Does journalism really matter in the Arab world?

Thank you for inviting me to answer this question Reem, this is my take: The Arab world is highly sensitive in terms of religion and culture and not to forget, it's home to some of the last few Monarchies remaining in the world.
This means that freedom of speech and expression, although not practiced 100% anywhere in the world, is relatively quite low here as compared to other countries.
I agree with you about the jobs reduced to that of a 'reporter' but in my personal opinion, I wouldn't completely discard the role and impact of journalism in this volatile part of the world.
As a journalist in the Arab world I guess you have to overlook that you're a 'medium' and always take into consideration the background of the masses you are reporting for.
Press and Media as the 'fourth estate' is a Western concept and not applicable in the Arab world.
I think its an evolving industry and the coming few years will see legit reforms in media's functioning here, this is also because citizen journalism has soared by leaps and bounds during the 'Arab Spring'.
The truth will reach the people even if it is suppressed by the state or the media organisations.

Journalism matters everywhere in the world, as it informs and educates people, but in the Arab world it doesn't play its pivotal role perfectly, so my answers is; good journalism really matters in the Arab world, current type of journalism in the Arab world doesn't.

Journalism ESPECIALLY matters in the Arab world and especially now.
Technology, combined with events in the region over the past few years have lifted the blanket of opression that had kept journalists in the Arab world silent - or worse, functioning as a government mouthpiece.
Of course by the same token, journalists with an agenda now also have the platform to fabricate as much as they like.
Which is exactly why thorough, thoughtful journalism is so important.
It has a duty to puth through the constraints and balance what its audience expects with what it ought to know.

This is a very good question.
Journalism matters very much in every part of the world.
With communication of any sort going electronic and most people relying on online news reports and TV - it is imperative that the right facts go out.
We are breeding a non-questioning society (speaking of South Africa) where people readily accept what is reported online and on TV.
I asked a few times if a individual agrees with a statistic or story that was quoted and the answer is "if so and so says so - it must be so".
:) The real hardcore news is being overshadowed by softer news due to society's need to be entertained and placing more importance on the movie industry and celebrities.
Again this is said in a South African context.
Not sure how you experience it on your side.
I often think of the masses who do not have the priviledge of any electronic media who through clever manipulation will vote in a particular direction.
Journalism/live reporting plays a pivotal role in bringing the facts to the audience.
It is important for journalists to start speaking to each other across borders (different countries).
The common denominator for linking us up is we are journalists looking for the fact and truth of the story - especially in volatile situations.
Sharing information and thus understanding the background in each country and situation can dispell many misconceptions.
Irresponsible media sometimes leads to irresponsible and devastating actions based on what the reader gets.
There is strength in numbers.
Ultimately the outcome of opinion still lies with the choice the reader makes.

yip it matters every human want to be updated

It’s always been a good thing to keep up to date with the current affairs, the question you asked may lean to the culture of the Arab world, and the culture of the press,

News is news and everyone enjoys it, just take gossip from your neighbour, might have informed you of his encounter at the post office how the staff handled the situation, how he felt bla, bla bla.

The Arab world enjoys news just as much as any other culture it may just need to be adapted to the specific needs within its culture.

in South Africa there is a very successful newspaper, called the daily sun, printing over600000 per day, and to my opinion, its tells the stories as African people tell each other stories, and this includes, culture beliefs, standards of communication but also has a little for all ages every page is a page turner. Keeping the line between conservative guidelines of media but leaning far to one side of the country’s cultural needs, something they understand and enjoy.

To simplify this opinion press must be diverse and keep in touch with who they are interacting with, there are many different cultures in the world and they all consist of human beings.

To end; in newspapers I have noticed that bad news always occupying front pages always sells more newspapers(more profit) this shows man kinds failures, and if you flip the paper around you will see all mankind’s achievements, in the sport section.

Maybe to the Arab world this approach of lay out may be changed.

Thank-you

 

Yes