Top Newspaper Editor talks Social Media and News at SIBF

Newspapers are utilizing the power of social media, interactive graphics and videos to enhance their content as readers become more mobile and receive more information online, said Mohammed Almezel, Managing Editor of Gulf News. As one of the largest English dailies in the region, the editor spoke about how the newspaper strives to promote audience involvement and credible news delivery in the age of social media, at a session titled “Social Media at Gulf News” held yesterday (Thursday) at the Social Media Station of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2015 at the Expo Centre from 4-14 November. 

Sam Leith, Literary Editor of “The Spectator” moderated the session and asked about challenges faced by print media in the digital era and opportunities social media presents the sector.  

Almezel said that social media has changed the way news is reported because any story that breaks is posted on Twitter within minutes, then on websites and finally on printed paper last. Readers are also able to post comments and criticize what media covers online instantly. He added that social media has empowered people to express views and share news, which allows information flow both ways, the reader becomes a source in many instances. 

He said, “Today’s newspapers are not just text and pictures, but an interactive platform which consists of infographics, videos and maps. These additional details make a story complete. We, as media, need to monitor how audiences treat the information we provide, so at Gulf News we have a Digital Desk that shares on average 200 to 400 stories a day and monitors who shares what stories. The team also conducts polls and responds to comments. Gulf News also has a Reader’s Desk that moderates reader comments, analyses news reach and answers reader criticism.”

Almezel said, “As an Editor, I would prefer being the first to present a whole story than be the first to break a story without checking facts. We should understand that audiences will not stay long with a news provider that is first, but not credible. However, the newspaper industry is not immune to mistakes.”

He said,  “To deliver news on time and with accuracy, we employ tactics like short social media posts for breaking news, sharing initially available information, then an updated version online as the story builds and finally an analytical coverage in print.”

Almezel said that though social media platforms were instrumental in bringing issues in Iran, Egypt and Syria to the world, having a huge amount of information available online makes it difficult to differentiate between news and propaganda. “It is very important that journalists uphold the responsibility of reporting factual news, as people depend on newspapers to validate any news they come across online. This is where print media plays and important role, especially in the Middle East and South Asia.”

Almezel finished by saying the major impact of social media on newspapers remains positive and promising, and newspapers should accept the fact that social media contributes to digital journalism and acts as a direct communication channel between them and audience.