AMF 2009 throws open differing views on foreign-owned Arabic channels

Opinions varied between those questioning the true motives behind such channels while others saw a brighter future for the channels as an effective platform to communicate the wider spectrum of political and social dimensions.

Moderated by Diana Moukalled, Production and Programming Manager, Future TV, the roundtable drew the perspectives of Aydar Aganin, Director, Rusya al-Yaum News Channel; Hussein Jradi, Media Personality, Al Hurra Channel; Nahida Nakad, Deputy Editor, France 24 Channel; Khalid al Dakhil, Saudi writer and Associate Professor of Political Sociology, King Saud University; H.E. Mohammed Al Sanousi, Former Minister of Information, Kuwait, and Hossam Al Sokkari, Chairman, BBC Arabic.

Moukalled opened the discussion questioning key influencers and decision makers in the region's media sector on the true motives behind creating a series of Arabic speaking foreign channels. She also explored the variables that have turned the spotlight on the Arab world for nearly a decade.

Hussein Jradi shed light on the challenges that faced Al Hurra TV, with Arab thinkers and regional media figures criticising the channel even before going on air.

He deplored that the series of attacks continued to date to the extent that they have difficulty getting guests to participate in their shows, and added that it is not up to Western-owned Arabic TV channels to change the opinions of the world about the region. "The audience deserves to judge for themselves," he emphasized.

Responding to the poser on the real media messages and editorial policy of these organizations, Hossam Al Sokkari, Chairman, BBC Arabic said, "We always strive to report on events that are reliable, credible and free from any bias. By inviting guests to our show, we ask questions that are neutral and recruit staff from a variety of backgrounds."

"Tests and training are also mandatory for the BBC team so that they are well-briefed and fully understand the policies and guidelines of professional journalism. We come from the heart of an establishment that speaks more than one language and work towards improving dialogue between political parties. We are not here to change the mindset of people. It's an open exchange of views allowing all sides the opportunity to have a voice," Al Sokkari added.

Kahlid Al Dakhil expressed his views on foreign-owned Arabic speaking channels highlighting the challenges that faced them and summarized it as follows, "Arabic versions of foreign channels are linked to their respective governments and have their own agenda with their own interests that affect their credibility amongst Arab viewers. The late entry to the region has also added to the challenges as the existing Arabic satellite channels are already well established and command high loyalty from their audience."

Nahida Nakad, Deputy Editor, France 24 Channel, took a different stance highlighting, "As French reporters, we have an investigative spirit and report on content. We adopt a French perspective towards values, human rights and social affairs. We focus our stories on all aspects of life including culture and fashion - not just about the economy or politics. Essentially, we provide news and programmes that are interesting to our audiences."

Aydar Aganin denied that Russia Today is the voice of the Russian government and confirmed that the channel reflects the diverse views of various sections of the Russian state.

He also mentioned that despite the strong geographic, political and social ties with Arab world, Russia has taken its time in creating a channel of information and news that allows the region to connect directly to the primary source.

Al Sanousi disagreed with Al Dakhil, and said, "We need to look at the positive side of these channels; they add social, cultural and economic depth to news. They also serve a vital role in bringing to the Arab viewer diverse angles and varied perspectives to a story."

Arab Media Forum 2009, held under the theme 'Arab Media: Weathering a Period of Change and Crisis', 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.