Second Plenary: “The State of Arab Media in Transition”

admin — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 12:17:14 +0000

Three years after the so-called “Arab Spring”, the media environment in most of the countries involved in the uprising has undergone a troubled transition and the media is making an industry out of the political polarization between the new and old regimes on the one hand and the Muslin Brotherhood and their opposition on the other hand. The media industry remains deeply polarized, shifting editorial stances and trading allegiances. Hence, media outlets have not been able to establish themselves as a forum for public discussion and debate. The notion of media as society’s watchdog and guardian of public interest remains clouded. Many journalists and editors remain stuck between the warm laps of those in power and the role and duty of the “The Fourth Estate”. Why has Arab media failed both to embrace the values of a sacred profession and to restore public confidence in its ability to expose the truth? Are chief editors and new rulers really keen on encouraging a professional and responsible media based on in-depth reporting in favor of accountability to promote national reconciliation and to help lay the ground rules for a functioning transition to democracy? Will investigative Journalism that can name and shame officials die or flourish? These are some of the questions this session will address.

Nabil Ghishan / Jordan – Conference 2013

Second Plenary: “The State of Arab Media in Transition”