SILVER LININGMedia and the post-elections challenges [Archives:2006/988/Opinion]

Mohammed Al-Qadhi
We noticed that the performance of the media during the presidential and local elections last September had improved a lot. Part of the reason why the elections campaigns were heated is the open coverage of the elections rallies by the state-run broadcast media. It played an instrumental role in influencing the public opinion as the people felt for the first time in their lives that they can hear and listen to people of different positions, despite all irregularities of the media coverage, voting and counting processes. This is an excellent experience which has shown clearly how broadcast media is influential in a society that is still plagued with a high rate of illiteracy.

Some might argue that the airing of the speeches of the candidates helped accelerating the concerns and worries of the people. However, it has been a good step for a genuine and open contest. I understand the time space and quality of coverage given to the candidates is not balanced. But, the people were able to listen to different opinions and to some people criticizing for the first time and through these media outlets the government and its policies.

This demonstrates the tremendous influence of the broadcast media that is always voicing only one opinion. It is the government's voice that is always heard. This monopoly of the state over broadcast media does not go in line with Yemen's attempts to democratize. Liberation of media is at the core of any true democracy. I guess we can not claim to be democratic while the most important form of media is controlled by the state. It is the right of the people to operate and run radio and TV stations where the public can take their decisions on the basis of good knowledge and information.

The government always shows concerns that such liberation of broadcast media will not help unite the people and will help incite religious and sectarian conflicts. This concern is not justified as all these media outlets have to respect laws and regulations.

Another relevant point is the question of the print media, mainly the independent newspapers which are very few. Some of these newspapers did a wonderful job during elections and even before elections. In fact, some of these newspapers including the party ones have played an excellent role in widening up the scope of freedom, encouraging the opposition coalition to heighten opposition to the government.

During the elections, some of these print and online newspapers could not resist the lures of the politicians and easily fell into the trap of political containments. Yet, some could resist and cling to professionalism. They did a good job and have to continue.

Despite of the substantial difficulties these newspapers are facing, some of them have been influential enough to get the response of the people in charge. However, the most important challenge ahead them is their ability to widen their outreach and influence the general public. I know that illiteracy is a real headache, but even among the literate people, the newspapers are not influential enough. It is still restricted to the elites which is not enough. They have to turn into a public journalism where the readers can have a proactive role with and be part of the editorial staff of these newspapers.

The question of the draft press law which is stuck at the Shoura council at the moment is another challenge that awaits all the journalists and the government.

It is true that the elections have put the journalists apart due to the political polarizations. And their upcoming challenge is to stand together and fight for a better press law as they did before.

The government is confronted with its commitments to the journalist and international community to not respect media freedom and not to pass any law that would put more restrictions to media.

Mohammed Al-Qadhi is a Yemeni journalist and columnist.

([email protected])
——
[archive-e:988-v:14-y:2006-d:2006-10-09-p:opinion]