Online Media and Public Sphere - Case Study Example

Introduction The credibility and reliability of Saudi online and offline media remains poignant in the literature review and findings from questionnaires, surveys and interviews conducted. While it is noted that the credibility of Saudi media and public sphere remain a multifaceted concept, our findings conceptualizes tenets of literatures previously reviewed. To contextualize this position, the survey results indicate that Saudi government has been persistent in manipulating and controlling through different mercenaries including but not limited to censorship and enforcement of unpopular laws. The Habermas’ understanding of public sphere and credibility are regarded as some of the main issues research hypotheses tested in the methodology section. However, there is still need for clarity with regard to practical and theoretical concepts of media credibility and reliability and the public sphere. This chapter thematically discusses findings based on the questionnaires, surveys and interviews. The basis of the discussion is to relate credibility of online and offline media and public sphere to the literatures reviewed and the survey and interview responses. The main findings in light of the themes identified in the literature review will form basis for concluding the thesis statement of this research. Saudis and Credibility of News The fundamental aim of the survey and interview data was to ascertain the credibility of online and offline news within the context of Saudi Arabia. To begin with, the data presented indicated that online newspapers were the most credible compared with other channels of reporting or the traditional media. The research further identified that the reason for the credibility of online newspaper was due to the stake the government was having on it. That is, the online newspapers were not subjected to government maneuvers and controls. This finding relates to literature review findings where studies such as Dean (2003) noted that the credibility of media may be affected by the control the regime or government has on it. While Dean (2003) assessed the relationship between media credibility and political alignments, the point of agreement between his findings and the findings from our surveys and interview is that media are likely be discredited by members of public especially if there is connection between the said source of media and government. To ascertain this view further, answers from respondents in the survey showed that Saudi online newspapers provided them with objective information regarding different events including the events in Syria because government could not find ways of manipulating the occurrences. In the literature review Awad (2010) cited King Abdul Aziz Centre for National Dialogue and opined that online news provide avenues where members of public interact freely regarding issues affecting them. This study supports this finding by adding that the survey and interview responses find online news credible because it creates an environment where issues can be discussed in ways that command credibility amongst a broad audience among the Saudis. This study noted from the findings that there are different reasons why online news information can be credible. While credibility of online journalism is seen to be based on the readership of the online newspapers, respondents noted that sources of online information such as Sabq online newspaper were credible because it attracted viewership. We note from the survey and interview findings that credibility and readership of online source of information are related but from the literature reviews such relationship is not supported by Habermas’ view of public sphere. Habermas noted that the public sphere is a space where individuals assemble as a populace and articulate their independent views in order to influence the political institutions of their society. From the survey and interviews, it is not possible to discern how readership alone can be extremely intricate and consist of groups of different sizes, which can overlap and mutually influence each other as Habermas posit. This perspective leaves this study with one way of understanding the link between Habermas’ perspective, readership and credibility of online news; and this is what Mohammed Alshehri the editor-in-chief of Sabq noted when he admitted that religion is a critical aspect in capturing readership. That once online newspaper captures religion of the people credibility follows suit. Relating this finding with theoretical framework earlier identified in the study, Habermas concept is best suited within Arabic world as far as media credibility is concerned. The Saudis regard media and public sphere as a place where they have the chance to exchange their concerns, views and opinions but for them to be identified with the media where these are possible, credibility remains to be essential. The interviews and survey questions further deciphered that credibility increased with the emergence of new media platforms; specifically the ‘social media.’ Respondents noted that the online ‘social media’ were credible because of lower ethical or professional codes of conducts expected of them. Specifically, more than two-thirds of the users interviewed were dissatisfied with the professional standards of Saudi online journalism. 15 users also stated that they did not believe that the professional standards of online journalism were as high as in other mainstream media, such as TV news instead, they valued or credited information from ‘social media.’ Relating this finding with the literature review, Al-Saggaf (2015) also found that credibility and social media were directly connected. While researching on Exploring its use during two natural disasters, Al-Saggaf (2015) noted journalistic deciphering of information from social media was not as controlled as the traditional medial sources in Saudi. The thematic analysis using concepts from online public sphere, media credibility and previous studies of social media further support the respondents’ views regarding social media and news credibility. First, a process of verifying news items stands to be one of the concerns that respondents had. Journalists interviewed were concerned that there were no agreed criteria for verifying the credibility of news items. Secondly, the journalistic views that Saudi media remains to be the most censored in the world supports the hypotheses of the research as well as literature reviews. The respondents from interviews further noted that most editors-in-chief of traditional newspapers are state or government appointees thus would do anything not to publish news that discredited the government. From these findings, it is worth noting that traditional newspapers have serious credibility issues. As noted in the literature review, the principle of the public sphere should entail the discussion of all matters of general concern to which the argument of the discussion is applied so as to establish the public good and general interest. However, the journalists responses about credibility, if related to Habermas thematic understanding of public sphere we conclude that sphere in Saudi Arabia is certainly not a product of democracy and still deviates from sustaining democracy. From the data gathered, the Saudis still question the credibility of the official media and seemingly, they have lost trust; an indication of a crisis of credibility. However, just like Western theorist pointed out in the literature review, it is important to conclude that the relationship between public sphere, Habermas thematic understanding of public sphere and credibility depends on the religion, social and political placing of the reader. Public Sphere in the Context of Saudi Arabia The emergence of Internet created a shift in information deciphering and one of such is the ways in which public sphere formed in Saudi Arabia after the emergence of Internet. From the perspective of literatures reviewed thus far, we note, as an introduction of public sphere within the context of Saudi Arabia, that public sphere emerged in Saudi Arabia as a result of new media, particularly amidst the introduction of social media. This means that public sphere within the confines of Saudi Arabia abodes well with Habermas in the sense that it was formed and continues to operate as an intermediary system between the society and the state. Arguments posited by Al-Saggaf and Simmons (2015) when assessing Social media in Saudi Arabia: Exploring its use during two natural disasters best describes best describes the emergence and context of public sphere within Saudi Arabia. According to the authors, emergence of public sphere was characterized by periods when the participation of citizens in public matters was controlled. The connectedness of Al-Saggaf and Simmons (2015) research with the general understanding of public sphere is the role of social media in creating a new public sphere in Saudi Arabia. From the interview responses, this research agrees with Al-Saggaf and Simmons (2015) but suggests that social media still plays a role in circumventing and challenging traditional authoritarian controls. In understanding the general perspective of public sphere in the context of Saudi Arabia, the data findings delve on a review of Saudi online media and how it has become an alternative media for Saudi users. To begin with, online media within the context of the interview and survey meant online newspaper sites that lacked a hard copy version (Sabq and Alweeam among others were taken as case studies). Based on ten online newspapers that the study identified, there was common feeling among the respondents that online media is regarded as an alternative over the traditional forms whose credibility have been questioned. For instance, respondents noted that the manner in which the government treated the Corona disease outbreak in May 2014 and the external issue or the Egyptian elections in late May 2014 raised concerns with members of public thus shifting their attention from the traditional sources of information to online versions as an alternative media for the Saudis. The qualitative thematic analysis using concepts from online public sphere, media credibility and previous studies of social media further indicate that online media has become an alternative media tool after the government owned and maneuvered traditional sources of media. Furthermore, the respondents indicated that Saudi online media is growing to become alternative media for Saudi and these could be attested by the respondents’ following of Sabq, Alweeam and Lojainiat---with Alweeam having the highest number of Saudi readers. The dataset findings are further supported by Uslaner (2004) argument. According to the author, traditional media in Saudi Arabia is quickly being replaced with online media because online media creates a large range of responses as well as reactions. The relevance of public spheres in Saudi Arabia media is one area that dataset from the interview and survey has been succinctly supported. With regard to the Arab Spring, respondents were asked about their thoughts regarding the treatment of the then issues. It was apparent from the respondents that the mistreatment from traditional media such as radio, newspapers and TV made people to move to a more informative and credible source. These findings contextualize the fact that that within the Saudi media context, public sphere begins to infiltrate in people’s lives. Social media in Saudi Arabia acts as a mediated public sphere where people could debate issues and have a voice away from official media and a good example to support this view are the respondents’ views during the Syrian crisis that Saudis had to contribute to. Conclusively, the rate of relevance of public sphere in Saudi media context relates to our findings on the number of subscribers to Internet services in Saudi Arabia. The findings showed that the total number of subscribers is standing at 18.3 million at the end of June 2014. Furthermore, we found that Twitter was the most popular media outlet in Saudi Arabia. Main Contribution of the Study This study makes different contributions to the already existing knowledge of the relationship between news credibility, public sphere and social media. The thematic analysis of this study was the extent to which there is co-existence between public sphere and media credibility in Saudi Arabia as contextulised within literatures reviewed, Habermas’ understanding of public and findings from the interview and the surveys. Based on the literature reviewed, the interviews, questionnaires and the survey, the concepts of public sphere, online media, and social media have guided our analysis of the two themes (credibility and public sphere). The main findings from the study were manifold. First, public sphere within the context of Saudi Arabia has become relevant. The relevance is pegged on the fact that our data findings showed that social media continues to facilitate public opinion, concerns and voices where traditional media seems to be gagged or suppressed by the government. This finding was based on the number of journalists and members of public who were interviewed and confirmed their memberships to some of the common online media in Saudi Arabia. Secondly, this study helps in understanding that Saudi online media has become an alternative media for Saudi users. This is not only attested by the responses from the questionnaires and interviews that supported the credibility of online media but how reliable respondents found such information. This findings support Uslaner (2004) who earlier noted that social media in Saudi Arabia provides an alternative source information because it is through them that one can read the emotional state of individuals regarding the government. As a matter of fact, to great extent, the findings of this study support the view that online media in Saudi Arabia provides an alternative tool where citizens can formulate and express Arab public opinion. Al-Saggaf and Simmons (2015) taxonomy of the online public sphere in Saudi Arabia is also supported in this finding. Respondents’ articulations of issues such as Arab Spring were an indication that traditional media are still highly mediated, controlled and fail to empower new discussants. A point to note about this finding is that under authoritarian governments as it was the case with Saudi Arabia, taking part in public arguments or writing online materials that criticize the government may come at a high cost. Constraints such as government manipulation of media were a representation that concerned Habermas. This study found that the aspect of religion plays a significant role in understanding how Saudi Arabia relates with online media. Just like as Al-Saggaf and Simmons (2015) noted in the literature review, we find that due to intertwining perspective of religion, it is not possible to provide what constitute media credibility. While the inclusiveness of the definition is that it gives consideration to public order, public interest, public morality and realism, the aspect of religion as conceptualized in the findings section indicates that there is need for further research, particularly, one which will be able to identify the necessary qualities of media content and the significance of appreciating the public interest. We further hypothesise that the government find the connectedness between credibility of media and public sphere by listening, responding and watching social media. That said, we recommend for future research which will be able to address in depth, the future of news credibility and public sphere using longitudinal data of occurrence and trends. Conclusion The implication of this study is that political diversity and openness of the online media and public sphere spurns ready-made theoretical labels. The central theme of the study; credibility and public sphere build our understanding that online media is used by the Saudis where revolution is yet to erupt and where social media is acting as the only way to communicate to the government. For citizen to be able to engage with government in a meaningful conversation, we stress on the significance of credibility as it defines not only the boundaries of such engagement but the objectivity, neutrality and trust Saudis will be having regarding their government. The boundaries of credibility stretches beyond the limitations of what this study has covered. It has multidimensional construct, and one way of understanding this is to look at online journalism in the eyes of the Saudi audience. It is for this reason that significant credibility tend to increase when new media emerges---not only because the new media will attempt to work away from standards of professional but because Saudis feel the new online media platform offers the previously lacked skills in the articulation of issues. Currently, Arab world has been redefined where new public spheres such as the emergence of social media offer people a public space; independent from government so that people can discuss issues or express their opinion about would otherwise not communicated through traditional media. Read More

This perspective leaves this study with one way of understanding the link between Habermas’ perspective, readership and credibility of online news; and this is what Mohammed Alshehri the editor-in-chief of Sabq noted when he admitted that religion is a critical aspect in capturing readership. That once online newspaper captures religion of the people credibility follows suit. Relating this finding with theoretical framework earlier identified in the study, Habermas concept is best suited within Arabic world as far as media credibility is concerned.

The Saudis regard media and public sphere as a place where they have the chance to exchange their concerns, views and opinions but for them to be identified with the media where these are possible, credibility remains to be essential. The interviews and survey questions further deciphered that credibility increased with the emergence of new media platforms; specifically the ‘social media.’ Respondents noted that the online ‘social media’ were credible because of lower ethical or professional codes of conducts expected of them.

Specifically, more than two-thirds of the users interviewed were dissatisfied with the professional standards of Saudi online journalism. 15 users also stated that they did not believe that the professional standards of online journalism were as high as in other mainstream media, such as TV news instead, they valued or credited information from ‘social media.’ Relating this finding with the literature review, Al-Saggaf (2015) also found that credibility and social media were directly connected.

While researching on Exploring its use during two natural disasters, Al-Saggaf (2015) noted journalistic deciphering of information from social media was not as controlled as the traditional medial sources in Saudi. The thematic analysis using concepts from online public sphere, media credibility and previous studies of social media further support the respondents’ views regarding social media and news credibility. First, a process of verifying news items stands to be one of the concerns that respondents had.

Journalists interviewed were concerned that there were no agreed criteria for verifying the credibility of news items. Secondly, the journalistic views that Saudi media remains to be the most censored in the world supports the hypotheses of the research as well as literature reviews. The respondents from interviews further noted that most editors-in-chief of traditional newspapers are state or government appointees thus would do anything not to publish news that discredited the government. From these findings, it is worth noting that traditional newspapers have serious credibility issues.

As noted in the literature review, the principle of the public sphere should entail the discussion of all matters of general concern to which the argument of the discussion is applied so as to establish the public good and general interest. However, the journalists responses about credibility, if related to Habermas thematic understanding of public sphere we conclude that sphere in Saudi Arabia is certainly not a product of democracy and still deviates from sustaining democracy. From the data gathered, the Saudis still question the credibility of the official media and seemingly, they have lost trust; an indication of a crisis of credibility.

However, just like Western theorist pointed out in the literature review, it is important to conclude that the relationship between public sphere, Habermas thematic understanding of public sphere and credibility depends on the religion, social and political placing of the reader. Public Sphere in the Context of Saudi Arabia The emergence of Internet created a shift in information deciphering and one of such is the ways in which public sphere formed in Saudi Arabia after the emergence of Internet.

From the perspective of literatures reviewed thus far, we note, as an introduction of public sphere within the context of Saudi Arabia, that public sphere emerged in Saudi Arabia as a result of new media, particularly amidst the introduction of social media.

Read More