On Monday, NDC Communications and Media Dept. Director Mohammed Al-Asaadi delivered a presentation on his recently-completed paper ‘The NDC and the Media in the First Session…Insight from Inside’ at a seminar organized by the Regine Development Institution.
The seminar came as just one in a series focused on the media’s role in covering and promoting the NDC. Beyond the Regine Development Institution, the seminar series has also seen collaboration from the Human Rights Information and Training Center, the Yemeni Humanitarian Forum and the German for International Cooperation.
Al-Asaadi’s paper - ‘The NDC and the Media in the First Session…Insight from Inside’ - summarized the NDC’s information policy, which was described as a peaceful problem-solving tool. The paper also dealt with issues being addressed at the conference, the matter of providing transparent and accurate information, and a number of other topics.
The NDC information policy, as described by Al-Asaadi, called for media outlets and journalists to set aside political biases, focus on the NDC’s positives, clarify conference issues, listen to the voices of critics and avoid arguments with those at the conference who one disagrees with.
Al-Asaadi said the media’s NDC-related output should help to deepen partnerships among factions and societal groups. He added that journalists should be committed to an unspoken code of ethics and take measures to avoid confusing the public.
Furthermore, when covering the conference, outlets should “avoid accusations, incitement or the slander of any group.”
Al-Asaadi’s paper also placed a spotlight on the NDC Media Committee’s responsibilities and media plan.
Regarding the leanings of media outlets, Al-Asaadi’s paper stated that while some supported NDC efforts and activities, others took on skeptical positions; meanwhile, the paper stated, other outlets took on the appearance of outright opponents to the conference and inciters. The paper added, however, that international outlets have played a generally positive role in covering the conference.
In terms of issues which have gained the largest shares of media attention, Al-Asaadi cited the southern issue, sa’ada issue, and transitional justice, among others.
In the paper, the Media Committee Director also submitted proposals for improving media coverage of the NDC. In his opinion, improved coverage would focus on reconciliation, alleviating concerns, and placing national, moral and professional interests above political and short-sighted aims.
