Session F: “Media in a shifting Arab world” - Baniyas Grand Ballroom
Wednesday, 18 May 2011 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
The major transformations Arab societies are experiencing as a result of the popular uprisings has given the media windfall benefits. However, the abruptness of the changes has created their own challenges for the media, who are not accustomed to dealing with these new-found forms of expression.
The rapid transformations raise many questions for those working in the media, particularly for those in government-run media organizations. Important questions include the nature of the content presented, as well as its credibility. Is social media a real alternative to traditional media, or does it simply complement the traditional media forms, especially after the events across the region?
The traditional media (especially television) has faced many challenges to their usual controlled coverage of events in the region. Independent citizen journalists have used social media to upload their own news and pictures or video that has contrasted starkly with the coverage of the traditional media.
This session aims to explore the interaction of Arab media with these political and social developments, and questions their continuing ability to influence audiences who now enjoy a greater ability to obtain independent information.
Topics:
- Who made the greatest contribution to influencing the masses in Tunisia and Egypt, as well as other countries: social media networks, traditional media or satellite news channels?
- Has the role of social media taken over the role of traditional media after the latter’s “failure” to perform its social and professional roles?
- Who had the greatest influence on the audience: social media networks or satellite news channels?
- What are the mechanisms for establishing the credibility of the information and images offered through social media networks?
- Can we say that there are two stages of media in the Arab world: before and after the current political and social developments? What characterised the media prior to the uprisings, and what does it look like today? What do you think it will look like in the future?
- What about the role of state media? Will it be able to change to reflect the new realities?
- How should the Arab media interpret current events for the communities they serve?
Moderator:
Speakers:
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