War Correspondent Stresses Importance Of Waging Battle Against False News

Al Arabiya journalist has filmed a rare military movie

A celebrated Arab war correspondent said journalists have a responsibility to report the truth especially with regard to the humanitarian operation in Yemen.

“We have to respect our profession’s ability to convey the truth just as doctors specialise in treating injuries. It is not for people who are jobless who propagate falsehood. I’m jealous of jobless people who pretend to be journalists,” said Mohammad Al Arab speaking on the subject ‘The Fight Against Fake News’ on the opening day of the Arab Media Forum in Dubai on Tuesday.

Held under the patronage of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, from 3-4 April 2018, the 17^th edition of the Arab Media Forum (AMF) has brought together more than 3,000 prominent regional and international media figures and thought leaders.

Apart from high-profile local speakers, the two-day event features 50 speakers representing 20 countries from across the Arab region and the world. Under the theme ‘Impactful Media Trends’, prominent media personalities, writers, influencers and academics are sharing their views on diverse issues at the Forum with the aim of forging a new vision for the media.

Mohammad Al Arab stressed the importance of being on the ground to portray the real picture and combat the false news.

“It is an extremely dangerous situation to be in. We as journalists are targets not only of the militias but also Qatar media. False media are creating all these illusions which are not fair. We have to convince people that we are providing them with a true picture when you are there on the ground,” said Mohammad Al Arab who is  determined to go back to the theatre of action after recovering from his injuries.

“The problem in military correspondence or war journalism is you are always in the thick of action. You are not just a conveyor of the news. You have to avoid not to become the news when you are killed or injured,” said the veteran Bahraini journalist who is considered one of the most important war correspondents in the world.

“I have covered 10 wars in over 61 countries. I shot and edited a film that is considered a rare military movie,” said the Lead Al Arabiya correspondent detailing the horrifying experiences in Yemen.

“I believe we are in need of a new generation of war journalists, those who have a military background ideally, because this topic has become the most important issue in the world. We need an eye we can trust and in order to tell us a story about what is happening,” said Mohammad Al Arab making a passionate plea to the new generation to take up war journalism to report the truth.