Veteran journalist Hashim Abdo Hashim, a former editor in chief of Okaz newspaper, said responsible, organized and untied freedom is the only “ceiling” for media.
He, however, accused the media of “destroying a number of projects and decisions that might have made a better future.”
Media errors that caused this destruction, according to him, have been caused by a number of reasons, including “lack of data, weak sources and the inability to absorb the religious and political dimensions of events.”
There is a delicate balance, according to Hashim, between freedom of opinion and social stability.
“The media are not a tool for agitating or provoking governments or individuals," he said. "It is founded on a rational balance that does not distort the profession or lets go of the right to expression. There is nothing that cannot be published. The question, however, is how to publish it.”
Talking about imprisonment, which journalists are susceptible to because of what they write, Hashim described it as a “beautiful and joyful experience,” adding that pressmen might go to prison when they fail to observe their occupational duties.
At the same time, he considered the scary and hesitant journalist as “unqualified” to enter the field of journalism.
Acting Editor in Chief of Okaz Ayman Habib criticized the absence of efficient media departments in various institutions, saying they only focus on portraying a positive image of the departments they represent.
He asked these media departments to reshape their roles and objectives, saying they must conduct studies and surveys in this regard.
“The absence of the social and humanitarian public relations during the Jeddah flood crisis will be a hanging question for a long time,” added Habib, referring to the devastating flash floods earlier this year and in November 2009.
He said because of the absence of media departments, newspapers assume the role of media representatives for various departments in which they sometimes succeed and sometimes fail. He suggested a greater role for the municipal councils in representing the public interests.
Tackling the importance of media campaigns, Habib said in the US the government spokesmen chose all the details for the president’s words.
On the other hand, in the Kingdom, he said journalists find difficulties in obtaining statements from officials.
“Mubarak and Ben Ali (former Egyptian and Tunisian presidents) fell victims to resounding PR campaigns,” he said.
Habib belittled the role of paidup advertisements in concealing facts and said the world has become an open book.
“You cannot deceive people anymore," he said. "There are a number of alternatives to news.” He also joked: "As long as these advertisers pay, let them conceal whatever they want to conceal.”
Saud Katib, a professor at King Abdulaziz University who specializes in new media, said he would not work at a newspaper that prohibits women from becoming editors in chief. His statement was answering a comment criticizing the absence of Saudi women leading positions at media companies.
Katib advised reporters to balance accuracy, respect for privacy and serving the public. He also warned reporters about being loose with the facts.
"Reporters can sometimes get away (with this) but they might lose their credibility,” explained Katib.
