“SJCUK has recently been launched and, given our flexible approach, we will adapt to an ever changing future,” said Prince Bader bin Saud bin Mohammad, president of the new organization.
He added that SJCUK is open to Saudi and Gulf nationals who are studying media or working for media outlets in the UK or abroad as long as they are residing in the UK.
SJCUK is an independent organization run by 23 volunteers. Its founder and coordinator is Abdullah Ibnrubbian who is based in London. Their mission statement is, said Prince Bader, “to bridge the media gap between Saudi Arabia and Britain” through visits to newspapers, TV stations and university media departments.
He added that they plan to organize workshops as well as invite guest speakers, both journalists and academics, to discuss topics -- such as Islamophobia — that concern journalists and media specialists from Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.
Prince Bader also spoke about his expectations for the club, adding that it has a promising future and will perhaps become pan-European with Saudi and non-Saudi members exchanging ideas and experiences.
He added that cooperating with media schools in Saudi Arabia would be an excellent idea. “And of course we would appreciate any initiatives to work hand-in-hand with media departments in Saudi universities,” said Prince Bader, a PhD student at Goldsmiths, University of London, focusing on Arab satellite TV, media ethics and the coverage of wars and conflicts.
He said SJCUK is presently spreading awareness about itself through its members. The team, he said, also welcomes suggestions concerning future visits which may be of benefit.
The team is to visit the Guardian newspaper on Mar. 25 and then BBC Arabic and Al-Hayat newspaper.
