In our modern times, which are marked by rapid succession of events and information, people desire to be supplied with information that gives a clear picture of the developments taking place around them.

Everyone wants not only the reports about events but also logical analyses that correlate events enabling them to form an opinion on everything that happens locally and internationally.

Public opinion is the aggregate of this process. Floyd Allport, in his book “Towards A Science of Public Opinion,” says public opinion is “an expression by a large collection of individuals of their views on a particular situation formulated either by themselves or on the basis of an appeal made to them. It could be an expression supporting or opposing an issue, a person or a proposal of great significance. The proportion of the supporters  (or opposers) in the number and degree of their conviction, steadfastness and persistence... becomes sufficient to make an impact on taking a particular step directly or indirectly toward an objective they want.”

So the creation of an effective public opinion requires the existence of a free and responsible press that can undertake the enlightening of the society on social issues and events and can supply the society with facts that instill in people a desire to express their viewpoints in order to sway the course of events the way they want.

A free and understanding press has the power to influence public opinion. The media uses many tools and methods, and its effectiveness depends on the awareness of journalists. Journalism has developed considerably in the 20th century, especially with its concern for the welfare of human beings. It is capable of translating the dialectical association and interactions between it and the events that concern individuals and so it shapes the pattern of presenting events in its publications.

Journalism has a supervisory mission in society and hence its basic pillars should be social and ethical commitment. Media is the cornerstone of any public opinion.

With a policy of transparency and refinement it can set trends in solving important or controversial issues.

In this context it should be noted that Arab News, the first English daily in Saudi Arabia, founded in 1975, has been serving domestic and public causes.

Holding to a policy of transparent and unbiased reporting over the past 35 years, Arab News has been serving Arab readers by fostering in them the power of knowledge with due respect to the intelligence of the readers.

It also has been successful in attracting media personalities with the ability to strengthen its vision. The objectivity of Arab News in dealing with society’s issues has made the readers respect its professionalism and create required change in the society particularly in a world without boundaries and in an age of openness. In addition to taking up the Saudi and Arab cause, Arab News has been defending the society whenever confronted with crucial issues. Its courage and impartiality have made it achieve a distinguished position amidst local and international newspapers. Its circulation is not confined to the borders of Saudi Arabia or Gulf countries. It is circulated even in the United States. Arab News is the most popular English newspaper in the Arab world, according to Wikipedia.

I wish Arab News success in its march toward greater achievements keeping pace with the developments in the contemporary world and in its commitment to the cause of the society and the country, in addition to Arab and international causes in a balanced and realistic perspective that contribute to shaping public opinion in favor of our religion and the nation.

— Princess Adelah bint Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz is the chairperson of the National Home Health Care Foundation.