Mass media depict reality but enhance ways of thinking too

The role of mass media is not limited to reporting on reality and should expand to include a role in enhancing ways of thinking, as well as promoting rationality, H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council has said.

"Programmes need to be upgraded to depict the reality and the aspirations of society. Social development and childhood are the main concern for His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces," Sheikh Hazza said, as he received a delegation from Abu Dhabi TV Network at the Court of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince.

"We do not need a cloned, phony or emotional media. Rather, we want genuine and realistic media that gives visibility to our identity in a way that we would be proud of, and presents the optimistic, positive, proactive and ambitious character of Emiratis, as described by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This is the spirit that we want in our media sector and to do this, the media should promote positivity and the success of families in educating their children. We want the media to keep its focus on success stories, success programmes and ways of achieving success."

At the meeting, Sheikh Hazza congratulated the network on receiving 19 awards at the 5th Cairo Artworks and Media Mondial, held recently in Egypt.

Further, those at the meeting discussed the need for continued collaboration between TV channels and government departments to offer quality services to society and, in particular, childhood, which sits at the core of the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.

Sheikh Hazza also stressed the need for continuing to discover and support talents in the media sector.

He was briefed by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Media Company, about the achievements made by Abu Dhabi TV to serve the emirate's strategy.

"We witnessed the journey of Abu Dhabi TV. We are delighted with them. Today, it presents an authentic picture of the reality of Emiratis and works hard to promote their achievements and highlight the challenges they face," Sheikh Hazza commented.

In fact, Sheikh Hazza noted, "media is the voice, picture and memory" where all government sectors complement each other and share responsibilities as they jointly serve society.