(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) KUWAIT, April 23 (KUNA) -- Participants in an Arab media forum have concurred that erroneous information that often pervades news platforms such as social media must be dealt with decisively, saying that such deceit has grown into an institutional norm. In their discussions over the need to have credible news sources, journalists from across the wider Arab region suggested that media education should morph into a pedagogical approach that allows students to think critically about such an inextricable part of life.
The approach to teaching media has changed given the meteoric rise of social media, Dr. Hussein Amin, a professor of media at the American University of Cairo, pointed out in the 15th edition of the meeting, sponsored by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.
He spoke of stringent measures that a number of nations have introduced to regulate social media firms in a bid to put an end to the spread of fake news, which in turn, brings down the credibility of journalism to its lowest ebb.
Meanwhile, Abdulwahab Bader Khan, a Lebanese political analyst, put the onus of responsibility on social media users themselves, saying that the habitual misuse of the popular platform puts the public at risk.
Khan bemoaned that global news agencies have started to lose their allure in the age of social media, warning that misleading news could become the new normal rather than an aberration if an effective strategy is not developed.
Faisal Al-Basri, a local social media star, explained the difference between those who use the platform for publicity stunts as opposed to a vehicle for interaction, where the former usually fizzle out over time while the latter are able to influence people's lives.
Despite his fledgling media career, Kuwaiti radio and television host Omar Al-Othman said that professional credibility is among factors that could make or break a career. Since its inception in 2003, the forum aims to allow Arab journalists the chance to hone their skills, as this year's edition had gotten underway a day earlier with several Kuwaiti state officials in attendance. (end) sss.nam
MENAFN2304201800710000ID1096760179
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.