Arab blog nominated for Reuters Student Journalism Award

The blog was created by Keith Tomasek, a Canadian who prior to teaching in the Middle East, worked with Internet pioneer America Online and CHUM.

Tomasek says, "The blog began as a means to introduce freedom of expression, and the responsibilities that come with that, to film and journalism students."

He added "this blog is an excellent bridge between students and industry. It provides students the chance to develop their skills and industry a chance to discover talented content creators."

Reem Alieh, a U.A.E. national and former student of Tomasek, directed a video seen on the blog. She said "it is more than just another experience. It was a door to a world full of opportunities, I am proud to be a part of this success. To me it was more than a beginning." Since graduating, Alieh has been employed with Dubai Media Incorporated a large company with a variety of media holdings.

Before coming to the Middle East, Tomasek, born in Montreal, was director of TV news programming with CHUM in Southwestern Ontario and senior interactive content producer with America Online's Toronto office. He says blogging and streaming video can be a positive influence on political and cultural development. Speaking about the recent use of YouTube by Hillary Clinton, Tomasek said "It's not just the Americans who recognize the power and efficiency of the Internet."

"In the Iran election of 2005 user generated Internet content had an unprecedented influence on keeping the electoral process transparent."
Tomasek adds, "But there is still a long way to go. In both Iran and Egypt bloggers have been arrested and jailed for their writing. Fortunately the United Arab Emirates, home to most of the contributors to the Broadcasters of Tomorrow blog, is more progressive."

Tomasek, who is returning to Canada after a stint as adjunct professor in the department of mass communication at The American University of Sharjah, says "students here, like everywhere, talk about sex, music and politics. Naturally when I reminded the students that blogs provide a forum for freedom of speech these topics came up. A few colleagues on campus warned me that publishing video on sensitive issues could be a 'career limiting move.' But the media in the U.A.E. has come a long way in a short time"

Haneen Dajani, a former student originally from Palestine, hosted and filmed a controversial debate on abortion. Clips of the debate are published on the blog. Dajani said "the blog gave me an opportunity to execute my enthusiasm for news and to present my skills to the world." Dajani is now working with the Arab Media Group.

Another popular video on the blog features clips from a discussion about sex education.
In the video, former student Samar Saleh is frustrated by conservative's reluctance to offer sex education in schools. She argues passionately for more comprehensive sex education. Speaking about the authorities' reluctance to publicly address the growing incidence of sexually transmitted diseases in the pan-Arab region, Saleh says "it has nothing to do with us being conservative, this happens all around the world. Do we want to leave these facts by themselves and just pretend that all of this is a dream, or it is too sensitive to talk about?"

Tomasek says, "User generated content is providing people with alternatives to tightly controlled, government backed media. It provides a voice from within, promoting a culture of openness, dialogue and reflection. Being nominated for this award goes a long way to encouraging more balanced reporting from the next generation of journalists, regardless of how they get their stories published."

The student journalism awards are sponsored by Reuters and the Press Gazette. Winners are announced July 7 at Reuters headquarters in London, England.