Arab Media Forum 2009 throws light on role of new media

The two-day forum, which was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, brought together over 1,500 eminent media personalities, including 57 speakers, 11 moderators, and foreign participants from abroad as well as UAE-based media.

Talal Salman, founder and publisher and editor-in-chief of Al Safir newspaper, received the 'Media Personality of the Year' award as part of the Arab Journalism Awards from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid. A total of 12 awards in various categories were presented to journalists from across the Arab world.

Held under the theme 'Arab Media: Weathering a Period of Change and Crisis', the forum included a number of workshops and sessions featuring eminent experts who debated on some of the most vital issues that concern the regional media in the prevailing circumstances.

The forum was held at a time when magnificent changes are being witnessed in the Arab world, and more significantly in the context of the global financial crisis which has only increased the relevance of the media.

New media, the future of print media, and developments of the global economy were some of the key topics that stimulated highly insightful discussions during the Arab Media Forum 2009.

A special session titled 'Gaza...Media Revelations' highlighted the result of the last Israeli war on Gaza, demonstrating how some Arab media channels have come to echo divergent political viewpoints in the region.

Maryam Bin Fahad, Executive Director of Dubai Press Club, organizers of the forum said, "The 8th edition of the Arab Media Forum was distinct in nature as it has transformed itself into a unique platform for discussing media relevant issues and to exchange experience, ideas and opinions on the changes to the media landscape."

"The forum has succeeded in emphasising the importance of freedom and transparency which act as the cornerstones for the development of the Arab media and in turn for the progress of the Arab world," Maryam added.

Bin Fahad expressed her sincere gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his continuous support to the Arab Media Forum. She also thanked all the participants, delegates and sponsors, and hoped that the constructive discussions held at the Forum would contribute towards developing and improving the Arab media.

Renowned American journalist Seymour Hersh, the most influential investigative reporter, felt the proactive media forum covered a number of crucial media and political topics.

Hersh commended the high level of professionalism in organising the forum as it witnessed the participation of different media entities and professionals.

Ayman Al Sayyad, Editor in Chief, Wijhat Nazar magazine described the Forum as the most successful, pointing out the new media's role and how the Arab media is evolving in its techniques.

Hossam Al Sokkari, Chairman BBC Arabia, said the forum has achieved its most vital objective of serving as the perfect platform for the Arab media to discuss topical issues. He said the forum offered a great opportunity to exchange expertise and feel the pulse of the media sector to new global developments.