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Self-censored journalists
LATIFA AL KARRANI
Journalism is responsibility. Latifa Al Karrani/DWC
Journalism is considered a tool
that communicates the truth,
but what happens when some
journalists decide to cut out the
truth? What happens when they
intentionally decide not to talk
about certain issues? Is it selfcensorship?
Self-censorship is the act of
censoring one’s expression for
several reasons. The practice of
self-censorship is a double-edged
sword with value placed on both
freedom and individuality.
Journalism in the UAE
Journalists know what is permissible
and what is not and in most
cases they decide not to cross
boundaries. They choose not
to deal with complex or controversial
issues even though, and
according to the National Media
Council, they have the freedom to
do so. “There is a new law which
protects journalists from being
sent to jail for carrying out their
duties and instead imposes fines,”
confirms Ibrahim Al Abed, the
Director-General of the National
Media Council that oversees the
UAE media.
In the United Arab Emirates, selfcensorship
is common amongst
local journalists; they tend to be
cautious in what they cover.
Some believe it is necessary
to practice self-censorship to
maintain harmony among people
from all walks of life. “Journalism
is more art than science; it has
red lines and essential points that
must be adhered to. Journalists
should practice self-censorship
because reporting is a huge
responsibility. Some journalists
exaggerate some issues, which
aggravate community problems
and cause public confusion. Our
community is conservative, it’s a
fact,” explains Geehan Al Shoieri,
Editor at Al Khaleej Newspaper.
Reasons
Different journalists identified
similar reasons for why they selfcensor
their work. The conservative
local society is an important factor,
they say. They do not want to be
criticized for discussing sensitive
issues; therefore, they create a
zone through which they filter
the content before offering it to
the public. Playing it safe is their
preference. Rafeeq Al Jerjawi,
Deputy Managing Editor of
Emirates Today, talks about why
journalists practice self-censorship.
“The majority of stories are often
or sometimes avoided because of
the complexity of society, plus the
fear of pressure. Embarrassment
of being criticized by society is
basically what stops journalists
from writing about some issues.”
Another reason is that societies
are usually divided into opponents
and proponents of certain issues
and journalists take this into
account to avoid creating conflict.
A local journalist in one of the
Arabic newspapers who asked not
to be identified confesses: “Yes, I
do practice self-censorship. There
are issues I can discuss with my
readers, but I decide not to write
about topics or issues I can’t solve.
I don’t write to create a buzz.”
THEY
(JOURNALISTS)
DO NOT WANT
TO BE CRITICIZED
FOR DISCUSSING
SENSITIVE ISSUES...
Public’s rights
Certain issues are kept hidden
from the public, but members
of society demand the right to
receive the news. “If journalism
was meant to deliver the news,
why not do it fully. It is a matter
of personal prejudice. I will decide
what I want to know. Let them
write about everything, we have
the right to be aware,” says Aisha
Abdulla, a teacher.
In response, Haitham Ahli, global
management graduate, offers a
different perspective. “In my point
of view, censorship is part of society;
there are occasions when it is
necessary for journalists to self-
censor. It has many benefits, and
it must be exercised to avoid
conflict in society itself.”
How much self-censorship
is being practiced?
The amount of self-censorship
practiced in the UAE can be
measured through the sensation
and buzz in society, which is almost
fictional in the UAE. Nassir Al.R,
a retired journalist who worked
for eight years in Al Bayan Newspaper
believes “self-censorship
lives inside all writers. It is the
voice of fear that stops us. It is
the voice that tells us you can’t
write about certain subjects
because it’s controversial.”