AUST Network Symposium encourages the unique UAE press freedom

Under the theme, (Arab Press Challenges in the Millennium), AUST Network's Faculty of Information, Communication & PR jointly with Cultural Affairs & Foreign Relation Committee organized the symposium that hosted a large number of academics at its Fujairah Campus.

The speakers appreciated the UAE leaders for allowing spacious area for press freedom. They said, the UAE journalism industry enjoys excellent place in the heart of people and leaders because it touchs on essential issues of bridging the gap between people. The speakers also agreed that UAE journalism has developed so much in terms of introducing the latest technology and recruiting experienced journalists.

The speakers have called upon the authorities concerned to help in creating a pan-Arab Press Organization to meet the challenges of the fast developing globalization era. This Organization will also be instrumental in constructing a healthy press environment that reflects the importance and value of dialogue, freedom of expression and respect of different opinions.

In his inaugural speech Dr. Abdul Ali Zayatti, Dean, Faculty, Information, and Communication & PR said, "The main objective of this symposium is to come up with some objective and constructive scientific and achievable recommendations for the press people to adopt. We feel that the role of the press is essential in building the society, the community and the entire nation, therefore we as academics have got to contribute in its development and progress."

"We together with our Arab journalist colleagues need to work hand in hand to dissect the weak areas in the industry and try to heal it up. We also aim at strengthening relations with the Media people and create a bridge between us and the local community,' he added.

In a research study Dr.Yas Khudair Al Bayatti, Assistant Dean, Faculty of Information, Communication and PR, stated that the Arab press can be categorized in three segments including Ideological Press, Faction press and Oil countries press.

"The political faction press has focused on promoting national regimes and supporting certain political parties. The Oil countries press has the opportunity to grow better introducing the latest technology and employ experienced journalists. The Arab Journalism industry still suffers a lot of problems including lack of freedom, democracy and legal bases.'

Dr Bashier Saleh, Faculty of Information, Communication and PR in the paper he presented said, "The restricted environment in which the Arab press is growing needs to be changed to give it more flexibility and freedom."

Dr Saleh bin Bouza, Faculty of Information, Communication and PR, said, "The electronic Media is no doubt threatens the existence of the newspapers in the near future unless the newspapers adapt new tactics.'

Dr Firas Al Owais, Deputy Director, Al Bayan Newspaper Office in Fujairah, said, " The UAE press has seen an interesting positive development in terms of technology in use, freedom and the quality of journalists from the UAEA and Arab world working in it."