Discursive trends in Arab Media.

Leaving alone the professional standards of Arab media and the selection of editors and anchors , I shall have a quick look on its discourse as regards our positioning, sel-image, and relation with other entities.

Three mainlines define the discourse in media. However, the lines are inconsistent with each other, leading in most cases to a confused relayed message and incapacity on part of the citizens to self-identify and understand the orientation of their countries. The upshot is a confounded worldview, big potential for misunderstanding, and difficulty in understanding one’s true and realistic role in the national context. Although such state is to a large extent a function of the missing rigorous professional standards and effective criteria in selecting the personnel, the biggest part of the problem is an outcome of lack of cohesive vision by the state with respect to the relation of our modern past to our present , it’s understanding of the concept of development, and a missing solid and workable vision for the future.

The discourse comprises three mainlines which are a disconcerted and random amalgam constructed by the state from three late eras: the postcolonial one, the conservative 70s, and, the frozen status quo era of the 80s and 90s. It has been the case through the 00s and 2010s. The first line is about invisible enemies or rivals targeting our development plans, progress, and stability. The second is about the precedence of our Islamic values as defined by the deep village—not fundamentally different from the tenets of political Islam– whereas the third is about the prominence of stability in our agenda in order to facilitate the relentless efforts of our benevolent government in the provision of sustenance and the essentials of life to an irresponsible and uneducated populace.

Obviously, the three lines are inconsistent. Worse, the lines contradict each other and hence the abovementioned confusion can be brought under the spotlight. In Morocco and Saudi Arabia, media seem to be aligned with a clear and gradually evolving vision for the way forward in spite of the lack of comprehensive freedoms. Both discourse and level of freedom evolve to match the general cultural state.

Media in the Arab world is centered around three axes. Deriding views opposing the formal one and opposition figures using the basest techniques. Second, mouthing semi-factual propaganda pieces. Endless talk about conspiracy theories. And when it comes to handling unpolitical or neutral subjects, a single theory or explanation is used neglecting the whole ensemble of different theories and explanations. Such lack of decent professional standards further exacerbates the confusion induced by the state of media in the Arab World.

Finally to wrap up, I would venture to the think that the kernel of the dismal state of media is the lack of an intelligent and sustainable definition of identity, of clear positioning, and of a realistic vision for the future.