Sharjah: The 11th edition of International Government Communications Forum was held this year under the theme "Challenges and Solutions" to emphasis the importance of communications and effective messaging.
Journalism plays a crucial role in conveying the message that the government relies on to link citizens with the state apparatus. Journalists' role has changed due to the advent of social media, which has begun to have a profound effect on audience mindsets.
As social media picks up pace – technologically as well as in terms of reach - it can also become a double-edged sword in spreading disinformation and rumour.
On the sidelines of the forum, Abdullah bin Salim al Shuaili, Editor of Chief of Oman Daily Observer, said that the field of journalism is not limited to media alone, as social media – with its inherent power and reach - demonstrates.
“Thus you have a doctor who instantly transforms into a journalist and begins sharing health advice and medical insights. In the same vein, an economist or an engineer believes they can be journalists as well. Consequently, the practice of information dissemination can no longer be limited to journalists or media professionals alone. A doctor’s message can reach as big an audience as a journalist’s simply because the former can communicate his message directly and effectively to his audience using social media platforms,” Al Shuaili said.
He further added: “The current era of journalism is no longer the exclusive domain of journalists. But what differentiates journalists from other professions is their general understanding of editing guidelines, editorial policies, and journalism ethics.”
In response to a query, Al Shuaili clarified that editorial policies and professional ethics are imbibed by journalists from their workplace. Press policy, on the other hand, is completely different.
Despite the turbulent times it’s been through, journalism continues to be a very interesting profession, he added.
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