The status of many members and groups of Arab society is
in flux. With the growing number of refugee communities, the rise of extremist
platforms and groups, rampant corruption and highly politicized sectarian and
nationalistic rhetoric, the opportunities for participation in social and
political processes feel limited to many. Societies are divided, their social
fabrics are frayed, making them less able to cope with the crises they are
facing. Yet, we live in a world where technology, information and media flows
should help to build a more inclusive society that celebrates diversity and
identity. This is a region that speaks
the same language and therefore the transnational potential of the Arabic media
is profound. Journalists should be raising awareness amongst citizens on the
importance of a cohesive society, developing bonds and cross-cutting ties that
overcome its divisions and providing solutions to prevent exclusion.
The relationship between the media and social cohesion is
a complex one, but there is no denying that media coverage shapes society’s
perceptions of reality and “the other”. In 2017, UNDP commissioned Thomson
Reuters Foundation to develop a training handbook that can offer journalists
across the Arabic-speaking guidance on how to report on issues in a manner that
might contribute to social cohesion across the region. The aim of the handbook
is to initiate a discussion and contribute to develop training material that
can be used by various parties to advance the role journalists can play in
developing stronger bonds between all members of the community, marginalized or
otherwise.
It is important to recognize the conditions under which
Arab journalists are currently performing their roles. It is a known fact that
the media milieu across the region is highly politicized and subject to many of
the same issues that afflict both political and civil society. The case studies and exercises adopted in
this handbook will therefore take into account some of the structural
circumstances, hierarchies and decision-making practices that afflict output. The
handbook, which should be viewed as a living document, seeks to reflect ethical
media practice and principles.