During the session titled “From the Newspaper to the Tweet,” held at the Arab Media Forum on the second day of the Arab Media Summit 2025, experts emphasized that journalism transcends fleeting tweets or viral posts; it embodies responsibility, credibility, investigation, and verification. The participants included Ragda Dargham, advisor to Al Arabiya and Al Hadath channels on American and international affairs, and Raed Barqawi, the executive editor of Al Khaleej newspaper, with the discussion moderated by Nancy Bahamad. They collectively affirmed that traditional media earns the trust of both the public and governments.
Raed Barqawi pointed out that statistics reveal over 59% of people trust traditional media, such as television, newspapers, and radio, despite the rapid dissemination of information on social media. He added that traditional media maintains governmental trust.
He elaborated that during the COVID-19 pandemic and the surge of rumors on social media, reliable media sources were rooted in traditional outlets. This confirms their belief that professional media remains “the true kitchen of information,” as it showcases responsible and skillful journalism, allowing traditional media to regain its esteemed position among various forms of media.
Barqawi stressed that there will be a significant integration between traditional and digital media, especially as digital platforms have shown considerable development recently, producing quality content within a practical framework. He acknowledged that the current challenge facing professional and traditional media is no longer just competition among peers or within institutions but a global competition given the radically changed landscape.
On her part, Ragda Dargham stated, “The issue we face today lies in the conflation of social media and journalism, which is governed by regulations and standards.” She emphasized that journalism is not just a fleeting tweet or a rapidly shared post; it embodies responsibility, credibility, investigation, and precision. She noted that professional content, whether it is printed, digital, or online, must uphold essential journalistic and professional values.
Dargham added that we now confront a genuine challenge: should we allow social media to replace journalism? Should we accept that a ‘tweet’ becomes a substitute for a ‘news report’? She clarified that social media serves as a means of interaction, whereas journalism is a profession based on accountability, knowledge, and credibility. The distinction is significant, underscoring the need to differentiate between personal opinions and responsible information dissemination.