Arab Media Forum 2012 Examines Role of Religious Discourse in Arab Media

Dubai-UAE: 9 May, 2012 – Religious discourses on media must be led by eminent Islamic intellectuals who bring with them a deep insight of its philosophy. In contrast, the current scenario is witnessing fanaticism, pre-judged opinions and deluded priorities pointed out panellists during a session on day-two of the 11th Arab Media Forum (AMF 2012).

Titled ‘Religious Discourse in the Arab Media: the Expected Role’ the session examined the scope of religious discourses that are aired on Arab media outlets and the increasing use of language that promotes discord within the society.

Moderated by Ahmed Al Zahed, Anchor, Noor Dubai FM, Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), the session was headlined by Hassan Hanafi, author and Professor of Philosophy, Egypt, Abdelilah Belkeziz, writer, Morocco, Khaled El Gendy, founder and board member, Azhari Channel, Egypt, and Theodosius (Atallah) Hanna, Archbishop of Sebaste, Palestine.

Hassan Hanafi said: “Today, religious discourses tend to avoid sensitive topics such as poverty and sectarianism. It is essential that thought leaders work towards serving the interests of the society so that Islam progresses.”

Spotlighting the marked development in the content of religious discourses in both the audio-visual and print media, panellists pointed out that some of the media avenues have become an arena for propagating political and personal agenda.

In this context, Khaled El Gendy said: “Society and the Arab media need to depend on religious scholars who are aware of the developments in the society. The infusion of politics with religion is very disastrous and can lead to problems due to conflict of interest.”

Contributing to the conversation, Theodosius (Atallah) Hanna added: “Religious texts speak extensively on the spirit of fraternity. It is essential that we display unity within the Arab world. I appeal to scholars to refrain from using religious discourse to provoke sections of the society.”

Abdelilah Belkeziz said: “There is an unhealthy alignment between media and religion. The latter is being exploited and sensationalised leading to extreme outcomes such as stringent fatwas. Such events conflict with the future objectives of the Arab world.”

Themed ‘Arab Media: Exposure and Transition’, the 11th Arab Media Forum has drawn the participation of regional and international journalists, as well as influential decision makers, opinion leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators.

In the run up to AMF 2012, Dubai Press Club released the key findings of the fourth Arab Media Outlook, providing projections for the regional media sector up to 2015. Every attendee to AMF 2012 has been handed a copy of the report.

The Arab Media Forum has garnered year-on-year success through the past 10 editions, validating Dubai and the UAE’s ability to host such high-profile events that draw a significant international media presence.

About AMF:
The Arab Media Forum is the Middle East’s most prominent media event every year. Beginning in 2001 and organized by the Dubai Press Club under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Forum has consistently tried to facilitate in-depth debates and exchange of ideas on the media in the region. www.arabmediaforum.ae.

About DPC:
Dubai Press Club (DPC) is the Arab world’s preeminent media development organization. Established in 1999 as per the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Club has evolved over a period of one eventful decade into the most sought after platform for heads of state, eminent government officials, intellectuals, writers and other dignitaries to reach out to the media and communicate their message. It offers unparalleled services to its journalist members. It has played a pioneering role in the development of the Arab media through a host of media development initiatives, the most vital among them being the Arab Media Forum, the Arab Journalism Award and the Arab Media Outlook. www.dpc.org.ae.