DPC reveals news consumer trends in Arab world

The Dubai Press Club The Dubai Press Club (DPC), organisers of the Arab Media Forum (AMF), on Saturday announced the results of a survey conducted during the 11th edition of the event.A total of 734 responses were received from a sample size of 3800 (19.3 per cent).
The study is part of the fourth edition of the Arab Media Outlook, which tracks the changes, developments and media consumption patterns in 17 Arab countries.
The poll revealed that 53 percent of the respondents would like the media to focus on key areas such as "civics and education", "family issues" and "health and medicine"; said a press statement.
Interestingly, only six percent felt that the media should spotlight topics such as "media transparency", "politics" and "sports".
The growing status of social media as a source of news was also highlighted with 60 percent of the surveyed stating that they obtain over 30 percent of the news from social media platforms, while 15 percent gained between 30 and 69 percent of their news from social media feeds. Additionally, 10 percent of the respondents said they depend on social media as a news resource for almost 30 percent of the time.
While 54 percent of those surveyed confirmed that they followed the recent political situation in the region from online sources, 43 percent preferred the television. Print media was used by a meagre three percent only. The vast disparity towards print media was also evident in the conclusions of the fourth Arab Media Outlook.
On examining the status of the print media's marked decline, 25 percent of the respondents believed that the industry will fade out. However, a solid 75 percent affirmed that the end of the print media is still a long way to go.
A whopping 55 percent of those surveyed agreed that the quality of Arab journalism has evolved for the better over the last two years while 24 percent feel significant change is yet to take place. Notably, 21 percent concurred that the situation has worsened.
The Arab Media Forum has garnered year-on-year success through the past 10 editions, validating Dubai and the UAE's ability to host high-profile events that draw a significant international media presence.
Themed "Arab Media: Exposure and Transition", the 11th Arab Media Forum brought together over 3800 regional and international journalists, as well as influential decision makers, opinion leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators. The highly anticipated Arab Journalism Awards attracted over 1200 media professionals.
In the run up to AMF 2012, the DPC released the key findings of the fourth Arab Media Outlook, providing projections for the regional media sector up to 2015. Every attendee to AMF 2012 was handed a copy of the report.