The evolution of the media apparatus within the framework of the League of Arab States has witnessed significant institutional advancement, culminating in the establishment of the Media and Communications Sector. The sector now serves as the cornerstone of a comprehensive and coordinated Arab media system, designed to foster collaboration among national media institutions under the auspices of the Council of Arab Information Ministers.
This integrated framework aims to consolidate and promote unified Arab narratives at both regional and international levels, notably through the strategic engagement of the League's missions and representative offices across various continents. A core objective of this media framework is to strengthen partnerships between the League of Arab States and regional and international organisations specialising in media and communications. Notable among these collaborative efforts is Arab-Chinese media cooperation, which has given rise to initiatives such as the Arab-Chinese Radio and Television Cooperation Forum, convened biennially since 2013.
Advocacy for Arab causes—foremost among them the Palestinian cause—remains a central pillar of Arab media efforts. This advocacy is pursued through coordinated media campaigns and awareness programmes guided by a unified Arab media policy, as articulated in the resolutions of the Council of Arab Information Ministers and implemented by the General Secretariat.
Furthermore, the Council continues to develop normative frameworks and professional guidelines to support Arab media practitioners. In tandem, the scope of Arab media engagement has broadened to encompass critical economic and social challenges affecting the daily lives of Arab citizens, including climate change, environmental sustainability, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Foundational documents guiding joint Arab media action:
- The Arab Media Strategy
- The Joint Arab Media Strategy for Combating Terrorism
- The 2019 Arab Media Code of Honour
- The Framework Document on Integration Between Media and Communication for Arab Human Development
- The Guiding Principles for the Regulation of Satellite Radio and Television Broadcasting in the Arab Region
- The Arab Media Map for Sustainable Development 2030
- The Professional Reference Guide for Media Practitioners on Sustainable Development
In addition, work is currently in progress to finalise two key frameworks: the Arab Strategy for Media and Information Literacy and the Unified Arab Action Plan for Addressing Environmental Issues Through Media.
The Council of Arab Information Ministers has launched several initiatives aimed at supporting Arab media professionals and enhancing media awareness across the Arab world. Among these initiatives:
- Designation of 21 April as Arab Media Day: Celebrated annually, this occasion is marked by events organised across Arab countries to encourage creativity among media professionals and recognise their contributions to advancing Arab causes.
- Designation of 11 May as the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian Media: Coinciding with the anniversary of the martyrdom of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, this day affirms support for Palestinian media professionals who strive to convey the reality of life under occupation to the international community.
- Launch of the Arab Media Excellence Award (2016): Introduced as part of Arab Media Day celebrations, this award seeks to spotlight outstanding media models in the Arab world and foster a spirit of constructive competition. It is open to individual professionals and media institutions in member states, spanning four categories: television, radio, print media, and digital media.
- Capital of Arab Media Initiative: An annual initiative selecting an Arab city to serve as the Capital of Arab Media, intended to promote collaboration among media institutions, elevate the role of media in supporting development and societal priorities, and highlight the cultural and civilisational identity of the host city. Jerusalem was honoured in 2016 and later designated the "Eternal Capital of Arab Media" in recognition of its unique spiritual, legal, and historical significance. Other selected cities include Baghdad (2017–2018), Riyadh (2018–2019), Dubai (2020–2021), Tripoli (2022), Beirut (2023), Manama (2024), and Kuwait (2025). The designated city undertakes a series of media activities throughout the year to enhance national and regional media development.
- Establishment of the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU): Founded in 1969 under the auspices of the League of Arab States, ASBU is among the earliest specialised professional bodies in the region. It comprises Arab radio and television organizations, including public, private, and Arabic-speaking foreign channels. Its mandate includes coordinating the exchange of news and programs, covering major events across the Arab world and beyond, representing Arab media institutions in negotiations, and providing professional training for Arab media personnel.
- Creation of the Arab Satellite Communications Organisation (Arabsat): Established in 1976, Arabsat has become one of the world's largest satellite operators, delivering television broadcasting, telecommunications, and a range of satellite services.
In addition, several professional organisations and unions involved in media development hold observer status with the Council of Arab Information Ministers.
The League of Arab States also affirms its commitment to fostering applied research in the media sector. In partnership with research institutions, it convenes workshops and dialogue forums to provide structured frameworks for scientific studies, analytical research, and data collection aimed at informing and advancing Arab media practice.
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