GCC electronic media heads meet in Doha

QNA/DohaThe heads of GCC electronic media held their fifth meeting in Doha yesterday. The meeting, which was chaired by Qatar News Agency (QNA) director (technical affairs) Khalid Mohammed al-Mutawa, discussed a number of issues, including the GCC Secretariat’s report on follow-up recommendations of the fourth meeting, the GCC Secretariat’s memorandum on a study by Bahrain on social networking sites, the GCC Secretariat’s memorandum on the draft code of conduct for electronic media, in addition to other memorandums about the social networking sites workshop and proposals presented by Saudi Arabia. The meeting exchanged views and ideas on the issue of electronic media and its development in terms of legislation and holding workshops and training sessions to increase skills of those working in this field as well as to exchange experiences and expertise between member states. The meeting welcomed a proposal by Qatar, represented by QNA, to launch news channel on YouTube to facilitate the follow-up of various activities and events held by the Gulf Co-operation Council countries. The participants also discussed the definition of the electronic media and the importance of optimal use of the social communication means. Addressing the opening session of the meeting, Al Mutawa said that efforts would continue to develop this sector. Al Mutawa hoped that the meeting would further contribute to the development of the electronic media in the GCC states so as to achieve media integration among the GCC countries and keep pace with the latest global media developments.