In addition to integrating digital and television media, flexibili- ty must be afforded to each type of outlet, and a number of standards must be established to address the problems that come with digital me- dia platforms. The interactive template between the journalist and cit- izen, as well as the prevailing flow of information on these platforms, is among the challenges that impact the quality of digital media and the extent to which accuracy, objectivity and responsibility are met. In many cases, digital media outlets promote inaccurate information; and this was especially notable during the Arab Spring. During this time, many activists inundated Al Jazeera with information and visuals, some of which causing mistakes because the usual critique and verification process could not be implemented. For example, Al Jazeera once broad- cast a video it said was Yemeni prisoners being tortured by security forces; but it later became clear the video was of Iraqi prisoners being tortured during former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein’s time in of- fice. Al Jazeera immediately apologised to its viewers and corrected the news within minutes, but this incident gave attention to the importance of rules and regulations to verify the accuracy of content. In 2014, Al Jazeera decided to establish a unit dedicated to social media monitoring inside the newsroom, and one of its crucial tasks was to verify content from activists. To enhance the methodologies of this field, Al Jazeera Media Institute produced an abridged guide to help journalists under- stand verification mechanisms and proper ways to deal with this type of content (1) . Language Challenges The language challenge is among the biggest that faces media. Language is not only a method to communicate; but rather the ves- sel of the mind and thoughts and a labelling method. Descriptions and definitions of terms and concepts must submit to a very precise and high-quality system of standards. Specific tools and evidence must be made available in order that the right language is used in any given situation. Any guide or framework that supports a sound linguistic po-
(1) Montaser Marai et al, Searching for Truth in a Pile of Fake News , (Al Jazeera Media In- stitute, 2017), pp. 20-21, p. 28.
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