Regional & international media and political leaders to attend the First Pan-Arab Broadcast Conference in Abu Dhabi

A line-up of prominent media figures from, Al Hurra TV, BBC, Reuters and Associated Press will stoke debate around some of the most contentious issues facing the Arab media.

The Forum, co-hosted by Al Arabiya News Channel and Abu Dhabi TV, will take place on 4 and 5 June at the Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Hundreds of delegates will participate in a series of interactive debates that will be broadcast live on Al Arabiya and Abu Dhabi TV.

Arab perceptions of the west will be under the spotlight, as findings from a landmark study conducted by an internationally renowned research company will be shared with delegates.
In a debate entitled 'Islam and Modern Broadcasting", a group of global and regional Islamic scholars and experts will discuss how religious groups are increasingly harnessing the potential of new media technologies as well as conventional ones in disseminating their message and ideologies.

Other sessions include 'Embedded in Danger: Iraq war Coverage' and 'Lost in Translation: The Battle for Arab Viewers'. More details on the programme agenda will be announced in the run up to the event.

Sessions, that are geared to be interactive and encourages all delegates to express their views, will be carried by the co-hosts live.

"This Forum will offer a powerful blend of political opinions and media expression that will stimulate debate and challenge perceptions of how the media represents the Arab world," says Jihad Ballout, Corporate Communications Director at Al Arabiya. "It is important that viewers across the region can witness the debates for themselves as we move towards greater accountability and transparency in the media industry and in Arab society as a whole."