11 October 2005

AJMAN -- "It is essential for the Arab states to allow more freedom for media operators and professionals to help our nations catch up with the current technological challenges," said Dr Yass Khudair Al Bayatti of Ajman University of Science and Technology Network in a study published recently in The Arab League's most influential bi-monthly magazine Arab Affairs.

The study warns against the widening gap between rich countries and the rest of the world due to the technological development in the North and the absence of similar conditions in the South. The lack of transparency in the Arab world, has also crippled and prevented media institutions from functioning effectively, it says.

According to Dr Al Bayatti, Assistant Dean, Faculty of Information, Communication and Public Relations, the Arab world will not be able to protect its cultural security neither would it enjoy political independence if it continues to allow in flows of foreign media content and close doors against local media. Media are powerful tools that could be used in positively in planning and setting strategies for media operations instead of being simple consumers.

The Arab media is operating in an unfavourable political environment that lacks essential freedom, transparency, and legislative platform, says Dr Bayatti, adding that lack of coordination and absence of these essentials have caused primitive and ineffective media operation in the Arab world; and the Arab media suffer the right suitable democratic environment to operate and function effectively.

"The media should also address people's issues instead of political and government issues. Media should operate in the direction that helps people to develop themselves and meet their needs," says Dr Bayatti in his study which refers to positive and great achievements and development, especially the use of the latest technology and IT Systems installed in most of the Arab homes. A number of challenges face the Arab world media, mainly globalisation and its political, social and economic impact.

The study concludes by emphasising the need to enhance and strengthen democracy practices in order to create positive interaction between media and political system as "this will lead to a positive outcome that would benefit the people and help society's growth and progress."

By a staff reporter

© Khaleej Times 2005