Investigative journalist Seymour Hersh among top speakers in Al Jazeera 3rd Annual Forum

Wadah Khanfar, Director General of the Al Jazeera Network stated: "The Forum will provide colleagues from across the world the opportunity to debate and discuss key issues pertaining to journalism in hotspot areas and conflict regions - the forefront of which is the Middle East. Al Jazeera's experience over the last ten years in this regard has been exceptional."

Media experts, journalists, and researchers from across the world are attending and participating in this year's forum. The acclaimed academic Lawrence Lessig, along with other influential names such as Fahmy Howeidy, Martin Bell, Azmi Bishara, Abdulbari Atwan, James Zogby and others will also be speaking. Tayseer Allouni, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Spain, will have a special presence via satellite link contributing to a panel on war reporting.

Sessions in this year's Forum will explore the growing influence of politics on media and vice versa, media credibility in times of conflict, the role of media in building bridges or walls, and case studies from the Middle East and Africa on the practical aspects of 'in-depth journalism'.

In addition to a meaningful exchange of ideas, the Forum will also provide an opportunity to collaborate and network with peers and colleagues from the international media community.