On the way to a new era – The future role of the media in Arab societies

Media play a fundamental role in the democratic movement in the Arab World: State-run television and newspapers on the one hand and independent news coverage on the other. Social media was used in an unprecedented way among protestors. Makeshift television stations and newspapers were also founded to spread essential information. On top of that, private broadcasters contributed to the international coverage of the respective conflict situations. In this way, new platforms for freedom of expression were created.

But what kind of role will media play in future Arab societies? Without doubt this will depend on how things develop in general. Will it be possible to maintain the previous restrictions on freedom of the press given the prevalence of social media? Which role can newspapers, radio and television play in the process of consolidation? How will they be able to accompany the new political processes and social changes? Will it be possible to integrate the media as a “fourth power in the state”, in terms of a legitimate voice for the formation of political opinion and will?

Journalists from the Arab World will discuss these topics. Their experience and assessments can help to provide a realistic forecast about the future role of media in Arab societies.

Moderation:
Golineh Atai
Journalist, Editor and Anchor-Woman at the ARD-Morgenmagazin/WDR

Panelists:
Ibrahim Letaief
Journalist, Film Director and Producer

Faisal Mohamed Salih
Journalist and Lecturer, Director of Teeba Press

Amira Sayed El Ahl
Journalist and Foreign Correspondent for the Middle East (DW, DIE WELT, GEO)

Anna Würth
German Institute for Human Rights