YouTube channels are on the rise

Popular YouTube channels have phenomenally increased in the Arab countries, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and Syria. his was affirmed in one of the sessions held on Wednesday as part of the Arab Media Forum 2012, which concluded on Wednesday at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai. Themed ‘Arab Media: Exposure and Transition’, the seminar drew participation from over 3,000 regional and international journalists, influential decision makers, opinion leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators. According to the panellists of the session billed ‘YouTube Channels… individual platforms that compete with satellite stations’, the video sharing platform has facilitated the creation of a new era in news broadcasting allowing producers to project their personal viewpoints on current issues. YouTube has become a platform to share recorded and live programmes that spotlight social, political and religious issues in an innovative and appealing format, differentiating the content from what viewers are accustomed to watching on the television,” they said. Bassem Youssef, an anchor, said he used his show on YouTube to promote his own point of view rather than a specific message. “I think YouTube is not simply to provide information but to pass on our own interpretation and viewpoint of these messages.” Talking about his show on YouTube, Akram Hosni, said the world needs to laugh. “Through my comedy, I have gained much satisfaction in detailing issues and problems facing the Arab world.” Abdul Latif Mustafa, a presenter, said he had used his own channel to simplify political issues. “My goal was to make these complex issues easier to understand, particularly for the youth.” Omar Hussein attributed the over 23 million viewers of his show on YouTube to its unique content. “Unlike the past where video content was passive, YouTube has facilitated a changing trend where these videos engage with the viewer on a one-to-one level. Rajae Qawwas, whose YouTube channel has received over 17million views, said channels on the website play a key part in inculcating the nuances of TV production as a result of the digital tools at our disposal. “I try to present the views of our team as best as I can and allow the viewer to draw informed conclusions of the content we deliver.”