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Pen is mightier than the sword

Of late, social media, for instance, has been playing out unchecked, unregulated - often with damaging consequences.

With great power, comes great responsibility. That was the underlying message His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, sent out while addressing a gathering of local editors and journalists on Sunday. Shaikh Mohammed was unequivocal about the media needing to be the harbinger of objective reportage and analyses - and was quite a contrast to the external perception are that the media (in the region) is somewhat "muffled". "A balanced media is a source of hope that will help the region face its growing challenges," he said. But even as he spoke of countering challenges by keeping everyone in the loop via balanced and fair media coverage, he exhorted reporters and editors to propagate traditional values and Islamic teachings for the Arab youth - the "true treasure of the nation" - to be in line with their rich cultural heritage.
Of late, social media, for instance, has been playing out unchecked, unregulated - often with damaging consequences. A lot of irresponsible opinions and judgement calls are being made in an era where fact-checking and proper research have almost become casualties. News pegs and trends are being captured from personal social media accounts, Twitter handles and Facebook feeds are now leading the "breaking news" charge; at times, these have no basis in reality. Shaikh Mohammed is asking for overall accountability and credibility from the fourth estate, so that a thoughtful mindset can be cultivated among those who are most impressionable at this crossroad where information is available at the click of a button: the youth. The power of the media cannot be underestimated; it's still the only viable source of all information (the next option is perhaps drawing room gossip). This has been a timely reminder of what can be achieved through "responsible" media coverage. The UAE, always in the forefront of meaningful exchange, has sounded the clarion call for rejuvenating the fourth estate.