As part of the 2024 Social Responsibility Forum, a panel titled "Journalism: Roles and Tasks in Promoting Social Responsibility" examined the vital role the press plays in reinforcing societal values and institutional communication in support of social responsibility. The session, held at the Saudi Press Agency headquarters in Riyadh, was moderated by Dr. Turki Al-Ayyar, with the participation of journalists Hani Wafa, Mohammed Al-Tunisi, and Dr. Omar Al-Shiddi.

Session Themes: Media as an Influential Social Force

  1. The Evolving Role of Journalism in Supporting Social Responsibility
    • Speakers discussed how journalism has become an effective tool for community education through purposeful coverage and specialized content on health, security and civil safety.
  2. Media Experience in Awareness Campaigns
    • Journalists shared successful experiences in awareness campaigns, including anti-drug campaigns and warnings, and storytelling that engages audiences and helps spread awareness.
  3. Institutional Communication and Its Role in Sustainability
    • The session emphasized the importance of institutional communication at government and private entities, and the need to align it with social responsibility goals to sustain impact and public engagement.
  4. Media Engagement With the Public
    • The session discussed how to achieve integration between the press and the public, to build deeper understanding of the role of individuals and society in social responsibility, and the media's role in highlighting issues that concern everyone.

Recommendations: Toward Responsible and Sustainable Media

In closing, speakers recommended focusing on the following:

  • Defining clear roles for the media in social responsibility, including spreading awareness and encouraging public participation.
  • Strengthening cooperation between the press and government and private entities to ensure the sustainability of awareness projects.
  • Activating the press's role in community issues through more specialized and impactful content that meets audience needs.
  • Investing in compelling storytelling that helps drive positive change in individual and societal behavior.

Journalism and Social Responsibility: A Complementary Relationship

The session concluded that journalism is not merely a means of transmitting news, but an influential force that helps build an aware and responsible society by shaping societal values and supporting national and international initiatives.