Elisabeth Timmons is an American-born lecturer at Jubail University College’s female branch, where she teaches media and communication subjects to Saudi female students. In an interview with Arab News, she spoke about the media as a career in Saudi Arabia and how it has evolved in recent years. Excerpts:

Q. In your opinion, how has media coverage of society changed? How do you think that coverage reflects Saudi society?

A. In the short time I have been here in the Kingdom, I have seen more and more pictures of women, though mostly non-Saudi, in the papers. When I first arrived, I hardly saw any photos of women, except in advertisements.

Q. How do you think the media has contributed to this change?

A. Now that the face of journalism has changed with Twitter, Facebook and other social media outlets, people are more open to communicating with each other and with the media as well. Some topics, which might have previously been considered taboo, are now openly discussed in newspapers. Citizens are coming out of their comfort zone to share news.

Q. What kind of careers do you think girls can forge for themselves if they study journalism?

A. Families have become more open to girls having some sort of career as long as it is still respects their culture. The Kingdom has welcomed girls as engineers, lawyers, doctors, and artists, which also leaves a great window of opportunity for journalism to be chosen as a career.

Q. How do you feel about your students getting engaged in journalism?

A. Students are taking journalism as part of their major in English. There are around 75 students taking the course.

Q. How are projects organized for this course?

A. It is based on trial and error. We write letters to the editor, conduct interviews, and write up reports and articles. We set up a mock newspaper and make podcasts. We use social media and some students already have their own blogs.

Q. What are the programs that are covered in this course?

A. The course covers all aspects of learning and teaching. Students are asked to share their opinion, discuss and debate topics.

Q. What is your impression of Saudi students?

A. The government is expanding educational opportunities for girls by building universities. The country is trying to encourage women’s entry into the work force.

Q. Is there any communication barrier?

A. Absolutely not. The Saudi girls are very attracted to many aspects of American, British and Korean culture. There is abundant talent in the region which is still untapped.