Al Romaihi: Keep abreast of media developments

Kuwait : Media forums in the Arab world are an important platform to exchange experiences on various issues pertaining to the media and telecommunication sector, Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi has said.

Addressing the 15th session of the Arab Media Forum held under the patronage of Kuwaiti Prime Minister Shaikh Jaber Al Mubarak Al Hamad Al Sabah, he said an in-depth study is required on fast-paced media developments, pointing out the role of media forums and their contribution to working out effective solutions in this respect. 

He thanked the Kuwaiti Prime Minister for patronising the event and the Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah for his presence and interest in such Arab media gatherings. He also thanked the organisers, including the forum Secretary General Madhi Khamis, for the good organisation and hospitality.

During his participation in a panel discussion, held under the theme “Media in a Changing World”, the Information Minister spotlighted a number of issues pertaining to the media and telecommunication sector in the Arab world, pointing out the increasing role of the Internet in disseminating information. He underlined the need to change continuously the media approaches in the Arab world in order to cope with ongoing and rapid changes in this sector. He also affirmed the importance of raising awareness of the existence of non-specialised analysts, pointing out the role of training in boosting competence. 

The Information Minister underscored the importance of maintaining communication to face rumours, pointing out the recent misuse of social media networks. 

Responding to a question on the Arab societies’ vision about the West, he explained that the western mass media have a lot of problems, especially regarding the ethics of the profession, credibility and corruption. 

He also warned of the role and danger of social media networks in shaping personality and identity, stressing the need for parents to step up control on their children and deal scientifically with technological progress to foster national unity.