Stop being scared of satellite TV and get involved

Muhammad Ayish

Last Updated: November 09. 2008 11:16PM UAE / November 9. 2008 7:16PM GMT

In 1994, during my work at the UAE University, I was involved in organising an international conference on television in the GCC countries. At the time, satellite broadcasting was still in its infancy, with no more than 10 trans-border channels ruling the region’s airwaves.

It was quite alarming at that time to see a surge of public sentiment building up against the potential effects of transnational television on one of the region’s expanding age groups: youth. Back in 1994, it was being argued that the younger generation was being targeted by the “evil” forces of globalisation, and that satellite television was the most harmful influence of them all.

Ever since, the potential impact of satellite television on the youth of the Gulf region has been a topic of heated debates in hundreds of conferences, academic forums, and policy meetings, as well as in the media. The latest of these discussions I recently attended has been in Doha, Qatar with the participation of more than 300 media scholars, Muslim clerics, broadcasters, lawmakers, and civil society representatives.

 Almost 15 years after the UAE University conference, I was amazed to hear the same discourse being floated: that our young men and women are at risk of losing their cultural and national identity due to their exposure to foreign and pan-Arab satellite television content.

 While GCC governments and NGOs are commended for raising public awareness of the potentially negative impact of satellite television on the young, I believe it is high time to go the extra mile and bring this awareness to bear directly on the region’s policymaking process.

 While state regulation has always been touted as the panacea for correcting any problems with “subversive” television content, I believe we need to look for additional methods of empowering the region’s young people – to enable them to harness creatively their cultural heritage and evolve their own visions in the age of globalisation.

 It is clear that public concerns over how satellite television affects young men and women in the region are absolutely legitimate. The demographics of this region are distinctively marked by the large numbers of the young: more than 40 per cent of the population is aged between 12-22.

 Successive reports released by the World Bank and numerous UN agencies suggest that a relatively high birth rate is likely to continue thanks to the region’s economic boom and its political stability.

 Unfortunately, governments are fighting uphill battles to secure more jobs and foster an enduring sense of national identity to match the rise in population levels. Because young men and women in the GCC region share many of the same handicaps as their peers in other Arab communities, they are experiencing the three deficits impeding human development in the region (as outlined in the United Nations Development Programme-published Arab Human Development Reports): freedom, knowledge and women’s empowerment.

 The recent feature series run by The National on the youth in the region was quite revealing, especially about how the young perceive themselves in the midst of political, economic and cultural uncertainties.

 Although there are many claims made about how satellite television shapes our children’s lives, we seem rather apathetic in putting those claims to test. To my knowledge, there are no credible polling operations in the Arab world capable of generating convincing evidence of the nature of such effects. All we have are no more than academic exposure studies that document youth communication habits and perceptions of different channels and shows, something that can never amount to effects investigations.

 I am raising this point here because I believe future discussions of the effects of satellite television on our youth will continue to be little more than hollow rhetoric unless they can be substantiated by solid evidence.

 Satellite television is undoubtedly a source of concern for the region’s communities and each time a new channel is launched, we seem to brace for yet another evil addition in the skies. I was impressed by a proposal at the Doha Forum to establish a satellite television observatory to monitor different types of content aired to GCC audiences and publish periodical reports on the successes and disappointments in the region’s public sphere.

 Another proposal that struck me as extremely worthwhile was the suggestion that the region’s youth should be involved in the production of the very television genres that are causing all the uproar, particularly “reality” shows, Arabic-dubbed soap operas and music videos. If these programmes could be given an indigenous character, I believe many of the criticisms levelled at them would disappear.

 I think the Doha Forum and its likes in the region truly reflect sincere commitments on the part of governments and NGOs to safeguard their communities. However, it is high time to get down to action and constructively engage with satellite television – and what better way than by opening up new windows of opportunity for the young and incorporating the region’s historical and cultural heritage in the programmes produced?

 Muhammad Ayish is a Professor of Communications at the University of Sharjah

http://www.thenational.ae/article/20081109/OPINION/447992012/1080?template=opinion

Rasal Khaima Media City after Dubai and Abu Dhabi Media cities

RAK Media City plans Dh80m expansion

 The money will be invested in building 10 studios, 10 dubbing theatres and 20 shooting stages for films and TV productions. (SUPPLIED)

 By Rami Eljundi  on Sunday, November 09, 2008

The Ras Al Khaimah Media City is going on an expansion drive by investing Dh80 million into building 10 studios, 10 dubbing theatres and 20 shooting stages for films and TV productions.

 "The new facilities under construction are expected to be completed in four months and are aimed to offer a more convenient place for media-related companies that are establishing business in the UAE with RAK as their base," said Junaid Shaikh, Chief Executive of RAK Media City.

 "The new facilities will be used by publishing, advertising and media houses as production bases. Media companies from countries such as the UK, India and South Africa have been expanding their business to the UAE and eying RAK Media City as headquarters for their operations," said Shaikh.

 Available space, competitive rental costs, service convenience and an upcoming future with economic growth in RAK are the main reasons why media companies are starting to have a presence in the emirate, added Shaikh.

 In recent months, more than 20 international companies from the publishing, advertising and media sector have established activities in the RAK media free zone.

 "We wanted to start our activities from the Dubai Media City about a year ago, but we were told it was full and we would have to wait," said Asha Mohen, Middle East Business Development Manager of Machinery Market, a UK-based publishing company. "I was told about the new RAK Media Zone and that is where we are now and we have not had any complaint on anything so far."

 Mirage Holdings, a Hollywood-based production company, said it plans to invest $1 billion (Dh3.67bn) on a two million sq m area as part of its international expansion. The project will include a shopping mall, golf course, polo field, filmmaking academy, film museum and residential buildings, Mirage Holdings said earlier this year. The project will produce both local and Hollywood productions.

 The RAK Government has been playing a major role in encouraging local and foreign investors to come into the emirate and use it as a base for their business activities across the UAE and the GCC region.

 The RAK Free Trade Zone Authority, RAK Media City and RAK Investment Authority have been the major contributors in putting Ras Al Khamiah on the regional and international map in industries such as real estate, tourism, media and communications.

  

THE COMPETITION HEATS UP

 The UAE is set to see aggressive competition among media free zones to offer company and individual licensing. Following the track record set by Dubai Media City to become the media hub of the region, emerging "media cities" in other Emirates are bidding the least licensing fees.

 Industry observers do not see that as robbing Dubai Media City of potential opportunity since it is already fully occupied. Freelancers and companies, however, will soon have more choices to get access to the media market in the UAE and the region.

 Licensing fees at the Dubai Media City range between Dh15,000 and Dh20,000 based on the business activity of the company. An advertising agency may have to pay Dh20,000 per annum, while it is Dh15,000 for a new media company. The size of the business or the number of staff it employs does not have any bearing on the fee.

 However, the type of legal entity that a company or individual wishes to incorporate such as a branch, free zone, LLC or freelancer, could have a bearing on the fee.

 The current rent for new entrants is a flat rate of Dh200 per sq

ft annually.

 RAK Media City, on the other hand, offers a licence for a fixed fee of Dh15,000. Rent is equivalent to the dirham per sq ft per annum.

 At Creative City – the Fujairah Media Free Zone – freelancers and companies alike can obtain a licence for Dh12,500.

 The annual lease fee is estimated at Dh90 per sq ft, with a minimum office space of 350 sq ft. The Fujairah free zone offers the service of providing the visa for Dh3,500, with an additional visa security payment of another Dh3,500 that is refundable at the end of the contract.

 A hot desk costs another Dh18,000, call centre package worth Dh2,000 per month and an amendment fee of Dh12,500

http://www.business24-7.ae/articles/2008/11/pages/11092008_2c4b94b7ca9e48eea60c4ef3e0cefaa4.aspx

Girls outnumber boys in media course

Web posted at: 11/10/2008 5:37:8
Source ::: The Peninsula/ By Zainab Sultan

: Adrian Hall, , and Florent D’ Souza

DOHA: The inaugural class of Northwestern University, Qatar, which offers courses in journalism and communication, has a high proportion of Arab students, mainly Qataris. The demographics of this group reveal the new trend of girls outnumbering boys in the quest to make a career in the media. A lot of them are here to change the perspective of the Qatari media world and also to bring a new kind of journalism, which is reckoned and respected around the world. One of the many options why these Qatari students have opted for these courses is because they would prefer a Qatari talking about their own issues rather than a foreigner doing the same.

They also feel that the girls have more liberty to do what they want because they don’t necessarily have to follow their fathers’ footsteps which is usually expected from a son in this society. Almost all the students felt that girls are much better in the creative sector than the boys because from childhood they are encouraged to write and learn arts whereas boys have always been pushed towards science, mathematics and engineering.

A few students from the Northwestern University gave their opinion on why more girls are opting for courses in journalism and communications.

Sara Al Thani - Qatari (Journalism) 

“Guys are not very creative. Moreover, they have the responsibility to carry their father’s legacy so they usually end up taking the careers of their fathers. It is not a social issue anymore that girls have to stay back in Qatar and study, not anymore in a lot of families. My aunts had the chance to go abroad and study, but at the same time there are families who won’t allow their girls to go to Qatar University because there are male teachers.

I decided to stay in Qatar because I am really close to my family and attached to my grandmother. I am lucky to be able to live and study with my family and therefore, I don’t want to lose this opportunity. My brother will be ready to go to the States in three years and then even I intend to go and study there.” 

Omer Mohammed-Canadian (Communication)

“The Indian, Pakistani or the Arab culture is quite similar. They don’t want their sons to get into arts because they don’t view it as a major thing to do. The families intend to marry their daughters within a few years time, so they don’t really care what they choose to study.

“I love what I am doing and this is the reason I am here. Even though my parents think it is a girl’s job, I don’t agree and I don’t know how to convince them. It is just that, I am interested and I consider myself to be a rebel. I guess my attitude towards my work makes it easy for me to stay at Northwestern.

“I believe the main reason for so many Arabs to move into journalism, is terrorism. It is really sad and unfortunate but I feel this is the reality. People here want to change the American viewpoint of Arabs and the Muslim world. They want to tell stories from their point of view and change the present mindset of the people.”

Florent D’Souza–Indian (Communication) 

“First of all, in the communication programme, the ratio is almost equal as we have seven boys and 13 girls, which isn’t bad.  I think communication is not regarded sexist by the society but when it comes to journalism, people consider it to be feminine and not professional even though we have a lot of male journalists.

“In the American system, all degrees are considered to be equal but here in this part of the world there is a hierarchy in education. “Qataris realise the value of education being provided to them by reputable American universities here. They want to study here so that they can aid in the productivity of their own country.”

Ola Diab - Sudanese (Journalism)

“Curiosity is a girl’s thing and writing is a female talent. Girls always love to know things. Men in Qatar are more exposed to local issues than women because women often don’t get a chance. Their desire to explore more about an issue concerning them is what draws them to this profession. There are a lot of problems which need to break out and women getting educated is helping this process, as Qatari women are realising this and that is one of the reasons they are stepping into these professions.”

Lolwa Al Jefairi-Qatari (Communication)

“First of all, the country needs people in these fields because most of the journalists here are Egyptians or Lebanese. Moreover, Northwestern University is one of the prestigious universities for studying journalism and communication.

“The opportunities in the coming years are amazing with the Media City coming up. We have an excellent chance to promote Qatari culture and I think it would be best done if we, Qataris do it.

“I think Qatari boys usually don’t opt for these courses because they feel journalism and communication courses can be learned through workshops and extra-circular activities. If we are considering the gender factor, during my admissions I found that girls outnumbered boys even at the Evanston campus (main campus of Northwestern University) in US. So it isn’t a cultural issue, probably it’s all around the world that more girls opt for journalism and communication courses.”

Adrian Hall - Canadian (Journalism)

“A lot more women dominate journalism and communication courses springs from the fact that men had the power role in this part of the world for a longer period of time. All of a sudden this part of the world has opened up and women are rebounding. They are coming from a place where there was not much freedom and now with the advancements taking place in Qatar, they are taking complete advantage of it.

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=November2008&file=Local_News200811105378.xml

‘Irresponsible media diluting values’

Web posted at: 11/11/2008 9:15:18

Source ::: The Peninsula

Abdul Latif Al Mahmoud, General Manager of Dar Al Sharq and Editor-in-Chief of Al Sharq, interviewing H H Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned.

H H Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned underscores the role of ethical media in building a bright future for youth in an exclusive interview with Abdul Latif Al Mahmoud, General Manager of Dar Al Sharq and Editor-in-Chief of Al Sharq

Sheikha Mozah clarified that if we considered responsible Media as a strategic factor in enlightenment and development, we would consider it as an important support for the reinforcement of family and the educational message. We must not let some vulgar satellite TV channels to be a source of diluting the deeply rooted moral and social norms of our society, or hinder our lawful educational and scientific ambitions. How could educational institutes who are seeding scientific enlightenment, let such channels to spread toxic effect on their minds, making our youth look stranger in their own society, remote from their roots and heritage”

She said we are facing a great challenge that requires patience; it is illogical for the recommendations brought by the forum to take effect in one day. From here comes the importance of initiating our campaign titled “towards responsible media space”, representing an anticipation mechanism enabling us to have the necessary protection before diseases reach us and become more severe.

Sheikha Mozah was particularly emphatic on the parent’s role, supervision and follow up of their wants, part of parent’s social and family responsibilities. She said what is more important than this is to strengthen Qatari, Gulf and Arab youth’s self-immunity. With this, fruitful cooperation between media and family institutions may be accomplished, she added.

In reply to a question about her call during the forum about the importance of collaboration to fight media illiteracy, and whether this role was restricted to official sectors, or private sectors needed to participate more positively, she said: “I think we cannot make a separation between the roles played by private and government sectors to deal with media illiteracy. It is wrong to continue relying on governments for everything. We must realise the importance and value of civil society roles, and it is a responsibility that must be understood such as the case of education. It is wrong to think that official educational tools are the only one responsible for fighting educational illiteracy. There should be collaboration in efforts, whether it was an official or civil society initiative to accomplish a mission whose value is very clear, which is fighting media illiteracy”

Sheikha Mozah rejected the view that the initiative was a call for enforcing censorship on media. She added that freedom of speech and opinion is respected and praised in Qatar. Nothing could prove this more then the Emir who always insists on this issue in all his speeches. This is one of our country’s choices and invariables. We talk here only about vulgar media, and we talk about vulgar commercials, there are some commercials that convey no message at all, strangely enough, some are made as if it is apparently directed to our Islamic societies, while it is totally contradicting our ethics, society, and culture. This is what makes me reemphasize on the responsibility of media apparatuses”.

She added: “Today, we invest large sums of money on education, science, and research… in human resources, Today, we spend a lot of money, and the Emir always calls for directing attention towards young people… they are the real investment, the future…if youth lost their belief in ethics and virtues…it’s over. We would be building our future on quick sand. We wish that media would help us fulfill our goals; negative approaches will not do us well! Reliance will not do us well! Our efforts need to be unified…she stressed again on the role youth play by saying “My hope is in the youth”.

She concluded that responsible media presents good examples to be followed; such good examples are the ones to be emulated and not those freaky images that creep into youth’s imagination in our region, through such TV channels that take advantage of the spare time youth have. Filling the vacuum with intruder programmes that do not have anything to do with our cultural fabric, and other exported metamorphosed material laden with ethics opposite to ours, and costumes dissimilar to ours, and manners different from what we have, blind imitation without calculating the grave consequences coming from it.

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&month=November2008&file=Local_News2008111191518.xml