The Saudi Media Forum in Riyadh highlighted the urgent need for ethical and responsible coverage in Arab media, especially during times of crisis. Malik Al-Rougi, general manager of Thaqafeyah Channel, emphasized that the region's media landscape has been shaped by conflict, and that a single crisis can undermine years of credibility if professionalism is abandoned for propaganda. Panelists warned that raw news without context can mislead audiences and damage trust, urging outlets to maintain composure and ethical standards to preserve their reputations.

Experts also discussed the pressures faced by traditional media, including competition from social media influencers and the tendency toward reactive rather than proactive coverage. Hasan Al-Mustafa stressed the importance of providing context and objectivity, warning that populism and haste can worsen crises. Another panel focused on the evolving role of official spokespersons in the digital age, with speakers noting that the job now requires data-driven strategies, open dialogue, and a deep understanding of public sentiment to effectively guide the media narrative.

The forum concluded that ethical journalism and informed communication are essential for building public trust and navigating the challenges posed by rapid technological and social changes.