Press has a duty to bring more transparency due to internet

The editors-in-chief of four local newspapers discussed the state of the industry at the opening session of the second Emirates Media Forum.

DUBAI // Press in the UAE should report freely and without reservation, said industry experts at a gathering in Dubai on Wednesday.

The editors-in-chief of four newspapers discussed the state of the industry at the opening session of the second Emirates Media Forum.

"It is the newspapers that will play a key role in widening the scope of freedom for the press," said The National's Mohammed Al Otaiba, adding that today's Emirati readers desired a depth and profundity of information when seeking news.

“The reader’s expectancy is based on values, transparency and facts. Today’s reader is sophisticated,” he said.

Mr Al Otaiba said that when The National entered the competitive media market almost seven years ago, providing a high-quality newspaper was, and still is, essential.

"We at The National pay a lot of attention to journalistic quality in report writing," he said.

The editor-in-chief of the UAE's first Emirati newspaper, Al Ittihad, said that although the responsibility and obligation towards the country was always constant, more freedom was necessary in today's press.

“Journalists often self-censor. The media needs the freedom to say things as they are,” said Mohammed Al Hammadi.

He added that press regulations had not changed since 1981 and said more freedom did not mean seeking chaos and propaganda.

“We do not want a scenario where there are no regulations and rules.

“We want rules that enable,” said Mr Hammadi.

The speakers agreed that, with their newspapers enjoying unrestricted access to readers through the internet, social media and mobile devices, the media industry was moving to a more “free-working” environment.

These factors played a significant role in shaping the content and freedom of the press said Mr Al Otaiba.

“On social media, most young people know about the news before it is out.

“Because of this they can spot delays and a lack of openness or willingness to engage,” he said.

“We have a responsibility to respond to our readers and there’s a responsibility on institutions to respond to media on time.”