Public media accountability: media journalism, engaged publics and critical media literacy in the MENA

The flow of information, news and views in the Arab world is expanding exponentially, with countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran increasing their presence through a new wave of multiplatform journalistic networks. This proliferation of news channels makes it challenging for Arab publics to navigate the available information sources and form informed views. This study examines the ways in which Arab citizens, as media users, could be enabled to influence news media conduct and thus enhance media practicioners’ commitment toward ethical journalistic practices and standards, particularly accuracy, balance and fairness. It aims to explore the possibilities of making pan-Arab news media accountable to their publics, refocusing their attention on citizens rather than sponsors and governments. The first section provides an overview of the current state of accountability of the pan-Arab news media with a focus on state-funded broadcasters. Section two looks at the current and emerging media practices and internet-based forms of professional and public accountability in Arab countries. Section three investigates the role of critical media literacy in bolstering the value and effect of current forms of public accountability. Arab media are facing new forms of professional and public accountability and, although in its infancy, critical media literacy is a central factor in fostering and shaping this. This is both essential to the development of constructive and engaging forms of critique and questioning of media performance, role, content and conduct; and in widening the practice of critical media questioning and criticism to other members of the public.