Initiative Part of DPC's Ongoing Activities during Ramadan

Dubai-UAE: 08 August, 2012

Dubai Press Club (DPC) hosted its first virtual panel discussion focusing on the media's role in promoting the responsible use of social networking platforms. The online conversation among a cross-section of stakeholders from the public and private sector domains as well as journalists and thought leaders was organised as part of DPC's newly launched initiative - Agenda - that aims to conduct a series of virtual seminars, meetings, workshops, and talk shows utilizing the latest digital social networking applications.

Broadcasted live on DPC's YouTube channel, the session was hosted in conjunction with Google using the 'Google Hangout' chat application.

Maryam Bin Fahad; Executive Director, Dubai Press Club, moderated the discussion that was headlined by Dr. Abeer Najjar, Dean of Jordan Media Institute;Diana Moukalled, Writer, Asharq Al Awsat; Ayman al-Sayyad,Chief Editor of Weghat Nazar; Maysa Al-Amoudi, Journalist at Al-Hurra channel; Mohammad Al-Nughaimish, Specialized Writer on Management, Asharq Al Awsat; Ahmad Ashour,Directorof Al Jazeera Talk, and Ahmed Shalabi, Co-founder of Qabila TV.

Maryam bin Fahadsaid: "The first virtual symposium critically evaluated the media's role in promoting ethical practices in the use of social networks. It was also the first time that we mobilized the participation of a phenomenal number of individuals through our portal on Google + using the 'Google Hangout' tool. The session was aired live on DPC's YouTube channel and Twitter."

Bin Fahad added: "The virtual panel discussion is an outcome of DPC's efforts during the past years to invest in electronic assets, which combine a number of digital portals on the World Wide Web. Through this initiative we seek to build a strong network with media stake holders in various disciplines, and with elite decision makers, thought leaders, writers, and students."

Hind Rashid, Head of Communication, Google Middle East, said: "One of the best benefits that the Internet has generated is to drive a concerted exchange of thoughts among users.This is a feature that we leveraged while initiating the "Google +" project in order to help individuals and corporate build productive associations across all avenues.

"We are happy to share this partnership with Dubai Press Club, and we look forward to viewing its activities directly on Google + with the use of Google Hangout. We are confident DPC's strategy will enhance the communication process with its rapidly growing target audience."

Ayman Al-Sayyad said: "Several media organizations accuse the New Media of being too exclusive, standing alone and lacking in credibility. We should not forget that certain traditional media outlets are not fully credible either. On the other hand,I would say that New Media, particularly social networking plat forms, stands apart in its ability to 'disclose' realfactsand incisive social topics rather than confining itself to'making'news".

Ahmad Ashour Said: "The virtual world is the real world, as the Internet laws are the same as those in real life. Therefore, the Internet is considered as a large mirror reflecting the reality on ground. Keeping this in mind, more freedom needs to be granted to the social communication landscape if the platform is to achieve its objective of developing communication and open discussion among individuals."

Dubai Press Club's latest initiative - Agenda - seeks to broaden the organisation's reach and scope through leveraging contemporary technology tools that eliminate geographical barriers. The endeavour also aims to foster the interaction of a larger number of individuals worldwide with globally renowned thought leaders that headline DPC's activities throughout the year.

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© Press Release 2012