Focus on happy and positive news for a happier nation, says minister
The importance of mass media in delivering positive messages to society and fostering a more positive outlook was highlighted by Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, the UAE Minister of State for Happiness, in a keynote speech on the second day of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017). The event was organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) under the patronage of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, at the Expo Centre Sharjah.
Roumi highlighted her own department’s findings on regional media as well as several recent studies. She said: “We have analysed Arabic newspapers for the past six days, at random, and more than half of the headlines were negative, covering death, injury and failure, as well as other negative issues. If we removed newspapers from the UAE that feature more stories covering achievements and welfare, the results would be much worse.”
The minister spoke of recent studies on mass media and social media as well as entertainment channels, that showed how the mood of an individual was affected by the information they were subjected to.
One particular study, which subjected individuals to three minutes of ‘positive news’ before 10am each day, found that the impact was felt by the individual for eight hours after receiving the news.
She said: “We are always going to have negative events and occasions. But we should ask how we are going to present this news, along with solutions. Do we present stories negatively, or in a way that encourages us to search for solutions?
“Positive content will build positive value in society and a positive way of thinking. Why can’t we have greater space for news that spreads hope and happiness? Why can’t we focus on success stories and encourage positive thought?”
The minister also highlighted the importance of seeking out stories on “good role models who foster hope and encourage the youth.”
“The media is an important tool, it can build values and awareness, and specifically translate a culture of positive values in society. Therefore, it is important to build a strategic partnership with the mass media. Let us focus on the success stories and good news in order to improve daily life,” she said.
Al Roumi pointed to a number of initiatives introduced by media institutions in the country to highlight positive news and experiences, including WAM’s section for positive stories, Sharjah TV’s ‘Al Bath Al Mubashir’, Sharjah Radio’s ‘Al Atheer’, Noor Dubai’s segment ‘Positive Minutes’, Al Khaleej newspaper’s initiative of ‘Country of Happiness’ and 24.ae’s ‘Happiness Bulletin’. Introducing the keynote speeches, Tariq Saeed Allay, Director of Sharjah Government Media Bureau, highlighted the importance of the forum which is now in its sixth year.
He said: “Government communication is the basis for cooperation and coordination on a global level. It is a tool to shape awareness and form social partnerships.
“It is a cultural power like no other, which can help us overcome humanitarian problems and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals on the UN 2030 agenda.”