When Will the Media Campaigns Against the Gulf Stop?

Al-Ittihad, UAE, March 15

I recently came across an insightful opinion piece by a seasoned media analyst in the Gulf region, where he pointed out the negligence of the local media in countering the harmful media campaigns aimed at the Gulf states. This widely held belief, shared by experts and laypeople alike, lies at the crux of the issue, impeding local media systems from devising effective solutions to combat this longstanding problem that emerged alongside the Gulf states’ renaissance over half a century ago. According to the media expert, tackling the media assaults on the Gulf states, orchestrated by both legitimate and illegitimate entities, requires a proactive approach. He contends that these attacks will wane in potency once met with media content specifically crafted to counter them. Drawing an analogy to a competition between adversaries, he emphasizes that the stronger contender prevails while the weaker one remains subdued. Despite the persistent onslaught of campaigns against the Gulf region, the blame ultimately falls on the local media for failing to address the situation. The local media must disseminate our narrative ceaselessly to halt the dissemination of falsehoods and prejudices instilled by hostile outlets. Distinguishing between the three audience types exposed to these campaigns, the analyst underscores the necessity of tailored communication strategies. Those who support the campaigns are unlikely to be swayed by standard media responses, showcasing the need for targeted messaging. On the other hand, the audience firmly aligned with the Gulf states remains steadfast in its beliefs, requiring no alteration in messaging. The neutral audience, disengaged from regional affairs, may not engage with directed media messages unless prompted to delve deeper into the issues at hand. Meanwhile, the ignorant audience, unaware of these campaigns due to geographical or cultural barriers, requires cautious messaging to avoid misinterpretation. In essence, addressing the diverse audience segments necessitates shifting from traditional mass communication to more nuanced and personalized approaches that reshape public perceptions gradually over time. Whether through targeted messaging or alternative communication tools, the local media must adapt to the evolving landscape to effectively counter the harmful narratives about the Gulf states. —Abdullah Nasser Al Otaibi (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)