Media integrity should not be compromised

Although there are a number of young Emirati media graduates waiting to be absorbed in the local media sector, there seem to be less takers, says expert.

By Ahmed Shaaban/senior Reporter

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Published: Fri 28 Nov 2014, 12:40 AM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 8:48 PM

Mohammed Al Mahmood and Faisal bin Huraiz discuss professionalism in media during one of the sessions at the forum in Dubai on Wednesday. — KT photo by Shihab

Professionalism cannot be compromised at any cost – that’s what brings respect to the media. This was the message conveyed by Mohammed Al Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Media Company, to the audience at the second edition of the ‘Emirati Media Forum’ that took place on Wednesday.

“When it comes to Emiratisation, professionalism comes first, at least at the Abu Dhabi Media Company,” Al Mahmood said.

“However, we should support and create an enabling environment for the young Emirati graduates who deserve the opportunity to become good media professionals. We, at the Abu Dhabi Media Company, are focused on creating a strong Emirati national talent pool along with developing leadership within the organisation.”

He said his company wants more national media content developed by UAE nationals that would reflect the national identity and culture of the emirates going forward. ‘‘However, to achieve that, we need to develop more and more Emirati professionals in the media industry.”

“Our pay packages are very competitive, compared to Emirati nationals’ salary benefits in other sectors, and therefore, we attract new professionals.”

When it comes to leadership development, Al Mahmood said, there are two models – the internal and external ones. “We prefer the internal leadership development programme. We have a very strong in-house human resource and leadership programme. We prefer to train our own colleagues and promote them to leadership positions when we find them capable and confident for the job,” he said.

“The other option of hiring a leader from outside is always there. However, we prefer internal leadership development.”

However, although there are a number of young Emirati media graduates waiting to be absorbed in the local media sector, there seem to be less takers, said panel anchor Faisal bin Huraiz, a media expert.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com


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