Media encouraged to enhance development role in society
INDUSTRY MUST BE A ‘BUILDING SHOVEL’ THAT BRINGS ABOUT BETTER FUTURE, MOHAMMAD SAYS
The media’s responsibility towards Arab society grows each day and in a manner directly proportional to the challenges faced by the same society, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said.
In his meeting with leading media personnel, editors in chief and international news agencies, Shaikh Mohammad added that the responsibility of the media must be in full alignment with the rules of integrity, honesty and impartiality that form the main basis for building the credibility of media authorities before the audience.
He added that the media has to deliver its message in full to enhance the public’s chance of a better and prosperous future.
Shaikh Mohammad called on the media community to exercise the highest degree of accuracy, objectivity and impartiality in relaying news and information as it is through them that the people form perceptions, especially on the course of developments in the region and on current affairs.
Shaikh Mohammad pointed out the seriousness of this responsibility and the need for investigation before news can be aired.
He urged media professionals to check their sources carefully and also cautioned them against rushing to inform just because they believe they have an exclusive.
“We always want the media to be a building shovel and a beacon to guide the people towards goodness and development, and we hope the media will always assist people towards a better future for themselves and their children and future generations,” he said.
Educational responsibility
Shaikh Mohammad also noted the educational responsibility of the media in various areas where its role is not limited to the news, due to its ability to access remote areas where other sources of knowledge and cultural collection may not be available.
Shaikh Mohammad stressed the importance of preparing media cadres capable of dealing with this responsibility efficiently and effectively, through appropriate scientific programmes which contribute to the graduation of a new generation of media professionals able to meet modern-age requirements.
Shaikh Mohammad expressed his appreciation for the great role played by national media in keeping up with and supporting the UAE’s ambitious development march aimed primarily at enhancing the happiness of the UAE citizens and all those who live in the country.
The meeting was also attended by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Media Inc, other shaikhs, ministers, and senior officials.