Communications and Society Program

An Oasis of Recommendations

The Dead Sea dialogue—like the annual Arab–U.S. Media Forums before it that took place in Luxor, Dubai and the Wye Plantation in Maryland starting in February 2004—focused on practical approaches for improving media performance in covering culturally and politically sensitive Arab and American issues. Participants divided into three working groups with mixed Arab and American members to advance ideas to help fulfill the Forum's purpose. The recommendations for establishing a Facebook page to facilitate continuing dialogue among participants has been followed.

For Arab Media

• Minimize legislation governing content, maximize effective access to information and remove criminal penalties for defamation and the expression of opinion.
• Push for wider Internet access at lower cost and without government interference with users. Encourage a regional ombudsman for the service and protection of Arab bloggers.
• Support educational enterprises for media and journalism; identify, encourage and celebrate “champion” new media endeavors.

For U.S. Media

• Provide links to useful Arab websites, encourage visibility for Arab bloggers by compiling list of contacts for U.S. media outlets.
• Develop FAQ products for American journalists writing about the Middle East.
• Encourage engagement in international or regional digital journalism organizations like OPA and ONA.

For Bridging Cultures

• Promote traditional journalism review online featuring info exchanges among Arab and U.S. journalists, critiques, best practices, freedom of press, training and related professional issues.
• Establish Facebook feature for Arab and American journalism participants designed by top U.S. online architects after meeting together to work up most appealing and appropriate design.
• Create avatar-enabled three-dimensional feature to facilitate viral meetings of Arab and U.S. citizen journalists to encourage empathy and "putting oneself in the other's time and space."

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