Part I: Media and Journalism
The sources of news stories were chosen based on reliability and diversity of information. The sources include Khaleej Times, Gulf Today, Gulf Business, and Twitter. The media sources provide reports on various issues informing citizens on daily happenings based on data indicators, law relevance, data from financial markets and expert opinions. Also, they are privately owned, which means that the government can only control output through the provisions of Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) but not for its agenda. Still, they also include the oldest news establishment that continues to enjoy longevity. For instance, Khaleej and Gulf news was launched in 1978 with coverage in major areas in UAE, providing stories on various public issues with its vast employee diversity. Ideally, through Gulf business, viewers are educated on basic and complex investment facts.
Credibility is determined based on the competency of information provided to the audience. According to Calvo-Porral et al. (2014), credibility is created from the consumer’s standpoint on communication media. If the press backs up the information with facts from viable sources, its credibility is positively impacted. Through a credible brand model, the test can identify just how the press makes judgments based on facts or opinions. Indeed as viewers, how news or stories are reported to shape the image of an entity and loyalty. For instance, a report must be believable backed up by facts and not opinions of the corporation. As such, bias is minimized since evidence determines accuracy.
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The audience has an ethical responsibility to evaluate online sources to minimize the spread of fake news. As users, we can assess online platforms such as Facebook pages, websites, and links to determine the source and necessary details such as date, writer, and research sources for relevancy. For instance, verified Twitter accounts, Facebook can help indicate whether the source is independent, transparent before we share content. Indeed, we should not be the first to spread rumors that are yet to be verified by persons of interest or agencies.
Viewers have a moral responsibility to follow diverse sources with varying perspectives. Through reliance on core news sources well known to people such as CNN, Khaleej, and BBC, we reduce the odds of sharing the wrong data. Lia and Suh (2015) argue that medium dependency encourages trustworthiness and the likelihood to provide credible information. Since these sources are backed up by a substantial international presence, resources, and years of credible data, we embark on facts other than rumors.
Part II: Government and Media Systems
Yes, freedom of the press should thrive to ensure transparency of information. When the government regulates media corporations, there is a likelihood of advancing state interests that do not represent the public's facts or will. Also, governments increase bias and incentivize the government for deeds that should otherwise require clarification (Gehlbach &Sonin 2014). Contrary, press freedom advances the need to seek the truth that would not be afforded anywhere else for the public. As such, a free press encourages democracy since citizens decide on national issues based on valuable facts. To align points with political power, we must receive data backed up by evidence from credible sources.
A free press is the medium of social function, diversity, and coverage. When social issues do not get the attention they deserve from governments, people can only rely on outlets to correct the situation. For instance, journalists' coverage in 2019 was a critical element in shading light on President Abdul-Aziz, an authoritarian. When local news channels fear the regime's cruelty, the international media presence ensure they address the needs of millions who are being silenced. Regardless of religion, race, or age, media that is not restricted can navigate various locations that do not have independent outlets.
Reporters can ensure social responsibility through respectful reporting that adheres to cultural norms. In every society, people have different beliefs, laws, and customs that are part and parcel of who they are. Also, they show respect through being sensitive in the choice of words that are socially non-acceptable such as "fat," they are used to bombings." Hence, even in the presentation of facts, they should be respectful to the public. As Uzuegbunam (2015) outlines, society is entitled to judge news outlets based on whether they feel honored or not. Although journalists have the freedom to publish, they must self-regulate what they say, where, and whom.
Prior verification information before reporting would be impactful. In essence, it is responsible for asking oneself the impact non verified information could have on a population. For instance, an investigation on election fraud should be backed up by months of assessment and evaluation of data that does not misguide the public. Uzuegbunam (2015) suggests that reporters have an individualistic role in providing access to the day's intelligence on context reporting that is comprehensive and truthful. Hence, being a watchdog and service to the people requires intensive research and reporting.
Part III: Ethical considerations in the Media
Journalists must ensure they report factual information. Amid COVID-19, any misinformation that is different from set guidelines could result in fatality. Through twitter hashtags, such as #coronavirusUAE, those who spread the non-verified information risk exposing people to the virus. Nonetheless, any reporter that contradicts the official statement in the UAE risks being fined $5500 as punishment (Khaleej Times, 2020). To minimize such, they have to verify data in showing pandemic figures that might exaggerate the real situation. One way to do so is by acquiring an expert opinion before reporting medical facts that a journalist might not understand.
Reporting should be free of racial bias and religious bias. When the originality of the virus has received immense publicity, it is upon reporters to inform without discriminating certain persons in society. Indeed, Gulf Today has been at the forefront of airing stories to prevent discrimination of expatriate workers from South Asia since UAE relies on such workers for development (Gulf Today, 2020). However, the media house has also been criticized for supporting pro-state propaganda. Therefore, allowing bias information to thrive on websites encourages prejudice for victims of the pandemic.
Source confidentiality must be considered to protect the whistleblowers. For doctors, nurses, and other whistleblowers, any information shared on patients' condition or management in private must be respected. Journalists must not assume that it will be acceptable if they are named without their knowledge. If consent is not given, it should not be forced to make stories more compelling. In a country where the government does not appreciate criticism of policies or economic progress, those who disclose facts deserve protection.
Equal regional reporting is essential in reaching out to remote areas. UAE media houses are at the forefront of airing government directives to create awareness in non-serviceable areas and remote places. As the pandemic continues, it is reasonable to engage in vivid reporting to inform every citizen. Indeed, for most UAE named media houses, the financial burden of reaching various geographic locations is considered, resulting in a lack of information for the elderly in the remote areas.
They should avoid sensationalism that leads to fear-mongering. As much as exciting stories result in viewership, it is best to reduce images that intensify anxiety for a population that is already traumatized in times of a pandemic. For reporters, accessing COVID -19 wards could be a way to show that the illness is real, but they must consider that those people have families while the public could result to fear based on what they see.
References
Calvo-Porral, C.,Fernández, V. A., & Juanatey, B. Ó. (2014). Mass Communication Media Credibility: An approach from the Credible Brand Model. Intercom- Revista Brasileira de Ciencias da Comunicaçao . 37. 21-44.
Gehlbach, S., &Sonin, K. (2014). Government Control of the Media. Journal of Public Economics , vol. 118, pp. 163-171.
Gulf Today. (2020). Gulf coronavirus racism scandals shine a light on conditions for migrants. https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/gulf-coronavirus-racism-scandals-shine-light-on-conditions-for-migrants-35494
Khaleej Times. (, 2020). UAE ministry rubbishes rumors about 'another lockdown.' https://www.khaleejtimes.com/coronavirus-pandemic/uae-ministry-rubbishes-rumours-about-another-lockdown
Lia, R., & Suh, A.( 2015). Factors Influencing Information credibility on Social Media Platforms: Evidence from Facebook Pages. 72. 314 – 328.
Uzuegbunam, C. (2015). THE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY THEORY OF THE PRESS: A CONTEMPORARY REVIEW.
