Piers Morgan, former editor of the UK’s Daily Mirror, gave the keynote address at the Arabian Business Media and Marketing Conference in Dubai last month. He criticized media outlets in the region when he expressed his concerns over the absence of competitiveness that he expected to be present here.
That is because a large number of media representatives in the West look to the Arab media to be vibrant with many competitive opportunities. But whoever has the chance to visit the Arab world and observe things closely will change that perception.
When listening to Morgan’s opinion, you can’t help noticing his polite diplomatic way of criticizing things. He’s a guest visiting the Arab world and a keynote speaker at one of its conferences.
Perhaps it’s good that I give Morgan a clearer vision regarding his criticism of the lack of competitiveness in the Arab media.
I strongly disagree with what he said. In my opinion, there is a great deal of competitiveness between different media organizations in the Arab world, but it’s a bit strange and needs some explanation. It relies on personal favors, flattering people in high positions and wastas — those who can pull strings for you.
If one person has all these, he or she is entitled to become famous without qualifications, experience or anything at all.
As for the internal infrastructure of the Arab media network, it is a strange and bizarre combination. Contradiction is its motto. At a time when the networks are making millions through sales and marketing, you see them suffocating their small employees and workers who are the core of any production.
Some are still working as freelancers, receiving minimum wages while the Arab media mafias get the big deals. In return, the employees have no organization that protects them, secures their jobs or defends their rights.
To make a long story short, the reputation of many of these big channels is bigger and wider than reality. I wonder if it’s possible to create a natural competitive atmosphere between media organizations here that are proliferating like mushrooms in the dark.
