Media & Information |
The UAE’s aim is to enhance transparency by guaranteeing free access to
information, unless such information is protected under the law. With regard to
internal reform of the media, progress is largely dependent upon media personnel
themselves and their ability to strike a balance between professional needs and
responsibilities in terms of the way they deliver their message. This issue is
being addressed through a better understanding of the role of the media in
communicating information in a credible manner, based on truth and accuracy.
Innovative thinking and dialogue are being encouraged and the media is free to question government and criticise its policies – if there is something to be criticised. In this way the media is better able to serve as the conscience, eyes, and voice of public opinion. In so doing it is earning the confidence of the public and ensuring a more buoyant future for its own services. Media organisations such as Emirates Media Incorporated (EMI) are playing important roles in development of the media in the UAE. As the largest and most diversified media corporation, not only in the UAE but throughout the Arab world, EMI has interests in all branches of media – television, radio, print, publishing and distribution, and the Internet.
While the government has relinquished formal control over EMI, ownership is still officially vested in the government and the corporation remains partially dependent on government funding. Nevertheless, EMI enjoys administrative and editorial independence and functions very much as a private company. The Emirates News Agency (WAM) provides news in Arabic and English, together with pictures and news video clips. It has kept pace with rapid changes in communications technology and now makes extensive use of the Internet. Its easily navigated, revamped duallanguage website (www.wam.org.ae) presents news text and pictures online. The Ministry of Information and Culture’s comprehensive website (www.uaeinteract.com) also provides up-to-date news features on the UAE.
Thirteen national newspapers are published in the UAE, seven Arabic, Al Ittihad, Akhbar al-Arab, Al Fajr and Al Wahda, published in Abu Dhabi, Al Bayan and Emirat al-Yom, published in Dubai, and Al Khaleej, published in Sharjah, and six English, Gulf News, Khaleej Times, Seven Days, Evening Post and Emirates Today published in Dubai and Gulf Today, published in Sharjah. Many overseas newspapers also circulate freely in the country. At the latest count, there were 158 magazines and journals (65 in Arabic and 93 in English) published by local and national organisations, while many international magazines are also available. Many of the publications produced in the UAE have active websites.
The UAE has numerous indigenous television channels. Some focus on Arab culture and identity, others on business and sport. Broadcasting in Arabic and English, these include Abu Dhabi TV, Emirates Channel, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel, Dubai 33, Sharjah Channel 22 and Ajman Channel 4. Despite their national epithets, many of the UAE’s television broadcasts are available internationally, via satellite. Emirates Cable TV and Multimedia (E-Vision), the only digital cable TV service provider in the UAE, provides over 70 channels, including a variety that offer programming in over 14 languages and premium packages from ART, Showtime and B4U. Radio stations include popular English language stations such as Abu Dhabi Capital Radio, Dubai FM 92, Channel 4 FM, and Emirates 1 and 2 FM, along with UAE Radio Ra’s al-Khaimah.
The quality of programming is high and covers a wide range of interests. Some radio programmes are also available on the Internet. Dubai Media City (DMC) has become an international centre for media-based operations. It is now a thriving media community with a sophisticated infrastructure that hosts broadcasting companies, TV channels and numerous associated media production companies and individual freelancers. Key global companies in DMC include Reuters, CNN, CNBC, MBC, Sony, Bertelsmann, BMG, the Associated Press and McGraw Hill. CNN runs its Arabic news website and regional news bureau from DMC.
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