Press should stand up as trust erodes in social media

The media landscape is in the middle of some turbulent times with the meteoric rise in the variety of news available, their sources and style. The bouquet of media is growing in tandem with technological developments, and is transforming the way journalism is practised. This brings in its wake a slew of perils. Fabricated stories and fake news are the new normal. It is in this scenario that the 17th edition of the Arab Media Forum is being held in Dubai for two days starting today. The forum, which brings together top journalists, leaders and intellectuals has become the region’s leading platform for knowledge-sharing. And Dubai has become an incubator as far as the philosophy of credible news is concerned. With ‘Impactful Media Trends’ as its theme, the forum will see more than 2,500 thought leaders and prominent media figures — both regional and international — discuss the media’s influence on major issues and the impact of regional instabilities on the Arab media. The participants will also discuss solutions to the challenges in reporting ethically and responsibly.

There is a need to critically analyse digital media, especially in a milieu where people get information from social forums. Ensuring media literacy is the need of the hour. Who and what to trust in the digital world is the issue. The onus is on the state and media organisations to maintain the highest level of professionalism and competitiveness. The AMF will do well to find innovative solutions to meet the region’s expectations as far as covering news is concerned. Constructive dialogue will help refine the Arab media industry and tackle the growing challenges in the region. The media should also take the lead in promoting peace based on the values of coexistence and tolerance, while at the same time maintaining professional values like objectivity and impartiality. As journalism reinvents itself, trust becomes more crucial than ever.