellite channels comes from the increased demand from viewers for authentic counseling. These channels also make it convenient for them to receive such advice from their homes, instead of seeking it personally from a Mufti.”

This topic also was addressed by Jameel Al-Theyabi, managing editor of the pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat’s Saudi Arabia and Gulf Cooperation Council, who lamented that “media privatization has led to the proliferation of outlets and chaos on the air,” according to The Huffington Post. For Al-Theyabi, “the most dangerous aspect of the trend [is] presenting ill-qualified, self-appointed experts to provide advice to the uninitiated.”

Some defended the legitimacy of the fatwa programs. Fahad Al-Shimeimri, chairman of Al-Majd TV in Saudi Arabia, referred to fatwa shows as “the first line of defense against violence and terrorism.” He defended the preachers on his station and their abilities to communicate effectively with audiences.

In his keynote address, American reporter Seymour Hersh praised the professionalism and diversity of the forum, reports WAM. Hersh mentioned Al-Jazeera specifically, “stating that Al-Jazeera news feeds have truly exposed the world to happenings in the Arab world that otherwise would have remained uncovered in the West, such as the Israeli incursion into Gaza in January 2009.”

Hersh also noted the increasing role of the internet as a positive transformative force in today’s media. “The internet has changed everything in ways we cannot tell. It's inevitable - we're all connected now. You cannot commit the kind of crimes that were committed in the last 100 years in this world anymore. The world is watching.”

Another workshop called “The New Media: New Platforms that Change the Scene” focused on the rise of alternative media such as YouTube, blogs and online newspapers, reports AME Info. Among other things, “the panelists debated whether journalistic codes of ethics must emerge from governments or media organizations,” and also what the emergence of these non-traditional sources of information portend for the future of print media.

Ayman Al-Sayyad, Editor in Chief of Wajhat Nazr magazine, argued in favor of the more accessible outlets, stating, “All media should strive to stay updated and find ways to stay relevant in the minds of its consumers.”

The dynamic nature of these user-generated platforms and their ethical standards of journalism were also called into question, notes Magda Abu-Fadil of The Huffington Post. “What's new isn't just media but the handling of news, and anyone can be a content creator,” said Sultan Al-Bazei, CEO of Saudi Arabia's Attariq Communication.

Final impressions of the 2009 Forum seemed to be overwhelmingly positive. According to AME Info, Maryam Bin Fahad, Executive Director of the Dubai Press Club, called the forum a “rare opportunity” for Arab media to exchange differing viewpoints, and testified to its success overall. “The Forum has succeeded in emphasizing the importance of freedom and transparency which act as the cornerstones for the development of the Arab media and in turn for the progress of the Arab world.”

This notion was echoed by Hossom Al-Sokkari, Chairman of BBC Arabia, who said, "The Forum has achieved its most vital objective of serving as the perfect platform for the Arab media to discuss topical issues.”

The Forum concluded with the presentation of the Arab Journalism Awards. Talal Salman, editor-in-chief of Al-Safir, received the “Media Personality of the Year” award. The awards included twelve different categories for excellence in a particular field.

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