Media insiders call for strategy to counter Israeli propaganda

AMMAN — Arab media outlets should adopt a strategy to counter Israeli propaganda that seeks to demonise Arabs and Muslims, according to journalists and researchers.

Despite regional challenges, Arab media outlets need to increase their focus on covering the Israeli violations against the Arabs in Palestine, as the Palestinian cause remains the core issue in the Middle East, the experts said at a media conference held earlier this week.

“Media in the Arab world should place heavy emphasis on Israeli news and intensify their in-depth analytical coverage of news related to the Palestinian issue,” Nawaf Al Zaro, writer and researcher, said during the event, held by the Jordan Press Association.

Tayseer Abu Arja, chairman of the journalism department at Petra University’s faculty of arts, said the region needs “strong media” performance at this stage to be able to make a difference through its credibility and professionalism.

“Jordan ranks first among Arab states in terms of the volume of news and concentration of coverage related to the Palestinian issue,” said Abu Arja.

Jordan News Agency, Petra, Director General Feisal Shboul said media outlets in Jordan place heavy emphasis on the Palestinian issue, as it is directly connected to the Kingdom’s top national interests.

Shboul said media in the Arab world are facing several serious challenges in light of political divisions in the region, stressing that regional developments should not overshadow the Palestinian issue.