Al-Ajmi to Al-Nahar: Credibility of Arab media is our gateway to international influence

In an era where digital platforms compete fiercely to capture public attention, where news and opinion blur, and where the speed of publication sometimes outweighs the accuracy of information, Arab media finds itself facing questions that go beyond the evolution of its tools and distribution channels to the very core of its professional mission: How can it regain public trust? And how can it convey its issues to the world in a language it understands, with tools that persuade, and content grounded in truth? These questions, among others, impose themselves on a profession whose contours are changing rapidly. Print journalism faces growing economic and professional challenges, while electronic media opens wide horizons for reach and influence, yet places journalists under greater responsibility in confronting misinformation. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence introduces a new reality where opportunities for development coexist with risks of fabrication and loss of trust. From this space crowded with challenges, Kuwaiti media personality Salem Abdulhadi Al-Ajmi, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Journalists, speaks about his vision for the future of Arab media, grounded in the conviction that true influence is not created by the sheer number of platforms or the breadth of reach alone, but is granted by credibility, transparency, and the ability to deliver the real story and news with professionalism. In his interview with Al-Nahar, Al-Ajmi addresses the reality of Arab coverage of wars and regional upheavals, and the contradictions he sees imposed by political alliances on the performance of some media outlets. He also discusses the future of print journalism, the conditions for coexistence between traditional journalistic work and digital platforms, and the limits of leveraging artificial intelligence without abdicating the journalist’s responsibility for published words. The dialogue also opens the file of Kuwait’s Law-Decree No. 102 of 2026 concerning the regulation of media, examining the balance between unifying legislation and keeping pace with digital transformations, and the importance of demonstrating in practice clear procedures and a balance between freedom of expression and professional responsibility. Amid present challenges and future stakes, Al-Ajmi’s message to young journalists remains clear: transparency and building a name that people trust; for trust, ultimately, is what grants media its presence, value, and sustainability. Here are the details of the interview:

- How did your journey in media begin? And what led you to international media work?

- What drew me to media is the power of words to make a difference in people’s lives. I believe that media begins with caring for people, their issues, and their aspirations, and their right to have their voices heard. This meaning is what gives media work its value for me. As for moving toward international work, it reflects my conviction about the importance of building bridges among journalists, exchanging expertise, and conveying our issues to a broader audience. My ambition is for our presence to be impactful through the reliable content we provide and professional practice.

- What does it mean to you to be Secretary-General of the International Federation of Journalists?

- The value of the position is measured by what its holder offers to people. I am proud of this trust and treat it as a responsibility that requires listening, working, and follow-up. I aspire to collaborate with the Federation’s presidency and its representatives to expand training and professional cooperation opportunities, strengthen communication among journalists, and open greater space for young journalists and media professionals. I care that members feel the Federation is close to them, understands their needs, and helps them develop their tools. For me, true success is transforming the trust bestowed upon us into tangible results.

- As a Kuwaiti journalist, did that contribute to your selection for this international position?

- Undoubtedly, Kuwait carries significant cultural and media weight on a global scale. As a Kuwaiti journalist, this contributed to my selection for this international position. Moreover, the Union’s Board of Directors deliberated on this choice for six months before finalizing it. I am deeply proud of this appointment, as it allows me to represent my country, Kuwait, alongside my personal media activities. 144 countries – When was the Union established, and what is its nature of work and activities? – The International Union of Journalists and Press was established in the United Kingdom in January 2025, with its headquarters in the UK. We also have offices in other countries, including the United States, Australia, Brazil, the UAE, the Netherlands, Turkey, and we are currently opening an office in Russia. We aim to sign agreements between the Union and numerous governments, institutions, and bodies. Today, as we speak, 144 countries recognize the Union, and we cooperate with these nations, thanks to the efforts of the Union’s President, Dr. Ali Al-Attiyah, and the Board of Directors. The International Union of Journalists and Press focuses on developing modern media and empowering journalists, press professionals, and content creators to practice their profession according to the highest international professional standards and approved British standards. The Union also ensures international recognition, which grants its certificates and international IDs broad legal and professional credibility, enabling its members to work and participate in global media environments with confidence and credibility. – In your opinion, what is lacking in Arab media today to make it more influential on the international stage? – Transparency. We need the world to understand us and find reasons to trust what we provide. In my view, we have the capacity and stories worthy of reaching a wider audience, but international impact requires greater investment in field journalism, verification, specialization, and multilingual content production. We must also understand our target audience, their interests, questions, and the context in which they receive information. Presenting our issues to the world requires providing evidence and using a clear, persuasive style. Ultimately, credibility is what gives our presence international influence and sustainability. – Print Journalism – How do you view the future of print journalism amid the rise of digital media and social platforms? – Yes, print journalism may decline, but the need for reliable journalism will remain. I believe the future of print journalism is tied to its ability to deliver value worthy of the reader’s time: in-depth reporting, analysis that explains events, and stories that reveal what lies behind headlines. Competing with platforms solely on news speed is a difficult battle. Therefore, media institutions must develop their digital presence and economic models while maintaining editorial quality. The medium changes, but the reader’s question remains: “What did you add to my understanding?” – Has artificial intelligence become an opportunity to develop journalism or a threat to the journalist’s profession? – The most dangerous use of AI is trusting it before verifying its accuracy. In my view, it is an opportunity when it helps journalists organize information, conduct research, transcribe interviews, and accelerate certain stages of work, provided there is clear human review. It becomes a threat when its outputs are published without verification, or when it is used to manipulate images and voices to mislead the public. Therefore, I advocate for training on its use, protecting sources and data, and being transparent about its employment. The responsibility for publication remains with the journalist and the institution; an error cannot be without accountability simply because a technical tool produced it. – In Kuwait, how do you interpret Legislative Decree-Law No. 102 of 2026 regulating media, and what are its most distinctive features?

- I evaluate any media legislation by its impact on three parties: the journalist, the media institution, and the audience. What stands out to me most about this law is that it consolidates previous regulations concerning print, publishing, visual and audio media, and electronic media, addressing gaps in those earlier laws within a unified legislative framework. I view this approach as an opportunity to enhance clarity in a sector where publishing channels increasingly overlap. However, my assessment of its practical success will depend on the executive regulations and their implementation: the clarity of procedures, the protection of freedom of expression, the fairness of accountability, and the facilitation of development and investment. I look forward to the law’s implementation being accompanied by professional dialogue that listens to those working in the media sector. This law regulates the Kuwaiti media landscape, distinguishing between journalists, media professionals, and content creators, and curbing the rampant misuse and confusion surrounding claims to the profession, which had previously been treated as a vocation for those without a defined trade. Today, this law closes all loopholes in the media landscape, addressing the various stakeholders I mentioned earlier.

- Unification of legislations: Does the unification of media laws keep pace with transformations in the global media landscape? Today, a media institution may combine a newspaper, a television screen, and a digital platform within a single newsroom. Therefore, I see the unification of the legislative framework as a step that responds to the convergence of media channels and activities. However, keeping pace with this transformation also requires updated definitions, proportional obligations, and a clear understanding of the differences between professional media work and the personal use of platforms. What I hope for is that media professionals will notice the impact of this unification in the form of clearer procedures, while ensuring that there remains room for innovation and that public rights are preserved.

- How can balance be achieved between media freedom and professional responsibility? As the reach of a message expands, so does the responsibility of its author. I believe balance begins with protecting the right to question, critique, and express oneself, while simultaneously committing to verification, respect for privacy, and human dignity. It is essential to distinguish between opinion, news, and advertising, and to clearly guarantee the right of reply and the correction of errors. These principles are relevant to both journalists and content creators. I believe that acknowledging mistakes builds trust, because the audience deserves to know the truth and to see how we act responsibly when we err.

- Was Arab media neutral and professional in its coverage of the war and regional unrest? I do not believe so. The media landscape varies according to each country and its alliances. Arab media experienced significant confusion and inconsistency in their coverage of recent and ongoing events. This is what distinguishes us from Western media. In Britain, where major media outlets operate, news is reported professionally, independent of any allegiance to a particular side. This stands in stark contrast to the alliances and clear contradictions evident among Arab media outlets. This is what we lack, and through the International Federation of Journalists and Media Professionals, we strive to establish these standards.

- What is your message to young journalists in Kuwait and the Arab world? I tell them: Build a reputation that people can trust, for trust is what gives your presence value and ensures its continuity. I advise young professionals to read widely, specialize, master language skills, and train in verification and fieldwork, alongside learning digital tools. Seek out stories that are close to people’s lives, and ask questions before you report. Do not allow pressure for viewership to drive you to publish unverified information. Through the Federation, my ambition is to contribute to providing opportunities for learning and professional networking, as young people deserve a genuine space to work and an opportunity to prove their capabilities.

Objectives of the International Federation of Journalists and Media Professionals:

- Enhance journalists’ skills and train media professionals, correspondents, content creators, and influencers through advanced, specialized training programs that meet the demands of both traditional and digital media, equipping participants with the knowledge and practical expertise needed to advance their professional careers.

- Promote free and responsible journalism, foster a culture of independent media and credibility, and strengthen the role of journalists in conveying accurate and reliable information, while adhering to professional ethics and freedom of expression.

- Provide international legal protection for media professionals and journalists. The Federation places the legal protection of its members as a top priority, offering international legal support, enhancing professional recognition, and engaging with international organizations to safeguard journalists’ rights while they carry out their work.

- Strengthen international professional partnerships and build a broad network of relationships with global media and academic associations, to facilitate the exchange of expertise, open training opportunities, and joint collaboration on media and research projects.

- Support innovation and digital transformation in media by providing modern tools and technologies, and refining members’ skills in digital content creation and media platform management, in line with global developments in digital media.

- Organize international conferences, events, and workshops that bring together experts and media professionals to exchange professional expertise, discuss contemporary media issues, and enhance international interaction among journalists.

- Uphold professional and ethical values, embedding professionalism, transparency, integrity, and media responsibility as core principles in all Federation activities, to ensure professional and trustworthy media performance.

International Legal Protection

The Federation prioritizes the protection of media professionals and journalists by providing an international support umbrella that ensures they can practice their work safely and professionally. The Federation works to:

- Provide international legal support when needed.

- Issue internationally recognized identities and certificates that verify professional status.

- Enhance international recognition through official accreditation in 192 countries.

- Collaborate with international organizations and bodies to facilitate the protection of members and ensure their rights.

- Raise global awareness of the importance of protecting journalists from occupational risks and pressures.

Services Offered to Journalists and Media Professionals

- Conduct online training courses via modern platforms.

- Organize professional programs for professional journalism and free press.

- Train digital content creators and influencers.

- Prepare and qualify field correspondents.

- Issue international identities and British-standard certificates.

- Organize international events, conferences, and media workshops.

- Ensure professional and legal protection for members.