(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) A special media team consisting of the youth has been formed to constantly speak with youngsters and get their opinions to help shape the UAE future media policy.
The National Media Council (NMC) on Tuesday announced the Youth Media Council (YMC), comprising of 12 young members of the age group (18-30).
The council that has both male and female members, including seven Emiratis and five resident expatriates, will be coordinated by the NMC. "The YMC is an embodiment of the confidence that our wise leadership placed in the young people. It also reflects the importance attached to their contribution to the process of change and development, which is needed to ensure our national media is ready to embrace the future," said Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the NMC.
"The YMC marks the beginning of a new phase in which young people will play an integral role in supporting the NMC's strategy of developing the UAE's media sector. The NMC has full confidence in the country's youth and in their expertise and ability to actively participate in the development of the country's media industry."
The council was chosen from 153 candidates nominated for membership based on a number of set conditions and criteria including; having a distinguished media background and a demonstrable record of media achievements and creative ideas.
"This is a great opportunity for us the youths to have been given chance in shaping the future media policy of our country," said Abdulla Al Neyadi, 26, who is working with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, after being announced as member of the council.
"The media has changed a lot. It has transformed from the traditional media to digital and here youths have taken the lead. Youths influence a lot of young people on social media and bringing them onboard is a very important thing."
Another member, Hameed Yousuf, 29, who is also the director of social media and digital at the BPG Group, and the only Indian on the council, said: "I'm keen on seeing social media posts screened for positive messages because many youths have big numbers of followers on social media and they are influencing hundreds of youngsters through their posts. "Social media should be used to spread awareness. My job now is to encourage young people to verify the social media content before sharing it with others."
Emirati Alia Bujsaim, a 28-year-old radio broadcaster and editor, said she wants to see more Emirati women and men joining the media sector. "Many young Emiratis are reluctant to take on careers in the media; which is bad. We need more of them in radio, TV and print media because media plays a vital role in spreading information and educating the society."
The NMC said the council will also formulate a youth-centric message that meets the aspirations of youth, who form the majority of society. The NMC had launched the YMC initiative last year, based on the findings of a nationwide survey in collaboration with the UAE University's Centre for Public Policy and Leadership titled 'Sources of Youth for Obtaining Information and News.' The study provided insight into the local media sector, along with suggestions to upgrade it to meet international standards and best practices. A seminar was held to identify the reality of the media sector in the country, to assess ways to develop and promote it to keep pace with global developments and to strengthen the participation of young people in this vital area.
Ismail Sebugwaawo
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