Jad Melki
Lebanese American University, Communication Arts, Faculty Member
- Jad Melki, Ph.D., is associate professor of the journalism and media studies and chairperson of the Department of Com... moreJad Melki, Ph.D., is associate professor of the journalism and media studies and chairperson of the Department of Communication Arts at the Lebanese American University (LAU), where he also directs the Institute of Media Research and Training. Melki is also a visiting faculty at the Salzburg Academy and an affiliated researcher with ICMPA at the University of Maryland, College Park. His research is at the intersection of digital media literacy, journalism, war, and gender studies, and focuses on Arab media education. Previously, Melki was founding Director of Media Studies at the American University of Beirut (AUB) and has taught at the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, and Towson University. In 2015, he won the UNESCO-UNAoC International Media and Information Literacy Award for advancing media literacy education in the Arab region through founding the Media and Digital Literacy Academy of Beirut (MDLAB). As a former broadcast and digital journalist, Melki was part of a team that won a Webby Award and a National Press Club Award for covering the 2006 Lebanon-Israel war. He received his Ph.D. from the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park.edit
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Arab media studies began at two academic institutions in Egypt in the mid 1930s and slowly began spreading to a handful of Arab countries—Tunis, Algeria, Sudan, Iraq and Lebanon—in the subsequent three decades (Abu Bakr, Labib and Kandil,... more
Arab media studies began at two academic institutions in Egypt in the mid 1930s and slowly began spreading to a handful of Arab countries—Tunis, Algeria, Sudan, Iraq and Lebanon—in the subsequent three decades (Abu Bakr, Labib and Kandil, 1985; Al-Jammal, 1991). However, the field remained small until the late 1980s and witnessed a sudden growth in the ensuing decade, immediately following the rapid expansion of Arab satellite and digital media (Ayish, 1998). By the debut of the 21st century, most Arab countries had multiple media studies programs.
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This study examines selective exposure and trust during uprisings. It studies major uses of traditional and social media and assesses the public’s trust in these media and their engagement in sharing news. Focusing on the October 2019... more
This study examines selective exposure and trust during uprisings. It studies major uses of traditional and social media and assesses the public’s trust in these media and their engagement in sharing news. Focusing on the October 2019 Lebanon uprising, the research surveys thousand Lebanese individuals using a nationally representative probability sample. The findings provide support for selective exposure theory beyond the Western context, particularly for people undergoing stressful political change. The findings also provide support to the robustness of issue publics as a theoretical construct that predicts selective exposure to pro-attitudinal news content, as well as support for attitude strength and attitude importance as two separate predictors.
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This study examined the role of group norms, group identity, age, contact, and stereotypes on youths' decisions to include a peer in an intergroup context portraying Lebanese and American adolescents. Lebanese participants (N = 275),... more
This study examined the role of group norms, group identity, age, contact, and stereotypes on youths' decisions to include a peer in an intergroup context portraying Lebanese and American adolescents. Lebanese participants (N = 275), ages 12 and 16 years, were surveyed about expectations for inclusion of an out-group target with similar interests or an in-group target with different interests into their own Lebanese group or another American group. Findings indicated participants focused on shared interests, rather than national identity, when making inclusion decisions for either group and group norms mattered. Older participants expected American peers to be less inclusive towards an out-group peer. Direct contact predicted inclusivity of out-group American peers into one's own Lebanese group, and indirect media-based contact predicted expectations for inclusivity into an American out-group. Findings have implications for interventions aimed at improving cross-national fri...
Background : Non-medical anabolic steroid (AS) use in non-professional athletes is an increasingly recognized public health problem in Europe and the United States but poorly studied in the Middle East. Research question : The aim of this... more
Background : Non-medical anabolic steroid (AS) use in non-professional athletes is an increasingly recognized public health problem in Europe and the United States but poorly studied in the Middle East. Research question : The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and determinants of anabolic steroid use amongst adult fitness centre attendees in the Greater Beirut area, Lebanon. Type of study : A cross-sectional study design was adopted. Methods :Subjects: The targeted population included all gym attendees in Greater Beirut aged 18 or above. Professional or career athletes competing in organized sports were excluded. Questionnaire: A questionnaire was used to survey participants on demographic information, history of anabolic steroid usage and possible determinants of use. Sampling: A list of 53 fitness centres in the Greater Beirut area was identified. Thirty-three gyms agreed to permit access to their centres. Trained research assistants distributed the questionnaire to al...
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Mobile devices are increasingly permeating healthcare and are being regularly used by healthcare providers. We examined the prevalence and frequency of mobile device use, and perceptions around clinical and personal usage, among... more
Mobile devices are increasingly permeating healthcare and are being regularly used by healthcare providers. We examined the prevalence and frequency of mobile device use, and perceptions around clinical and personal usage, among healthcare providers (attending physicians, residents, and nurses) in the Emergency Department (ED) of a large academic medical center in Lebanon. Half of the target population (N = 236) completed the cross-sectional electronic questionnaire. Mobile device usage for personal matters was uniform across all providers, with the highest usage reported by medical students (81.3%) and lowest by attendings (75.0%). Medical formulary/drug referencing applications were the most common application used by providers followed by disease diagnosis/management applications, 84.4% and 69.5% respectively. Most respondents agreed that mobile devices enabled better-coordinated care among providers and were beneficial to patient care. Most respondents also agreed that mobile de...
Introduction Misinformation surrounding COVID-19 poses a global public health problem that adversely affects governments’ abilities to mitigate the disease and causes accidental deaths and self-harm due to false beliefs about the virus,... more
Introduction Misinformation surrounding COVID-19 poses a global public health problem that adversely affects governments’ abilities to mitigate the disease and causes accidental deaths and self-harm due to false beliefs about the virus, prevention measures, vaccines and cures. We aim to examine the relationship between exposure to and trust in COVID-19 news (from Television, social media, interpersonal communication) and information sources (healthcare experts, government, clerics) and belief in COVID-19 myths and false information, as well as critical verification practices before posting on social media. Methods We use a cross-sectional researcher-administered phone survey of adults living in Lebanon between March 27 and April 23, 2020. Results The sample included 56.1% men and 43.9% women, 37.9% with a university degree, 63.0% older than 30, and 7% with media literacy training. Those who trust COVID-19 news from social media [95%CI:(1.05–1.52)] and interpersonal communication [95%CI:(1.25–1.82)], and those who trust information from clerics [95%CI:(1.25–1.82)] were more likely to believe in COVID-19 myths and false information. University graduates [95%CI:(0.25–0.51)] and those who trust information from government [95%CI:(0.65–0.89] were less likely to believe in myths and false information. Those who believe in COVID-19 myths and false information [95%CI:(0.25–0.70)] were less likely to engage in critical social media posting practices. Only those who underwent media literacy training [95%CI:(1.24–6.55)] were more likely to engage in critical social media posting practices. Conclusion Higher education and trust in information from government contributed to decreasing belief in COVID-19 myths and false information. Trust in news from social media, interpersonal communication and clerics contributed to increasing belief in COVID-19 myths and false information, which in turn contributed to less critical social media posting practices, thereby exacerbated the infodemic. Media literacy training contributed to increasing critical social media posting practices, thereby played a role in mitigating the infodemic.
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This study examined the association between anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use and dominant sociocultural factors, specifically media exposure to idealized images of male muscularity, and mediated social comparison trends among a... more
This study examined the association between anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use and dominant sociocultural factors, specifically media exposure to idealized images of male muscularity, and mediated social comparison trends among a sample of young Arab adults. The study found evidence that participants more exposed to content that promotes muscularity and those who idealize images of muscularity and perceive them as motivators for achieving muscularity are more likely to be AAS users. It also found that a significant percentage of participants used at least one kind of dietary supplement and that the level of AAS use among health club participants indicates it is a significant public health problem in Lebanon. The study suggests that dealing with this problem requires a unique approach, beyond the typical awareness of risks strategy, since some users were well aware of the risks yet continue to use AAS, and their motivations pertain more to body image and sexuality. A stronger appr...
Research Interests: Media Studies, Health Communication, Sexuality, Lebanon, Body Image, and 14 morePublic Health, Social Perception, Muscle strength, Mass media, Motivation, Humans, Male, Androgens, Young Adult, Arabs, Communication and media Studies, Public health systems and services research, Cross Sectional Studies, and cultural characteristics
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Abstract In the past two decades, Dubai has built a globally resonant place brand image out of an unknown location in the context of often negative regional associations. This case study addressed global news outlets' role in... more
Abstract In the past two decades, Dubai has built a globally resonant place brand image out of an unknown location in the context of often negative regional associations. This case study addressed global news outlets' role in mediating Dubai's global image and Dubai's ...
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This dissertation studies the relationship between television news and the state in Lebanon. It utilizes and reworks New Institutionalism theory by adding aspects of Mitchell's state effect and other concepts devised from Carey and... more
This dissertation studies the relationship between television news and the state in Lebanon. It utilizes and reworks New Institutionalism theory by adding aspects of Mitchell's state effect and other concepts devised from Carey and Foucault. The study starts with a macro-level ...
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The study examined gender-based discrimination facing Arab women journalists and news managers, especially in their pursuit of leadership positions. It assessed how domestic pressures, gender norms, and corporate policies limit women... more
The study examined gender-based discrimination facing Arab women journalists and news managers, especially in their pursuit of leadership positions. It assessed how domestic pressures, gender norms, and corporate policies limit women journalists’ prospects for advancement and career longevity. It surveyed 308 journalists and news managers, both men and women, from various news outlets and examined their attitudes toward career trajectory, workplace practices, newsroom culture, and domestic responsibilities. The findings point to manifestations of simultaneous sticky floors and glass ceilings, where women face a pay gap and are tethered to their inequitable domestic responsibilities.
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Over the past five years, Syria has faced a devastating civil war, one of the most gruesome in modern history, which has resulted so far in the death of over one quarter million people1 and the displacement of an estimated nine million... more
Over the past five years, Syria has faced a devastating civil war, one of the most gruesome in modern history, which has resulted so far in the death of over one quarter million people1 and the displacement of an estimated nine million Syrians—almost half the population.2,3 The popular uprising that began in March 2011, and which was met with government suppression and an escalation of violence by various parties, has led to a gradual descent into civil strife, creating an environment in which media operation has become increasingly difficult.
According to a recent study, 343 media organizations have been active in Syria since 2011, many of which have since closed. The realities of the battlefield, the withdrawal of international donor support, and the overall deterioration of the operational environment are all factors in these closures.4
Despite these difficulties, many efforts have been made to contribute to the development of free and critical media, which provide a counter to the hegemony of propaganda channels. The members of the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) have been at the forefront of this support. Together with emerging Syrian media organizations, GFMD members have contributed significantly to the professionalization of media workers and the development of organizational capacity. However, efforts have been hampered by the limited availability of research on Syrian audiences, media channels, and the impact of Syrian media organizations. In the absence of better data, interventions have been designed on the basis of small-scale studies, imperfect samples and assumptions based on experiences elsewhere in the world. Additionally, during the first years of development, many activities were simply reactionary. The nature of the conflict made it impossible to plan strategically and make reliable predictions that may have informed long-term action.
In short, the lack of reliable research has made it impossible to identify failures in a timely fashion, or to design strategies to deal with weaknesses.
Proper media research is also an essential basis for the development of any media organization that wants to obtain funds from advertising sales. Attracting commercial sources of income has proven very difficult even for the more successful media outlets, due to their inability to prove either impact or market share in Syria. A lack of research is therefore obstructing organizations’ abilities to become financially sustainable actors.
Obtaining reliable research data on Syrian audiences has a much wider potential impact than its ability to serve the needs of media and media development organizations. It can also be an important strategic tool for humanitarian practitioners and organizations that need to deliver crucial information to the Syrian population, which is in great need of empowerment and support. By knowing the available communication channels, the communities that can be reached (or not), and the information needs of those communities, practitioners and organizations can ensure that resources are used for the right channels/media.
According to a recent study, 343 media organizations have been active in Syria since 2011, many of which have since closed. The realities of the battlefield, the withdrawal of international donor support, and the overall deterioration of the operational environment are all factors in these closures.4
Despite these difficulties, many efforts have been made to contribute to the development of free and critical media, which provide a counter to the hegemony of propaganda channels. The members of the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) have been at the forefront of this support. Together with emerging Syrian media organizations, GFMD members have contributed significantly to the professionalization of media workers and the development of organizational capacity. However, efforts have been hampered by the limited availability of research on Syrian audiences, media channels, and the impact of Syrian media organizations. In the absence of better data, interventions have been designed on the basis of small-scale studies, imperfect samples and assumptions based on experiences elsewhere in the world. Additionally, during the first years of development, many activities were simply reactionary. The nature of the conflict made it impossible to plan strategically and make reliable predictions that may have informed long-term action.
In short, the lack of reliable research has made it impossible to identify failures in a timely fashion, or to design strategies to deal with weaknesses.
Proper media research is also an essential basis for the development of any media organization that wants to obtain funds from advertising sales. Attracting commercial sources of income has proven very difficult even for the more successful media outlets, due to their inability to prove either impact or market share in Syria. A lack of research is therefore obstructing organizations’ abilities to become financially sustainable actors.
Obtaining reliable research data on Syrian audiences has a much wider potential impact than its ability to serve the needs of media and media development organizations. It can also be an important strategic tool for humanitarian practitioners and organizations that need to deliver crucial information to the Syrian population, which is in great need of empowerment and support. By knowing the available communication channels, the communities that can be reached (or not), and the information needs of those communities, practitioners and organizations can ensure that resources are used for the right channels/media.
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To complement the findings of the 2016 Syria audience survey and further explore some questions, qualitative research in the form of focus groups with Syrian nationals were conducted. In addition to delving into in-depth information, an... more
To complement the findings of the 2016 Syria audience survey and further explore some questions, qualitative research in the form of focus groups with Syrian nationals were conducted. In addition to delving into in-depth information, an inherent advantage of qualitative research methods, this study has the advantage of comparing the perceptions, opinions and views of Syrians from various sides of the political divide, a matter not possible in the survey due to the risks attached to asking people in the field about their political affiliations. Hence, a total of 48 participants, which included pro-government, politically neutral, and pro-opposition individuals participated in this study. The focus groups moderator guide included fifteen open-ended semi-structured questions and attempted to assess the media literacy levels of Syrian nationals through five key research questions:
1. How do Syrian nationals from various sides of the political spectrum assess the performance of Syrian, Arab and international media with regards to the ongoing conflict?
2. How do Syrian nationals access and select the news sources they follow?
3. How do Syrian nationals evaluate the role of national, Arab and international media in exacerbating and/or alleviating the conflict in Syria?
4. What are the most important information needs of Syrian nationals and has the current media environment sufficiently satisfied such needs?
5. How do Syrian nationals assess the level of media literacy of the Syrian public in general and of their own?
1. How do Syrian nationals from various sides of the political spectrum assess the performance of Syrian, Arab and international media with regards to the ongoing conflict?
2. How do Syrian nationals access and select the news sources they follow?
3. How do Syrian nationals evaluate the role of national, Arab and international media in exacerbating and/or alleviating the conflict in Syria?
4. What are the most important information needs of Syrian nationals and has the current media environment sufficiently satisfied such needs?
5. How do Syrian nationals assess the level of media literacy of the Syrian public in general and of their own?
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In June 2013 members of the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) started an initiative to discuss and coordinate media development work in Syria. The expressed urgent need for audience research prompted the German non-profit... more
In June 2013 members of the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) started an initiative to discuss and coordinate media development work in Syria. The expressed urgent need for audience research prompted the German non-profit organization MICT to commission the Media Studies Program at the American University of Beirut to carry out this study. It aims to shed more light on the media use of Syrians inside Syria and its neighboring countries and hopes to aid all local and international media organizations to better target their current activities within Syria.
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Using the Syrian war as a case study, this article examines the theoretical frameworks of media dependency and selective exposure during the war. Through a survey of 2,192 Syrians living in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey during the... more
Using the Syrian war as a case study, this article examines the theoretical frameworks of media dependency and selective exposure during the war. Through a survey of 2,192 Syrians living in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey during the conflict, the study examined the media needs and trust of four groups of Syrians: non-displaced, internally displaced, externally displaced living inside refugee camps, and externally displaced living outside refugee camps. The study aimed to understand how these four groups trust and rely on different media sources to meet their information needs.
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The Arab uprisings ushered a new era of radical change and conflict. Mass demonstrations that spread across the Arab world in 2010 led to the fall of governments in Egypt and Tunisia, civil war in Libya, and political unrest in various... more
The Arab uprisings ushered a new era of radical change and conflict. Mass demonstrations that spread across the Arab world in 2010 led to the fall of governments in Egypt and Tunisia, civil war in Libya, and political unrest in various other countries. Amongthesecountries,Syriahasperhapsfacedthemostunexpectedoutcomesyet.Beginning with peaceful anti-government protests in March 2011, the crisis in Syria has dragged on for several years, resulting in the death of more than a quarter million people and became one of the most gruesome wars in modern history. Besides the casualties, the Syrian war has displaced an estimated nine million people (Migration Policy Center 2014).
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The question of including multimedia production skills—referred to here as digital skills—in media and news literacy classes has long been a contentious point. Hobbs (2001) listed it among the “seven great debates” in media literacy.... more
The question of including multimedia production skills—referred to here as digital skills—in media and news literacy classes has long been a contentious point. Hobbs (2001) listed it among the “seven great debates” in media literacy. Proponents of digital skills view media literacy as lacking if it excludes teaching students how to “write” media, along with the critical “reading” of media texts. On the other hand, opponents dismiss digital skills as vocational teaching for underachieving students, and that they do not deserve a place within the walls of the university. Historically, the latter view has dominated academe partly aided by the high cost of production equipment, the difficulty of training academics on technical production skills, and the domination of the various communication and media studies departments by professors who lack these skills.
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The International Handbook of Media Literacy seeks to address and question the educational research in the area of media literacy education by contributing five points of view derived from the current research model: Educational... more
The International Handbook of Media Literacy seeks to address and question the educational research in the area of media literacy education by contributing five points of view derived from the current research model: Educational interventions in Media Literacy, Safeguarding Data and Online Privacy, Engagement in Civic Life, Media, Creativity and Production, and Digital Media Literacy. The emergence of media literacy education is basically related to two fundamental concerns: What have young people learned from the media and how should the education system react to it? As mass media were regarded as the “parallel school” in the early years (Morsy, 1984), media literacy has served as a form of educational mediation that guides young students to deal wisely with the media.
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New forms of emerging journalism not only have transformed the networks of production and distribution but have put new demands on those who tell the stories of journalism across traditional lines of demarcation: whether national,... more
New forms of emerging journalism not only have transformed the networks of production and distribution but have put new demands on those who tell the stories of journalism across traditional lines of demarcation: whether national, political, cultural, or ethnic. In the new media ecosystem, centrifugal forces are pulling in many directions, toward increasing polarisation and xenophobia. Radical and antiinstitutional media have their own story to tell – often not one of global harmony, including anti-immigrant, populist, and illiberal voices. Even traditional mainstream media have been guilty of furthering stereotypes and failing to document cases of oppression in the developing world. Such global stories of human rights present a special case for journalism, both traditional and emerging, challenging the way we talk about these issues and teach deeper understanding to those who will fill these roles in the future. We need a globally reflective, yet historically rooted form of understanding.
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واﻟﻌﻨﺼﺮﻳﺔ واﻟﻄﺎﺋﻔﻴﺔ رة ّ اﻟﻤﺘﻜﺮ اﻷﻫﻠﻴﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﺤﺮوب ﺻﻴﺘﻪ ﻳﺬﻳﻊ ﺑﻠﺪ ﻓﻲ اﻟﻀﻌﻴﻒ ّ واﻟﺤﺲ اﻟﺠﻨﺴﻴﺔ اﻟﻤﺜﻠﻴﺔ وﻛﺮاﻫﻴﺔ اﻟﺠﻨﺴﻲ واﻟﺘﻤﻴﻴﺰ واﻟﻄﺒﻘﻴﺔ اﻟﺘﺮﺑﻴﺔ ﺑﻪ ﺗﻀﻄﻠﻊ أن ﻳﻤﻜﻦ اﻟﺬي اﻟﺪور ﻫﻮ ﻣﺎ ، اﻟﻘﻮﻣﻴﺔ واﻟﻬﻮﻳﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻤﻮاﻃﻨﺔ اﻟﺠﺪال ﺛﻘﺎﻓﺎت وﺗﺤﻮﻳﻞ اﻟﻔﺠﻮات ّ ﻟﺴﺪ... more
واﻟﻌﻨﺼﺮﻳﺔ واﻟﻄﺎﺋﻔﻴﺔ رة ّ اﻟﻤﺘﻜﺮ اﻷﻫﻠﻴﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﺤﺮوب ﺻﻴﺘﻪ ﻳﺬﻳﻊ ﺑﻠﺪ ﻓﻲ اﻟﻀﻌﻴﻒ ّ واﻟﺤﺲ اﻟﺠﻨﺴﻴﺔ اﻟﻤﺜﻠﻴﺔ وﻛﺮاﻫﻴﺔ اﻟﺠﻨﺴﻲ واﻟﺘﻤﻴﻴﺰ واﻟﻄﺒﻘﻴﺔ اﻟﺘﺮﺑﻴﺔ ﺑﻪ ﺗﻀﻄﻠﻊ أن ﻳﻤﻜﻦ اﻟﺬي اﻟﺪور ﻫﻮ ﻣﺎ ، اﻟﻘﻮﻣﻴﺔ واﻟﻬﻮﻳﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻤﻮاﻃﻨﺔ اﻟﺠﺪال ﺛﻘﺎﻓﺎت وﺗﺤﻮﻳﻞ اﻟﻔﺠﻮات ّ ﻟﺴﺪ (media literacy) اﻹﻋﻼﻣﻴﺔ اﻟﺠﻤﺎﻋﻲ واﻟﻮﺋﺎم اﻟﻌﺎﻟﻤﻴﺔ اﻹﻧﺴﺎﻧﻴﺔ ﺛﻘﺎﻓﺎت إﻟﻰ واﻟﺤﺼﺮﻳﺔ واﻟﺘﻨﺎﻗﺾ اﻻﺟﺘﻤﺎﻋﻴﺔ اﻻﻧﻘﺴﺎﻣﺎت إﻧﺘﺎج اﻟﻠﺒﻨﺎﻧﻲ اﻹﻋﻼم ﻳﻮاﺻﻞ . اﻟﺸﺎﻣﻠﺔ؟ واﻟﻌﺪاﻟﺔ اﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻳﺎت إن . اﻟﺮاﺳﺦ اﻟﻔﺎﺳﺪ اﻟﻄﺎﺋﻔﻲ اﻷﺑﻮي واﻟﻨﻈﺎم واﻟﺴﻴﺎﺳﻴﺔ اﻹﻋﻼﻣﻴﺔ اﻟﺘﺮﺑﻴﺔ إﻟﻰ واﻻﻓﺘﻘﺎر اﻟﺠﻤﻬﻮر ﻟﺪى اﻻﻋﻼﻣﻴﺔ ﻟﻠﺘﺮﺑﻴﺔ اﻟﻀﻌﻴﻔﺔ اﻹﻋﻼﻣﻲ واﻟﺘﻤﺜﻴﻞ اﻟﻨﻘﻞ ﻫﺬا ﻣﺜﻞ أن ﺗﻌﻨﻲ واﻟﺠﺎﻣﻌﺎت اﻟﻤﺪارس ﻓﻲ ﻣﻌﺎرﺿﺔ ﻳﻠﻘﻰ وﻻ ﻟﻠﻤﺴﺎءﻟﺔ ﻳﺨﻀﻊ ﻻ اﻻﺟﺘﻤﺎﻋﻴﺔ ﻟﻶﻓﺎت واﻟﻤﻘﻠﻖ اﻟﻀﺎر اﻷﻓﺮاد ﺗﺤﻮﻳﻞ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺑﺎﻟﻘﺪرة اﻹﻋﻼﻣﻴﺔ اﻟﺘﺮﺑﻴﺔ ﻊّ ﺗﺘﻤﺘ .ً ﺧﻔﻴﺎ ﻳﻜﻮن ﻣﺎ ً وﻏﺎﻟﺒﺎ اﻟﻤﻘﺴﻢ اﻹﻋﻼﻣﻲ ﻟﻠﻤﺤﺘﻮى ﻌﻴﻦ ّﻃﻴ ﻣﻨﻔﻌﻠﻴﻦ ﻣﺴﺘﻬﻠﻜﻴﻦ ﻣﻦ واﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪات اﻟﺮﺳﺎﺋﻞ ﺗﻐﻴﻴﺮ ﻓﻲ وﻣﺒﺪﻋﻴﻦ وﻣﻤﻜﻨﻴﻦ ﻓﺎﻋﻠﻴﻦ ﻣﻨﺘﺠﻴﻦ إﻟﻰ ﻟﻠﻤﺠﺘﻤﻊ . اﻟﺜﻘﺎﻓﻴﺔ ﻟﻠﺘﺤﻮﻻت وﻛﻼء ﺑﺎﻟﺘﺎﻟﻲ ﻓﻴﺼﺒﺤﻮن ، اﻹﻋﻼﻣﻴﺔ واﻟﻌﻤﻠﻴﺎت ﺗﺰال ﻻ ذﻟﻚ وﻣﻊ
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Dans un pays réputé pour ses guerres civiles, son sectarisme religieux, son racisme, son élitisme, son sexisme, son homophobie et son faible sens de la citoyenneté et de l’identité, quel rôle peut jouer l'éducation aux médias pour réduire... more
Dans un pays réputé pour ses guerres civiles, son sectarisme religieux, son racisme, son élitisme, son sexisme, son homophobie et son faible sens de la citoyenneté et de l’identité, quel rôle peut jouer l'éducation aux médias pour réduire les divisions et transformer les cultures de conflit, de contradiction et d’exclusion en cultures d'humanisme universel, d'harmonie communautaire et de justice inclusive ? Les médias libanais continuent de reproduire les divisions sociales et politiques, ainsi que le système patriarcal confessionnel corrompu et enraciné. Les faibles niveaux d'instruction sur les médias parmi le public et le manque d'éducation aux médias dans les écoles et les universités signifient que les reflets gênants des maux sociaux entretenus par ces médias restent incontrôlables, non contestés et souvent invisibles. L’éducation aux médias a le potentiel de faire passer les individus et les collectivités de leur statut de consommateurs dociles et passifs de contenus médiatiques qui divisent, en acteurs, producteurs, réinventeurs et perturbateurs actifs et autonomes des messages et processus médiatiques, devenant ainsi des agents de transformation culturelle.
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In a country notorious for recurrent civil strife, religious sectarianism, racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, and a weak sense of citizenry and identity, what role can media education-or media literacy-play to bridge divides and... more
In a country notorious for recurrent civil strife, religious sectarianism, racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, and a weak sense of citizenry and identity, what role can media education-or media literacy-play to bridge divides and transform cultures of contention, contradiction and exclusivity to cultures of universal humanism, communal harmony, and inclusive justice? Lebanese media continue to reproduce social and political divisions and the entrenched, corrupt confessional patriarchal system. Weak levels of media literacy among the public and lack of media education at schools and universities means that such troublesome media recreations of social ills go unchecked, unchallenged and often unseen. Media education has the potential to transform individuals and communities from passive docile consumers of divisive media content, to active and empowered producers, reinventors, and disruptors of media messages and processes, thereby becoming agents of cultural transformations.
Research Interests:
ﺎً ﺮ اﻟﯿﻮم ﺗﻘﺮﻳﺒ ِّﻣُ ﺔ ﻓﻲ اﻟﻌﺮاق واﻟﺸﺎم" )داﻋﺶ( ﻗﺪ د ّ اﻟﺪوﻟﺔ اﻹﺳﻼﻣﯿ َ "ﺗﻨﻈﯿﻢ ّ ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﺮﻏﻢ ﻣﻦ أن اﻟﺤﺮﻛﺎت ّ ﺎ ﻷن ً ﺎ ﺣﺎﺳﻤ ً ﻓﻲ ھﺬه اﻟﻈﺎھﺮة ﻳﺒﻘﻰ ﻣﻮﺿﻮﻋ َ اﻟﺒﺤﺚ ّ ﻓﺈن ،ﺔّ وﻋﺴﻜﺮﻳ ٍﺔّ ﺳﯿﺎﺳﯿ ٍةّ ﻛﻘﻮ ﻪ اﻟﺬي َ ﺎ ﻧﻤﻮذﺟ ً ﺧﺼﻮﺻ ، ھﺎ ُرِّ ﻪ وﺗﻄﻮ ِ... more
ﺎً ﺮ اﻟﯿﻮم ﺗﻘﺮﻳﺒ ِّﻣُ ﺔ ﻓﻲ اﻟﻌﺮاق واﻟﺸﺎم" )داﻋﺶ( ﻗﺪ د ّ اﻟﺪوﻟﺔ اﻹﺳﻼﻣﯿ َ "ﺗﻨﻈﯿﻢ ّ ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﺮﻏﻢ ﻣﻦ أن اﻟﺤﺮﻛﺎت ّ ﺎ ﻷن ً ﺎ ﺣﺎﺳﻤ ً ﻓﻲ ھﺬه اﻟﻈﺎھﺮة ﻳﺒﻘﻰ ﻣﻮﺿﻮﻋ َ اﻟﺒﺤﺚ ّ ﻓﺈن ،ﺔّ وﻋﺴﻜﺮﻳ ٍﺔّ ﺳﯿﺎﺳﯿ ٍةّ ﻛﻘﻮ ﻪ اﻟﺬي َ ﺎ ﻧﻤﻮذﺟ ً ﺧﺼﻮﺻ ، ھﺎ ُرِّ ﻪ وﺗﻄﻮ ِ ﺎﺗّ ﻪ واﺳﺘﺮاﺗﯿﺠﯿ َ ﻰ ﻧﻤﻮذﺟ ّ ﺔ ﻓﻲ اﻟﻤﺴﺘﻘﺒﻞ ﺳﺘﺘﺒﻨ ّ اﻟﺴﯿﺎﺳﯿ ِ ﺎتّ واﻟﺴﺮدﻳ ّ وﺳﺎﺋﻞ اﻟﺘﻮاﺻﻞ اﻻﺟﺘﻤﺎﻋﻲ ِ ﻳﻼﺋﻢ ﺑﯿﻦ اﻹﻋﻼم واﻹرھﺎب واﺳﺘﺨﺪام ﺰ ﻋﻠﻰ اﻋﺘﺪاءات ِّ اﻟﺼﻠﺔ ﻣﻦ أﺟﻞ ﺗﺠﻨﯿﺪ اﻟﺪاﻋﻤﯿﻦ وا ﻦﯿﻠﺗﺎﻘﻤﻟ. ھﺬه اﻟﺪراﺳﺔ ﺗﺮﻛ ِ ذات ِﺔّ اﻟﺜﻘﺎﻓﯿ . جذﻮﻤﻨﻟا اﺬھ حﺮﺷ ﻞﺟأ ﻦﻣ 2015/11/13ﺑﺎرﻳﺲ ﻓﻲ
Research Interests: Isis and Media Strategy
Objective: Exposure to food marketing may influence children's food preferences and consumption patterns and may increase the risk of childhood obesity. The WHO Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) has recently released a... more
Objective: Exposure to food marketing may influence children's food preferences and consumption patterns and may increase the risk of childhood obesity. The WHO Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) has recently released a regional nutrient profile model (WHO EMR) for the purpose of regulating the marketing of food and beverages to children. This study aimed at 1) analyzing the frequency and types of food and drink advertisements during children's viewing time in Lebanon; 2) examining the nutritional content of the advertised food products in reference to the nutrient thresholds specified by the WHO EMR model; and 3) assessing the proportion of food advertisements that included health messages. Design: This study consisted of a cross-sectional content analysis of food advertisements on local TV channels, during children's viewing time. Setting: Three local Lebanese channels with the highest viewership among 4-to 14-year-olds were selected. Recorded broadcasts (September 2016 through January 2017) were analyzed between 3 pm and 10 pm on weekdays and between 8 am and 10 pm on weekend days. Results: Approximately 31% of advertisements were for foods or drinks. The proportion of food advertisements was the highest during children's programs (43%) compared to general viewing (32%) and parental guidance (29%) programs. Approximately 8 out of 10 food advertisements were for products that did not meet the standards of the WHO EMR model. Of concern was the heavy advertisement of alcoholic beverages during programs for general audiences. The majority of the advertisements that comprised a health claim were for foods that did not meet the WHO EMR's nutritional standards (79%). Conclusions: The findings of this study, which is the first to utilize the new WHO EMR profile model, should be viewed as a foundation for the development of food marketing policies aimed at reducing chil-dren's exposure to TV food advertisements in Lebanon, a country that harbors a high burden of childhood obesity.
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This preliminary technical report examines the relationship between media uses of Lebanese youth and their potential attraction to extremism—broadly conceived. The study focuses on school students aged 14 to 18 and their teachers. It is... more
This preliminary technical report examines the relationship between media uses of Lebanese youth and their potential attraction to extremism—broadly conceived. The study focuses on school students aged 14 to 18 and their teachers. It is based on 16 focus groups distributed across the country and covers a total of 80 students and 80 teachers. To research youth’s media uses and their understanding of media and digital literacy, the study examines their use of various media tools: traditional and digital media, as well as social media, games, and smartphones. The qualitative study reveals various types of extremist inclinations among youth, including religious/sectarian, political, familial/tribal, and racial extremism. Some patterns of extremism may be linked to students’ uses of the Internet and social media, as a catalyst or trigger for action. The widespread use of chatting applications shows a potential risk for connection with extremist groups, while the use of violent video games demonstrates a potential link to students’ violent reactions in their communities, as the examples in the report show. Consistently, participating students are especially drawn to violent, horror and action films. The study also reveals that students are less interested in watching television, which has declined in favor of new media platforms. When it comes to policies regarding media uses that aim to protect students from extremism, few schools have them, yet all except one school teacher expressed concerns about their students receiving media messages that incite violent behavior and lead to recruitment by extremist groups. The teachers expressed fear that their students may be potentially encouraged through new media to engage in risky and violent acts, including extremism, terrorism, early sexual behavior, and drug abuse. Despite this fear, findings show that extremism among the young students was the most limited in schools where clear policies regulate media uses, curricula include some digital and media literacy instruction, and teachers follow up with students when they detect signs of extremist behaviors. However, none of the participating schools offer media and digital literacy as independent and permanent courses, and only few tackle certain aspects of media and digital literacy in other courses. Most teachers are not even aware of media and digital literacy and the majority have a rudimentary understanding of the methods, theories and learning approaches of media literacy. The findings highlight the importance of investing in training school teachers on media and digital literacy and building locally relevant curricula for K-12, as well as pushing for policies that require media literacy curricula in schools.
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The normality of the abnormal when reflecting on the history of my region, I find it difficult to ignore that what many around the world consider extraordinary and unusual is quite the norm in the Arab region. For a while, war, civil... more
The normality of the abnormal when reflecting on the history of my region, I find it difficult to ignore that what many around the world consider extraordinary and unusual is quite the norm in the Arab region. For a while, war, civil strife, economic collapse, terrorism, occupation, migration, unemployment, autocracy, and oppression have been nothing out of the ordinary. Even so-called states of emergency-temporary suspension of constitutional rights that give governments sweeping powers to deal effectively with extraordinary situations-have been anything but temporary-or extraordinary! In at least four Arab countries-Egypt, Syria, Algeria and Tunis, states of emergency have been continuously in place for decades. As for war and conflict, news headlines remind us daily that the conflict in Syria has now entered its eighth year, and have all but forgotten about the decades long conflicts that plagued Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan, South
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Over the past several decades, child development specialists have expressed concern over whether television violence, or media that depicts harmful intent expressed towards another person, poses a serious threat to the healthy development... more
Over the past several decades, child development specialists have expressed concern over whether television violence, or media that depicts harmful intent expressed towards another person, poses a serious threat to the healthy development of children. Exposure to violent media by preschool-aged children especially has received little attention, although viewing habits in this age group have increased dramatically over the past decade, raising concerns for parents, paediatricians and researchers (Common Sense Media & Rideout 2011; Sigman 2012). Some research suggests that the effects of media violence on child well-being are negligible. For example, a meta-analytic review of 25 published studies found the effects of violent media on aggressive behaviour to be modest at best (Ferguson & Kilburn 2009). However, this meta-analysis included studies on adults and children from several age groups. Some recent studies provide strong evidence that preschool-aged children who view violent television are more likely to behave aggressively (Christakis et al. 2013; Robertson, McAnally & Hancox 2013; Verlinden et al. 2012). The aim of the present critical review was to examine the state of the evidence supporting a link between early childhood (2- to 6-year-olds) exposure to violent media and subsequent health and well-being outcomes.
We searched through several decades (1971–2013) of educational, psychological, sociological, psychiatric, paediatric and communication literatures. Only peer-reviewed studies that employed either randomised control group designs or strong correlational designs which control for important confounders, such as baseline aggression and family context, were retained.
We searched through several decades (1971–2013) of educational, psychological, sociological, psychiatric, paediatric and communication literatures. Only peer-reviewed studies that employed either randomised control group designs or strong correlational designs which control for important confounders, such as baseline aggression and family context, were retained.
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New media have encroached into the lives of Middle Eastern youth in ways unimaginable just ten years ago. Upon visiting any Middle Eastern city, observers are struck by the number of satellite dishes covering the diverse landscape,... more
New media have encroached into the lives of Middle Eastern youth in ways unimaginable just ten years ago. Upon visiting any Middle Eastern city, observers are struck by the number of satellite dishes covering the diverse landscape, spanning the impoverished as much as the affluent neighborhoods. Internet penetration rates across the region continue to grow exponentially, while governments in panic acknowledge this growth with hasty policies and regulations. On almost every winding street of a Cairo, Beirut, or Damascene old town, a plethora of Internet cafes serve and entertain a vibrant youthful population. Cell phone ringtones have become as familiar as calls to prayer. Signs of youth increasingly succumbing to a global information saturated culture attract heated debates across the political, commercial, cultural and religious spheres, with predictions about its impact ranging from an acceleration in democratization and development, to a facilitation of Western cultural colonization and a breakdown in social traditions and norms. Despite this intense interest in how, why and what media do Middle Eastern youth consume and produce and with what potential effects, there remains a dearth of scientific data critically needed to inform this topic.
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How do you introduce media literacy to a whole region where top-down government structures control educational systems? …where war, conflict, and terrorism occupies vast areas? … where decrepit public education systems are dominated by... more
How do you introduce media literacy to a whole region where top-down government structures control educational systems? …where war, conflict, and terrorism occupies vast areas? … where decrepit public education systems are dominated by nepotism and archaic curricula? …where extremist ideologies and fundamentalism increasingly define the political culture? …and where social and economic injustice, military occupation, political persecution, and authoritarianism are the chronic norms of the past half-century?
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This study aims to provide an initial theoretical model for understanding and analyzing the mediated public diplomacy strategy of virtual states. It examines the mediated public diplomacy strategy of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria... more
This study aims to provide an initial theoretical model for understanding and analyzing the mediated public diplomacy strategy of virtual states. It examines the mediated public diplomacy strategy of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and its ability to synchronize terrorism tactics with communication strategies to gain media access and exposure, push news frames that serve its interests, and target stakeholders with a dual message using sophisticated branding strategies that resonate with cultural values and help it ultimately recruit supporters and deter foes.
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This study examines why female journalists in an Arab country continue to be marginalized. It hypothesized that a set of interrelated factors, pertaining to gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and the lack of a legally and socially... more
This study examines why female journalists in an Arab country continue to be marginalized. It hypothesized that a set of interrelated factors, pertaining to gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and the lack of a legally and socially enabling environment, work together to systematically discourage and block women’s entry into the news field, push those who made it out of the profession, and keep those who have endured down and siloed in specific roles away from decision-making and policy-setting positions. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, including a survey of 250 Lebanese, Arab and international female journalists working in Lebanon, qualitative interviews with 26 female journalists, as well as analysis of ownership documents and minutes of board meetings. Findings suggest that structural, institutional and cultural obstacles that have faced women for centuries around the globe continue to operate with potent effects in Lebanon, and by extension in the Arab region.
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The role of new media in the Arab uprisings and the news of widespread surveillance of digital and mobile media have triggered a renewed interest in Arab audiences research, particularly as it pertains to these audiences' critical... more
The role of new media in the Arab uprisings and the news of widespread surveillance of digital and mobile media have triggered a renewed interest in Arab audiences research, particularly as it pertains to these audiences' critical abilities and digital media literacy competencies. Taken for granted have been Arab youth's widespread use of social media for activism and political expression and their suspicion of government monitoring and privacy threats. This study questions these assumptions and attempts to provide a more accurate picture Arab youth's media uses, with the goal of informing the development of digital and media literacy curricula for the region. The study surveyed 2,554 youth and compared their media uses across countries, genders, incomes, ages, and education levels. The findings suggest low media literacy levels and media uses apathetic to political activism and focused more on entertainment with little fear of government surveillance and privacy risks
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Background: Non-medical anabolic steroid (AS) use in non-professional athletes is an increasingly recognized public health problem in Europe and the United States but poorly studied in the Middle East. Research question: The aim of this... more
Background: Non-medical anabolic steroid (AS) use in non-professional athletes is an increasingly recognized public health problem in Europe and the United States but poorly studied in the Middle East. Research question: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and determinants of anabolic steroid use amongst adult fitness centre attendees in the Greater Beirut area, Lebanon. Type of study: A cross-sectional study design was adopted. Methods: Subjects: The targeted population included all gym attendees in Greater Beirut aged 18 or above. Professional or career athletes competing in organized sports were excluded. Questionnaire: A questionnaire was used to survey participants on demographic information, history of anabolic steroid usage and possible determinants of use. Sampling: A list of 53 fitness centres in the Greater Beirut area was identified. Thirty-three gyms agreed to permit access to their centres. Trained research assistants distributed the questionnaire to all gym attendees on arrival, during equally selected day and evening intervals. A total of 523 gym attendees completed the survey. Results: The prevalence of any history of anabolic steroid use was 10.7%. The majority of users (78.2%) were aware of the adverse health effects. The main reason for usage reported was body image enhancement (82.0%). Demographic factors associated with anabolic steroid use were: male gender, separated/divorced status and full-time employment. Conclusion: Non-medical anabolic steroid use is a public health concern in Lebanon that should be addressed by monitoring AS use in health clubs and with educational programs aimed at high-risk groups, health practitioners and health clubs that not only focus
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This study shows how institutionalized gender discrimination and the prevalence of sexual harassment of female journalists and the absence of laws and codes of conduct that protect women and help them endure and advance in their work... more
This study shows how institutionalized gender discrimination and the prevalence of sexual harassment of female journalists and the absence of laws and codes of conduct that protect women and help them endure and advance in their work systematically lead to creating a discriminatory environment that keeps most women locked outside of journalism careers, and discourages those who made it into the news industry from enduring in their jobs, seeking advancement, and occupying decision making positions, and indirectly leads to news content that ignores women’s problems and normalizes stereotypical representations of women in the media. The study surveyed 250 female journalists from 60 Lebanese, Arab and international news institutions operating in Lebanon. It aims to advocate laws and codes of conduct that explicitly reject sexual harassment and gender discrimination, to improve working conditions of female journalists in the Arab world through developing curricular material relevant for media literacy and journalism courses that help prepare aspiring journalists to protect themselves from gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace.
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This article explores digital activism among Lebanese social movement organizations (SMOs) using a social movements theoretical framework.. It highlights the commonly used digital and social media tools for activism, and analyzes their... more
This article explores digital activism among Lebanese social movement organizations (SMOs) using a social movements theoretical framework.. It highlights the commonly used digital and social media tools for activism, and analyzes their perceived benefits and disadvantages. The study used a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative interviews, focus group, and participant observation methods. It found that digital activism is on the rise, and that social media platforms offer many perceived benefits for activism work, but also create significant obstacles in both the digital and offline realms. As such, this article offers recommendations, based on best practices, to bolster the efficacy of digital activism in Lebanon.
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While journalism and journalism schools were long the almost exclusive domain of male professionals, over the past few decades the latter has increasingly become dominated by female students, but not, as would be anticipated, the former.... more
While journalism and journalism schools were long the almost exclusive domain of male professionals, over the past few decades the latter has increasingly become dominated by female students, but not, as would be anticipated, the former. What explains the reversal in gender proportions as we move from university classrooms into the workplace and up the corporate ladder? At most colleges around the world women make up the vast majority of journalism and communication students, but once they hit the workplace their numbers plummet and continue to dwindle until they become a tiny minority in the upper echelons of corporate media (Byerly, 2011). Even in countries with high levels of gender equality, the patterns of professional inequality persist (see, for example, Djerf-Pierre, 2007).
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A significant part of a modern war entails the struggle over news frames to influence public opinion. Studying these news frames in a comparative international context may offer insights into the factors behind frame construction. The... more
A significant part of a modern war entails the struggle over news frames to influence public opinion. Studying these news frames in a comparative international context may offer insights into the factors behind frame construction. The 2006 Lebanon–Israel war offers a well-defined case for such comparative study. This study examined how mainstream Arab, Israeli and US television networks framed the conflict. It found strong regional framing trends explained as an outcome of the interplay of political, economic and cultural factors that confined each network’s journalistic practices. The trends revealed a strong correlation between Israeli and US news framing, with some exceptions, and a division between two Arab media camps, both of which generally offered framing supportive of Hezbollah.
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This study uses mixed methods to examine the state of trauma journalism education at journalism programmes. The survey of 623 faculty members from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)-accredited... more
This study uses mixed methods to examine the state of trauma journalism education at journalism programmes. The survey of 623 faculty members from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)-accredited institutions reveals a gap in training that leaves prospective journalists ill-prepared to cover domestic and international violence and disasters. An analysis of journalism curricula shows most universities, if they teach trauma journalism at all, do so only in an introductory manner while covering other subjects such as interviewing and ethics. Finally, qualitative interviews with journalism faculty and professional journalists who have covered trauma provide further context supporting the need for specific resources. The study offers recommendations for supporting trauma journalism education and introducing it to journalism curricula.
Research Interests:
The values that underpin good journalism, the need of citizens for reliable and abundant information, and the importance of such information for a healthy society and a robust democracy: these are perennial, and provide compass-bearings... more
The values that underpin good journalism, the need of citizens for reliable and abundant information, and the importance of such information for a healthy society and a robust democracy: these are perennial, and provide compass-bearings for anyone trying to make sense of current changes across the media landscape.
The standards in the profession are in the process of being set. Most of the effects on journalism imposed by new technology are shaped in the most developed societies, but these changes are equally influencing the media in less developed societies.
The Mapping Digital Media project, which examines the changes in-depth, aims to build bridges between researchers and policymakers, activists, academics and standard-setters across the world. It also builds policy capacity in countries where this is less developed, encouraging stakeholders to participate and influence change. At the same time, this research creates a knowledge base, laying foundations for advocacy work, building capacity and enhancing debate.
The Media Program of the Open Society Foundations has seen how changes and continuity affect the media in different places, redefining the way they can operate sustainably while staying true to values of pluralism and diversity, transparency and accountability, editorial independence, freedom of expression and information, public service, and high professional standards.
The Mapping Digital Media project assesses, in the light of these values, the global opportunities and risks that are created for media by the following developments: the switch-over from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting; growth of new media platforms as sources of news; convergence of traditional broadcasting with telecommunications.
Covering 60 countries, the project examines how these changes affect the core democratic service that any media system should provide—news about political, economic and social aff airs.
The Mapping Digital Media reports are produced by local researchers and partner organizations in each country. Cumulatively, these reports will provide a much-needed resource on the democratic role of digital media.
In addition to the country reports, the Open Society Media Program has commissioned research papers on a range of topics related to digital media. These papers are published as the MDM Reference Series.
The standards in the profession are in the process of being set. Most of the effects on journalism imposed by new technology are shaped in the most developed societies, but these changes are equally influencing the media in less developed societies.
The Mapping Digital Media project, which examines the changes in-depth, aims to build bridges between researchers and policymakers, activists, academics and standard-setters across the world. It also builds policy capacity in countries where this is less developed, encouraging stakeholders to participate and influence change. At the same time, this research creates a knowledge base, laying foundations for advocacy work, building capacity and enhancing debate.
The Media Program of the Open Society Foundations has seen how changes and continuity affect the media in different places, redefining the way they can operate sustainably while staying true to values of pluralism and diversity, transparency and accountability, editorial independence, freedom of expression and information, public service, and high professional standards.
The Mapping Digital Media project assesses, in the light of these values, the global opportunities and risks that are created for media by the following developments: the switch-over from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting; growth of new media platforms as sources of news; convergence of traditional broadcasting with telecommunications.
Covering 60 countries, the project examines how these changes affect the core democratic service that any media system should provide—news about political, economic and social aff airs.
The Mapping Digital Media reports are produced by local researchers and partner organizations in each country. Cumulatively, these reports will provide a much-needed resource on the democratic role of digital media.
In addition to the country reports, the Open Society Media Program has commissioned research papers on a range of topics related to digital media. These papers are published as the MDM Reference Series.
Research Interests:
This study uses mixed-methods to map out the field of journalism and media studies in Lebanese universities and deploys a Q-technique to capture faculties’ opinions. The Q-analysis of 29 instructors revealed three groups of opinions... more
This study uses mixed-methods to map out the field of journalism and media studies in Lebanese universities and deploys a Q-technique to capture faculties’ opinions. The Q-analysis of 29 instructors revealed three groups of opinions towards journalism studies: one advocated a professional approach, one preferred a communication arts focus, and one pushed for a theoretical and research-intensive orientation. While the three groups differed on various matters, they all agreed that journalism and media studies in Lebanon urgently needed more qualified faculty, locally oriented research, and relevant academic and technical resources. Student demographic analysis revealed a stable increase in broadcast journalism and public relations (PR) enrolments but a decrease in print journalism; advertising and marketing were the most popular subjects, followed by broadcast journalism and PR; females outnumbered males; and the Lebanese University, the only public university, remained the most prestigious and popular program despite its dire financial situation. The curricula analysis found most programs had either a practical or a liberal-professional orientation, while only one had a liberal emphasis. In addition, most programs required an internship, while only two required a thesis; English and the US academic system dominated; only one program offered online journalism; while none offered media or news literacy.
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Realizing the importance of educating youth about ubiquitous media systems and messages that surround every aspect of their lives, many countries across the globe have embraced media and information literacies as core components of... more
Realizing the importance of educating youth about ubiquitous media systems and messages that surround every aspect of their lives, many countries across the globe have embraced media and information literacies as core components of university curricula, and in some cases middle- and high-school programs. Unfortunately, the Arab region has been a latecomer to this realization (Melki, 2009, 2011).
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In the past two decades, Dubai has built a globally resonant place brand image out of an unknown location in the context of often negative regional associations. This case study addressed global news outlets ’ role in mediating Dubai ’... more
In the past two decades, Dubai has built a globally resonant place brand image out of an unknown location in the context of often negative regional associations. This case study addressed global news outlets ’ role in mediating Dubai ’ s global image and Dubai ’ s long-term ability to capture headlines in Singapore, New York, and London. It also examined the various sources shaping professionals ’ images of Dubai in these three cities. Finally, the study identified professionals ’
specific familiarity with recent Dubai headlines. Results indicated that Dubai has experienced tremendous growth in global media coverage. News media served as a source of substantial but varying importance to the surveyed professionals. Participants from all three cities held Dubai images consistent with prominent newspaper headlines about the city. The fi findings discourage the use of aggregated global data for marketing decisions and tempers assumed universality of Dubai ’s image. It urges tying specifi c media channels to the location of the target audience and using former visitors of a place as effective information sources.
specific familiarity with recent Dubai headlines. Results indicated that Dubai has experienced tremendous growth in global media coverage. News media served as a source of substantial but varying importance to the surveyed professionals. Participants from all three cities held Dubai images consistent with prominent newspaper headlines about the city. The fi findings discourage the use of aggregated global data for marketing decisions and tempers assumed universality of Dubai ’s image. It urges tying specifi c media channels to the location of the target audience and using former visitors of a place as effective information sources.
Research Interests:
Lebanon has historically been one of the most liberal and progressive countries in the Arab world, with a relatively free media climate and a culture and legal environment largely conducive to gender equality. Censorship in Lebanon... more
Lebanon has historically been one of the most liberal and progressive countries in the Arab world, with a relatively free media climate and a culture and legal environment largely conducive to gender equality. Censorship in Lebanon remains nowhere near as stringent as in most of its regional counterparts, although journalists and bloggers self-censor for personal safety (Alabaster 2011). The country has a long tradition of press freedom, but nearly all media have ties to political groups (Al-Najjar 2011). Women have legal access to virtually all occupations and professions and enjoy equal constitutional rights with men, despite the persistence of some discriminatory laws and practices. In addition, Lebanese women in most professions face a national trend of underrepresentation in positions of power, especially within the news industry. As was learned in the Global Report on the Status of Women in the News Media (Global Report) study, Lebanese news companies employ twice as many men as women, and the disparity further increases as we go up the corporate ladder (Byerly 2011).
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Media literacy education has much to offer Lebanon and the Arab region, yet it remains in its infancy struggling to affi rm its importance in academe. Decades of conflict, rampant corruption, authoritarian rule, and severe restrictions on... more
Media literacy education has much to offer Lebanon and the Arab region, yet it remains in its infancy struggling to affi rm its importance in academe. Decades of conflict, rampant corruption, authoritarian rule, and severe restrictions on freedom of expression and the press have turned much of Arab media education into factories that produce and sustain a “sensorial culture” and “prepare generation after generation of semi-educated journalists whose job is to promote the ‘achievements’ of the state” (Amin, 2002, 129). Nevertheless, the past decade has witnessed a revival in media education (Melki, 2011), thanks in part to a revolution in communication technologies and a wave of political and cultural uprising that swept the region and brought digital and media literacy to the forefront, especially in countries like Lebanon.
Research Interests:
Arab media studies began at two academic institutions in Egypt in the mid 1930s and slowly began spreading to a handful of Arab countries—Tunis, Algeria, Sudan, Iraq and Lebanon—in the subsequent three decades (Abu Bakr, Labib and Kandil,... more
Arab media studies began at two academic institutions in Egypt in the mid 1930s and slowly began spreading to a handful of Arab countries—Tunis, Algeria, Sudan, Iraq and Lebanon—in the subsequent three decades (Abu Bakr, Labib and Kandil, 1985; Al-Jammal, 1991). However, the field remained small until the late 1980s and witnessed a sudden growth in the ensuing decade, immediately following the rapid expansion of Arab satellite and digital media (Ayish, 1998). By the debut of the 21st century, most Arab countries had multiple media studies programs.