A Study reveals Yemeni media role in increasing conflict

An evaluation Study of the Yemeni Center for Studies and Economic Information revealed that, provocative inflammatory language is dominating 51% of media shows with less neutrality in programs and TV news. The study shows difference in Yemeni visual media performance, where most of the shows adopt one point of view and 21% of other shows don’t provide references for the information given to the audience.

The study aims to test the media commitment of criteria and rules for media coverage such as, information context, facts, numbers, images, quotes, sources, point of views balance and language clarity, along with following the ethics of journalism during conflicts.

The study shows the weak commitment of Yemeni journalists to impartiality and objectivity criteria in handling cases, and that the influence of the current economic situation is one of the main reasons behind visual media performance in Yemen.

Head of the Yemeni Center for Studies and Economic Information, Mustafa Nasr confirmed that, the center worked for more than 100 days to monitor almost 692 political, economic, health and entertainment programs. These programs were chosen because they are the most efficient in spreading information influencing public opinion, where 7 TV channels representing all government, party and independent sectors were chosen. These channels are, “Yemeni satellite” of the legal government, “Yemeni satellite” of Sana’a government, “El Saeeda”, “Bilqis”, “Hadramout”, “Yemen Youth” and “Yemen Today”.

The study included a historical glance of the Yemeni media change and the troubles it faces because of conflicts. It also showed the regression of professional performance and media freedom in Yemen, which reached unprecedented level in Yemen's modern history.
 

The Center for Studies and Economic Information is one of the active civil society organizations in Yemen, that raises awareness about economic and development issues, strengthens transparency and good governance, helps citizens to make the decision, finds free media, and empowers the youth and women economically.