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This study explores differences in journalistic practice between two newspapers in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The authors compare one month of coverage of the National, an English-language newspaper, and Al Ittihad, an Arabic-language newspaper, to examine how each critically reports the news. This research aims to understand how both newspapers construct news for the audiences they serve and, in turn, understand the extent to which each newspaper affects the formation of media literacy within the United Arab Emirates. Using Kovach and Rosenthiel’s Principles of Journalism as a theoretical foundation, this study uses textual analysis to examine the presentation of photos, placement of articles, and the construction and omission of news. The conclusions provide insight into the differences in journalism practices between the two newspapers.
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By Dr. Matt J. Duffy, Zayed University
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
and
Dr. Saba ElGhul-Bebawi,
Swinburne University of Technology
Melbourne, Australia
Same place, different media literacy?:
A comparison of Arabic- and English-language newspapers in the United Arab
Emirates
Presentation for AUSACE 2011 conference • Beirut, Oct. 28-Nov. 1
Like most Arab countries, ranked ‘Not Free’ by Freedom House
But, as Rugh (2004) notes UAE newspapers ‘do show independence of the government in criticizing the work of various ministries, such as health, labor, and education’
Few protections for journalistsleave journalists erring on the side of caution
• Journalist who cross ‘red lines’worry about fines, loss of visa – but no longer jail
Overview of press freedom in UAE
Founded in 2008 to provide growing Abu Dhabi an English-language newspaper
Venture of government-owned Abu Dhabi Media Company
Enter The National newspaper
Chairman said The National ‘was born out of a vision that recognizes the key role that a free, professional and enlightened press plays in the national development process’
Enter The National newspaper
H.E. Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei
Hired 200 Western journalists
Editor from UK’s Telegraph newspaperHe left post after a year
Paper looks as good as any large metropolitan daily
Other paper in Abu Dhabi is Arabic-language daily, Al IttihadAlso government owned
Two newspapers serve Abu Dhabi
Does The National succeed in bringing Western-style journalism to the UAE?Or does self-censorship
prevail?How does coverage in
The National differ from coverage in Al Ittihad?
How about a Critical Discourse Analysis to find out?
Some questions
‘Media Literacy’ literature‘Principles of Journalism’
by Kovach and RosenthielTruth and verification Loyalty to citizensIndependence from powerful
figures and institutionsSpace for public criticism and
compromiseComprehensive and proportional
reporting
Theoretical grounding
Examined April 2011Qualitative analysisFour questions:
Is it clear from the reporting that the newspaper is interested in verification and truth-telling?
Do the journalists serve as independent monitors of power?
Are the people interviewed allowed to offer criticism and debate issues?
Do the reports offer a comprehensive review of the news, or do they highlight some elements while omitting others?
Methodology
Newspapers took dramatically different tacks toward reporting the news
Pictures on front page offer starkest example…
Results
How The National differs from all the other UAE newspapers…
The National never published a government press release without at least some additional reporting
Al Ittihad would often run press releases verbatim with government news agency tag (WAM)
Results
National reporting would feature interviews with residents as well as government officialsTook impartial tack
Al Ittihad would only interview government officials; perspective of residents would be voiced as journalists opinionNo ‘man on the street’ interviews
Results
Both papers would independently monitor those in power (at least criticize)
Both unlikely to identify exactly what official may be in charge of problemAl Ittihad less likely than The
NationalAl Ittihad didn’t cover court/crime
during sample monthBusiness coverage in news
section (of both) was mostly toothless
Results
The National offered more coverage of Arab SpringNearly every picture on
front page in April focused on uprisingsAl Ittihad offered only two photos of
Arab Spring during AprilBoth papers offered muted coverage
of Bahrain, an ally of UAEFive democracy advocates arrested for
“insulting rulers” in UAEAl Ittihad only reported arrests via
editorialThe National reported them after
official word
Results: Arab Spring
From 7Days (Dubai
Tabloid)
The National offered many examples upholding ‘principles of journalism’
Impartial reporting, verificationDistinction between news and
editorialBut self-censorship persisted
in certain areasMonitoring of powerful impaired
by avoidance of naming namesAlso business (in the news section)
reporting notably restrained
Discussion
Al Ittihad creates quite a different ‘media literacy’
Journalism of ‘assertion’ rather than ‘verification’
No distinction between opinion and impartial news
No quotes from residents, just government officials, other public figures Impact on participation?
Little accountability for those in positions of authority. Why?
Discussion
Audience study would help further explore findings
Are these findings unique or is Arab journalism much like Al Ittihad?Are these characteristics all due to
government restrictions?What is impact of Al Ittihad’s
coverage on participation? Culture?Prickly issues surround these
findings Is there a “right” way to do
journalism?
Conclusion
Thanks for listening!
Paper, presentation available on
www.academia.edu/mattjduffy
@mattjduffy
www.mattjduffy.com
