JEDDAH, 27th November, 2023 (WAM) -- The international forum themed "The Role of Media in Inciting Hatred and Violence – Risks of Misinformation and Bias," has concluded in Jeddah, issuing the “Charter of Media Responsibility”.
The forum was organised by the Assistant Secretariat for Institutional Communication at the Muslim World League (MWL) and the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA).
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the forum recommended the establishment of a unified international law to regulate media ethics. Additionally, the forum endorsed standards for responsible media practice and advocated for national and international laws to deter all forms of hatred.
The forum also announced the creation of the "Islamic News Agency Award for Media Professionalism". This award will be given to government and non-governmental entities and individuals who are committed to upholding media values. The forum pledged national and international support for enhancing the media message, raising awareness of various concepts and implications, using media as a soft power to serve humanitarian causes, resolve conflicts, and strengthen civilisational alliances among nations and peoples in countering hatred.
Finally, the forum called for the adoption of the "Jeddah Charter for Media Responsibility" by international media institutions. This charter is intended to serve as a reference and legal document for understanding media ethics, regulating media practices, and outlining media guidelines.