“Will the hands of the Censors Reach the Satellites?“ [ - Atlantis Ballroom- ]
Wednesday, 12 May 2010 04:45 PM – 06:00 PM
In February 2008, Arab media ministers approved a resolution that regulates satellite broadcasting. The resolution stipulates broadcasters to refrain from provoking violence, hatred and so-called terrorism as well as criticising Arab leaders and religious or national icons. It also recommended imposition of penalty and/or punishment for non-compliance of rules.
On December 8, 2009, 395 members of the US Congress agreed on a law that acknowledges owners of some Middle East satellite channels as supporters of terrorist organizations and calls for punitive measures against what they describe as promoting violence.
Today, we continue to witness a debate in the Arab League for establishing a commission for Arab media aimed at regulating the sector in addition to promoting transparency and keeping content clean from provocation or racism.
These developments have generated a variety of reactions ranging from calling this as nothing but creating hype to attempts at regulating the freedom of the press.
Topics:
- Is control of the media a form of establishing “satellite police” or direct censorship intended to intimidate journalists?
- What is the role of journalists unions and organizations in terms of protection against alleged moral and intellectual corruption by satellite channels?
- How will Arabs counter Western media when the coverage is anti-Arab?
- In case these discussions turn into tangible action, what would the consequences be, and for whom?
- What is the impact of these efforts in light of the presence of alternative media such as the Internet, which can carry news through audio and video?
- Will we witness a shutdown of television stations? What would be the legal and social implications of such an issue?
Moderator:
Speakers:
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