Dubai: The challenges brought about by the evolution of new media channels need to be urgently addressed in the region.
The vision of GCC countries is for traditional media to support new media, known as citizen journalism, and to ensure that it is used constructively, said Shaikh Salman Al Sabah, Kuwait Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, at a session at the Arab Media Forum 2015, discussing the Arab Media and GCC perspective.
Pointing to the evolution of traditional media in a time when information has become the property of everyone, Shaikh Salman described today’s media as “open and different”.
The easy access and availability of information, however, has provided a ground for rumours and extremism, he said. Today, there are more than 82,000 sites, thousands of tweets, and hundreds of pages online promoting the views of terrorist groups. Social media channels have become a tool used by terrorists to not only promote their views and further their agenda but to exploit the freedom of citizens and threaten the security of countries.
Exploitation of youth
The biggest challenge is the exploitation of youth that we see today, said Shaikh Salman.
Encouraging freedom of speech and expression, Shaikh Salman highlighted the fact that 86 per cent of Kuwait’s youth use the internet and social media, and 75 per cent of them read the news online.
He referred to the need for partnerships with new media channels and prompted officials to set up dedicated committees or task forces for handling new media.
“Traditional and new media need basic principles of integrity and responsibility of positive impact to protect youth from negative influences,” said Shaikh Salman.
He pointed out that there is a neglect of morals, and cynicism by some online users that have led to the undermining of Islamic principles in the region.
“Professional media should present a clear picture of Islam, and enhance national identity.”
Shaikh Salman stressed that new media should be thoroughly studied in terms of political and social influence, its integrity, and its effects on the national security of countries in the region. “There is no compromise on the freedom of media. What we want is constructive freedom that safeguards societies,” he said.
Both traditional and new media have the responsibility to report accurately and repair the negative image used to reflect the region.
Shailk Salman touched on the recent announcement of ‘Storm of Resolv,’ which he said shows cooperation between GCC countries to help bring stability and prevent civil wars seen in another parts of the Arab world. “This cooperation should also be reflected in the new media.”
