The Peninsula
Dr Khaled Al Jaber, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Al Sharq, addressing the forum.
DOHA: A discussion on media at Qatar University yesterday lamented the lack of professionalism in the Arab media and called for a code of ethics.
The fourth Media Forum, organised by the College of Arts and Science, saw a panel of experts speaking on ‘Arab Spring and media chaos’.
They included Khaled Al Sayed, Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula and Jaber Al Harami, Editor-in-Chief of Al Sharq.
Al Sayed presented a paper on “Balance between media and national security at the time of Arab Spring’.
Relation between media and security has remained for long a major concern, particularly after the Arab Spring, with many of these countries facing security challenges, said Al Sayed.
“New technology has made the media the most influential and effective instrument in creating public attitudes, influencing people’s behaviour and cultural structure. Media as a major communication tool is now obtaining vast space,” he said.
Dr Khaled Al Jaber, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Al Sharq in his paper differentiated between state media and citizens’ media, saying the latter is gaining more ‘public sphere” and playing a key role in generating opinion.
He said there is still much to do to reduce authoritarian control over media, and expand the space for public participation.
Dr Noor Al Deen Milad, head of media section at the College of Arts, QU, presented a paper on ‘Media in Arab Spring countries: Between lack of options and lack of professionalism’.
Al Milad called for developing a comprehensive code of ethics to promote values and professionalism in the media. He also proposed the establishment of a Supreme Council of Media to create a well-organised media mechanism and institutions.
Abdul Mutalib Maki, Managing Editor of Al Sharq presented a paper on ‘Lack of media professionalism in Arab Spring countries’, in which he said lack of freedom and credibility of the regional media paved the way for Al Jazeera to gain audience, supported by the clear policy of Qatar towards Arabs Spring revolutions.
