Session G: “Entertainment space. . . Blurring the red lines” - Baniyas Grand Ballroom
Wednesday, 18 May 2011 12:15 PM – 01:45 PM
The last page of most newspapers is generally more avidly read than other pages, including the politics section. This is because some readers find the content in the politics section to be rather dry, and often written in a manner that makes for heavy reading. Most readers prefer to be entertained by less challenging celebrity news and society gossip.
As indicated in the third version of the “Arab Media Outlook 2009-2013”, entertainment TV channels command the largest share of viewership across most Arab countries. This is followed by political/news channels in second place and sports channels in third place.
In response to this trend, media outlets have changed their traditional focus and now allocate increasing amounts of time to entertainment content. Some traditional entertainment channels have crossed the “red line” by offering questionable content that directly conflicts with traditional community values and customs.
This development raises many questions related to the use of this type of content and the persistence with which these channels continue to challenge the moral values, social norms and religious beliefs of Arab societies.
This session aims to highlight the reality of the existence of a category of the media that continues to use sensationalistic tactics to attract viewers and advertisers, even when it is not favoured by a majority of the public.
Topics:
- Who sets the “red lines”? Under what circumstances are they liable to change?
- Are broadcasting stations deliberately pushing the ethical boundaries to attract new viewers, while demonstrating complete disregard for the sentiments of their existing audiences?
- Are there any regulations or limits for the content media portals are presenting in the entertainment field?
- What do the producers of these programmes have to say? What are their views about the allegations of sensationalism?
Moderator:
Speakers:
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