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UAE papers got more freedom from on-line journalism

DUBAI — The increase in the number of satellite channels and on-line journalism has benefited newspapers in the UAE by giving them more freedom.

During a discussion on 'Trends in Newsrooms,' held at the Fairmont Hotel on the second day of the MEPC yesterday, Mohammed Al Mezel, Editor, Gulf News, said that because satellite channels could not be censored, newspapers were benefiting from this as a spillover effect. "Governments in this region have reacted favourably to this new trend and the Press has been given more freedom. News is easily accessible without interference from authorities and spin doctors," he pointed out.

Bertrand Pequerie, Director of the World Editors' Forum, France, who moderated the session, said that Arab editors were not much keen on joining the forum. He listed new trends in newsrooms during 2005 the world over, as follows: the future of print on-line, free news, citizens/bloggers newspapers, newspapers reconnecting with the community, news agencies competing with newspapers, young journalists launching websites, broadband changes in newspaper trends and new job offers for journalists.

Dha'en Shaheen, Editor-in-Chief of Al Bayan, gave a presentation on the growth of his newspaper. "In 2005, newspapers were innovative and underwent several phases of change. We are undergoing a non-stop cycle of growth," he said.