By Khaled Abu Toameh
For decades, the profession of journalism has been one of the most dangerous in the Arab world.
The truth and facts are often sacrificed for the sake of “preserving the higher national interests of the people” and “to avoid playing into the hands of the enemies of the people.”
A journalist is taught that his main mission is to be loyal first and foremost to his president or monarch and then to his government and homeland.
In this world, Arab dictators are above any form of criticism. When was the last time one read an article in a newspaper published in an Arab capital that criticized the leader of that country?
Not only are journalists and editors banned from criticizing their leaders, they are also prohibited from publishing any material that may, God forbid, be interpreted as “offensive” to His Excellency or His Majesty.
The official media in the Arab world is often under the control of the Ministry of Information, which appoints editors and journalists, and pays their salaries. Under the Arab dictatorships, there has never been room for freedom of expression.
These dictatorships have their own media, which actually serve as a mouthpiece for the ruler and his family and close friends.
In Morocco, for instance, five local journalists will go on trial later this month after they published articles about King Mohammed VI’s health. The journalists work for Al-Jarida, Al-Ayam, Al-Oula and Al-Mishaal newspapers. Read more here ...
Source: Hudson New York
For decades, the profession of journalism has been one of the most dangerous in the Arab world.
The truth and facts are often sacrificed for the sake of “preserving the higher national interests of the people” and “to avoid playing into the hands of the enemies of the people.”
A journalist is taught that his main mission is to be loyal first and foremost to his president or monarch and then to his government and homeland.
In this world, Arab dictators are above any form of criticism. When was the last time one read an article in a newspaper published in an Arab capital that criticized the leader of that country?
Not only are journalists and editors banned from criticizing their leaders, they are also prohibited from publishing any material that may, God forbid, be interpreted as “offensive” to His Excellency or His Majesty.
The official media in the Arab world is often under the control of the Ministry of Information, which appoints editors and journalists, and pays their salaries. Under the Arab dictatorships, there has never been room for freedom of expression.
These dictatorships have their own media, which actually serve as a mouthpiece for the ruler and his family and close friends.
In Morocco, for instance, five local journalists will go on trial later this month after they published articles about King Mohammed VI’s health. The journalists work for Al-Jarida, Al-Ayam, Al-Oula and Al-Mishaal newspapers. Read more here ...
Source: Hudson New York
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