Arab Media Is Facing An Identity Crisis, Says Hussein Shobokshi

Arab media is facing a serious identity crises, said columnist Hussein Shobokshi at a session titled ‘Arab Media Crises’ at the 17th edition of the Arab Media Forum (AMF), which commenced today in Dubai.

Held under the patronage of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, AMF 2018 is being held at Madinat Jumeirah from 3-4 April.

Shobokshi said that Arab media tried to follow the US media, especially after the Watergate scandal that led to the impeachment of President Richard Nixon. He said that advertising companies have contributed to the notion of ‘Pan Arab Media’. “There is nothing called Arab media, it’s a big lie,” Shobokshi said. “The idea of a Pan Arab Media was created by adverting firms to reach the maximum number of Arabic speakers to promote their products,” he said.

Shobokshi also said that freedom of press in the Arab world is similar to an “accordion”. “Freedom of press in the Arab world is very limited and it is like an accordion, and its expansion depends on heat,” he added. “Arab journalists are always required to explain what they mean by their stories, headlines, and expressions,” he added.

“I was invited by a Japanese institute to deliver a speech following the so called Arab Spring, and Japanese officials asked me why Arab media always talk about wars, a war against terrorism, a war against fanatics etc.,” he said. Japanese officials asked him “how do you attract investments while your media always talk about wars.”

The 17^th edition of the AMF has brought together more than 3,000 prominent regional and international media figures and thoughts leaders. Apart from high-profile local speakers, the two-day event features 50 speakers representing 20 countries from across the Arab region and the world. Under the theme ‘Impactful Media Trends’, prominent media personalities, writers, influencers and academics are sharing their views on diverse issues at the Forum with the aim of forging a new vision for the media.