JEDDAH: The recent attempted military coup in Turkey left a lot of Arab TV viewers in a state of confusion, as news channels reported different versions of the situation and the fate of Erdogan.
Despite spending hours covering the events and reporting live images via Turkish TV channels, differences in reporting were evidently based on the channel’s relations with Turkey, regardless of the fact that the situation was still in the early stages. While one channel reported positively, another expressed dismay and disapproval of the military’s “terrorist-like” attempted coup.
Many Arab satellite channels were also unprepared when it came to providing Turkish language translators to translate live events, thus forcing them to resort to political analysts who, rather than providing political analysis, became translators of Erdogan’s Skype statement and other key moments.
To make matters worse, many channels reported rumors, which only forced them to apologize repeatedly to viewers about misinformation. Others justified misreporting with the fact that the situation was still complicated and unfolding. Analysis focused on Turkey post-Erdogan, as many channels viewed this situation as the new reality and truth. Reports on coup attempts in Turkish history and an “ousted” president were eventually reformulated into a story about a successful president.
In other scenes, Arab channels broadcasted images of the army taking control of the streets and crowded bridges, while commentary was provided on these images as channels lacked reporters on the ground in Turkey to convey the reality.
This marks a sharp contrast with reporting from other countries, who had field reporters playing a great role in following up on events live.
The misinformation created a large gap in intellectual opinions and understanding of the situation in Turkey, as reporting across Arab channels lacked professionalism and impartiality. Such reporting appeared to be speaking about several events in different countries, rather than the reality in one time and place, leaving viewers confused and conflicted about what was true and what was not.
Rather than serve as a point of accurate and up-to-date information, TV news channels became more like the world of Twitter, where rumors and misinformation circulate faster than anywhere else.
Arab TV channels stumble on Turkish coup reporting
Arab TV channels stumble on Turkish coup reporting
Cameroon’s National Day celebrated in Riyadh
- Cooperation between the countries hailed by ambassador
- The ambassador said that in addition to the projects, both countries had attributes which were complementary
RIYADH: Cameroon’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Iya Tidjani hailed the cooperation between the two countries at a reception in Riyadh to celebrate Cameroon’s 52nd National Day.
Tidjani told Arab News: “The cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Cameroon currently has an active portfolio of four projects, for a total of $61 million.
“These include the construction of the Olama-Kribi road (Bingambo-Grand Zambi section); the construction of an industrial high school in the city of Douala; the construction and equipment supply to the regional hospital of Mbalmayo; and the construction of the Bikoula-Djoum road.”
The ambassador, who was speaking at the reception, said that in addition to the projects, both countries had attributes which were complementary, and would lead to further cooperation.
Cameroon’s National Day takes place on May 20 each year, and the ambassador added: “The political history of Cameroon reminds us that it was on May 20, 1972, that Cameroonians, from north to south, from east to west, decided, following a constitutional referendum, to create a single state, whose rich cultural mosaic would constitute the strong basis of its unity.
“Long live the cooperation between the Republic of Cameroon and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“The cooperation between the two countries is testimony of the solid friendship ties existing between our two countries, and also reflects the excellent relationship we have maintained over the decades.”
Relations between Saudi Arabia and Cameroon were established in 1966 and have continued to deepen in the years since.
Shoura Council speaker heads to Algiers for Arab parliamentary forum
- The conference will be held in Algiers on May 26-27
- Al-Sheikh said that the Shoura Council’s participation in the conference stems from the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting joint Arab action
RIYADH: Speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh will lead the Kingdom’s delegation to the 36th Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The conference will be held in Algiers on May 26-27, and will be attended by heads of parliaments and councils from Arab countries.
In a statement, Al-Sheikh said that the Shoura Council’s participation in the conference stems from the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting joint Arab action, and its continued interest in establishing security, stability, and peace in Arab countries and the world.
The council seeks to support official diplomacy by taking part in regional and international parliamentary meetings and conferences, or through reciprocal visits to enhance parliamentary cooperation with various parliaments around the world, he said.
A consultative meeting between heads of parliaments before the conference will discuss several topics to be presented by its permanent committees, the Palestine Committee; the Social Affairs, Women, Children, and Youth Committee; and the Political Affairs and Parliamentary Relations Committee.
The Shoura Council delegation includes council member and member of the Executive Committee of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union Bandar bin Mohammed Asiri, council members Issa bin Mohammed Al-Issa and Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya, and several council staff members.
Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission launches Star Program to support productions
- The program is designed to support drama companies, institutions, associations, theater groups
- It aims to elevate the feasibility of local productions across financial, administrative, and artistic dimensions
RIYADH: The Theater and Performing Arts Commission has announced the launch of the Star Program, part of the Production Support Initiative, the Saudi Press Agency Reported.
The program is designed to support drama companies, institutions, associations, theater groups, and amateur clubs operating in the performing arts sector.
According to SPA, the program aims to elevate the feasibility of local productions across financial, administrative, and artistic dimensions. It seeks to encourage investment in the sector, develop and manage support programs for theatrical productions, and mitigate risks for entities looking to invest in the industry.
Submitted works will be reviewed by several committees to ensure they meet eligibility conditions and comparison criteria. Once approved, the selected applicants will begin implementing their projects in theater and performing arts.
The program aims to enhance beneficiaries’ technical, financial, and administrative skills, stimulate sustainable theatrical productions, and expand the expertise of practitioners in the theater and production sectors.
Works benefiting from the Star Program have the opportunity to be nominated for participation in the second edition of the Riyadh Theater Festival.
Those interested in participating in the program are encouraged to read the general terms and conditions via the following link: https://engage.moc.gov.sa/tpa/
UNOPS official commends Masam work in Yemen
- The praise came during Frizby’s visit to Project Masam’s Team 22 in Taiz
- The delegation was also briefed on the progress of the Masam teams working in 18 districts
RIYADH: The mine action adviser at the UN Office for Project Services, Charles Frizby, has commended the work of Masam teams in Taiz governorate, Yemen.
The praise came during Frizby’s visit to Project Masam’s Team 22 in Taiz, where he was accompanied by Abdul-Qawi Al-Mekhlafi, the deputy governor of Taiz.
Masam is one of several Saudi initiatives set up to clear routes for humanitarian aid to reach Yemen’s citizens.
During the visit, Aref Al-Qahtani, the supervisor of Masam’s demining teams in Taiz, explained to the visiting delegation the nature of the areas where the teams are working.
The delegation was also briefed on the progress of the Masam teams working in 18 districts of Taiz governorate that are contaminated with mines, unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices.
They also discussed the extent of the damage to schools in the governorate caused by mines and IEDs, where the number of affected schools stands at 84, either completely or partially destroyed.
Robotics festival in Sabya to boost student skills
- The event was attended by Sabya Gov. Sultan bin Ajami bin Munikhar
- The festival also included artistic performances, films, speeches, and various other activities
JAZAN: The General Administration of Education in the Jazan region, represented by the Education Department of Sabya governorate, organized the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Festival on Friday.
The event was attended by Sabya Gov. Sultan bin Ajami bin Munikhar.
It showcased the experiences of participating students, featuring robotics challenges, competitive rounds, creative designs, and research projects.
The festival also included artistic performances, films, speeches, and various other activities.
Malhi bin Hassan Aqdi, director general of education in Jazan region, emphasized the importance of the festival in enhancing the learning process, making it more enjoyable and effective. He said such festivals help students learn scientific concepts, develop experiments and discoveries, enhance social skills and cooperation, and acquire various programming skills.
Othman bin Mohammed Masli, director of education in Sabya, highlighted the strong connection between the sector, robotics and AI.
He said these fields drive growth and innovation while contributing to the Kingdom’s sustainable development goals. The festival offers a platform to showcase students’ creativity, highlight their participation, and inspire them to represent their nation in various forums.
