I read with interest the article “Your words have power, use them wisely” (July 18) by Talal Alharbi. I do agree with the views expressed by the writer. Newspapers’ columnists, television anchors and analysts need to understand the importance of their roles in opinion formation. It is their duty to highlight pressing social and economic issues in an unbiased manner and suggest ways to resolve those problems. Sadly, due to commercialization of the media most of the media outlets are more focused on Television Rating Points (TRPs) and circulation.
It seems that these media outlets have no code of conduct to follow. The writer has raised an important issue that most of our so-called intellectuals appear to be more interested in scoring brownie points. Whenever the government launches a project, these people start praising it without properly analyzing the impact of those projects. I don’t favor undue criticism of everything that the government does but the media should try to present the ground realities to the policymakers to guide them and steer the country out of problems.
Saudi Arabia is passing through a critical phase, as it is trying to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil income. In such a situation, it is the responsibility of experts, intellectuals, writers and media professionals to join hands with the authorities to help the country make progress in its development plans. Many people outside the Kingdom don’t know that the Saudi authorities are very open to ideas and they respond to public reactions to their decisions very swiftly. — Yawar Jamal, Jeddah
Role of intellectuals
