MBRSC Media Chat Session: How to be a reporter for mass media and a blogger simultaneously

Dubai, November 21st, 2012. The Mohammed Bin Rashid School For Communication (MBRSC) of the American University in Dubai (AUD) hosted renowned journalist and blogger Dima Khatib during the third session of the Media Chat Series, which focused on how to be a reporter for mass media and a blogger simultaneously. The event was attended by a large number of students in addition to AUD faculty and staff members.

Moderating the dynamic session were MBRSC students Maria Boutros and Abdullah Al Khal who welcomed Dima, then chatted about her professional experience as a reporter with Al Jazeera. Khatib explained that it takes journalists a lot of experience and skills if they choose to become successful bloggers. She also advised them to follow their hearts and write what they believe is true. "Fresh graduates shouldn't become journalists who repeat what others have said or written" adds Khatib.

The debate between modern and traditional media being one of the hottest arguments nowadays, Khatib talked about the role of the modern in traditional journalism. The chat included an interactive Q&A session where students asked Khatib about her activities on Twitter, which led her to be designated as one of the "Most Influential Arab on Twitter" through her coverage of the Arab Spring. In addition, she talked about her experience as a female journalist in the male dominated society in the Arab world.

At the end of the session, Khatib discussed the objectivity of news broadcast: "While writing, every journalism student should listen to different opinions, I advise him/her to never fall in the trap of being biased."

These gatherings, held on a weekly basis for the past two years at AUD, host distinguished media specialists, renowned producers, journalists and broadcasters; an initiative considered among one of the most important activities organized by AUD's School for Communication, as they aim at benefiting students with the knowledge and expertise of media professionals.

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About AUD:
The American University in Dubai (AUD) is a private, non-sectarian institution of higher learning founded in 1995. It serves UAE nationals and international students who seek world-class career-oriented education. AUD, as an international institution of higher education, encourages global understanding by providing an atmosphere of cultural diversity and opportunities for an international education.

• AUD is officially licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates. The Ministry has accredited the university's programs in International Studies, Business Administration (both undergraduate and graduate), Communication and Information Studies, Engineering, Computer and Information Technology, Computer Science, Architecture, Visual Communication and Interior Design, Education (graduate), and Construction Management (graduate), in addition to a Certificate program in Middle Eastern Studies.

• AUD is accredited by the Commission on Colleges (COC) of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award Bachelor's and Master's degrees.   

• AUD is approved to operate by the State of Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (NPEC).

• AUD has received specialized accreditation for its Bachelor's of Business Administration (B.B.A.), and Master's of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree programs in business through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). The university's undergraduate concentrations in Marketing Communications and Advertising (Creative) have been accredited by the International Advertising Association (IAA) in New York.

• The Civil, Computer, and Electrical Engineering Programs of AUD's School of Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Technology (B.S.C.I.T.) program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

For more information, please visit www.aud.edu

For further information & media queries, please contact:
Marketing Communications Department
American University in Dubai
Ms. Samira Elghoul
T. +971 4 3183 108
E. selghoul@aud.edu

© Press Release 2012