Mohammad Yousuf, President of the UAE Journalists' Association, has said that bloggers who follow the journalism code of ethics will be defended by the association in a legal case arising in the UAE.

"Bloggers and "virtual" journalists have the right to be protected by the Journalists' Association, provided they abide by the ethics code, including stating of facts and sources of information, avoiding defaming without tangible proof, or provoking hostility arising from religious, sectarian or race discriminations," Yousuf said.

He also said that full-time, dedicated bloggers will be allowed membership of the association.

Speaking to Emirates Business during a workshop about "Online Writers and Journalism in the Gulf", Yousuf said yesterday, that the future would hold massive opportunities for electronic media. "Electronic media will make a very significant impact on the way information is shared and reported," he added.

"I am not against electronic media being more free than traditional media. I support uncensored news reporting. In fact, nowadays, print is the only medium still yielding to censorship, while satellite TV and online have long crossed the limits set by authorities."

The two-day workshop was organised by the Jounalists Association and Irex-Mena. The group hosted a number of conventional and online journalists and bloggers from the Middle East, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and the UAE.

"Despite having great potential to thrive, online media still suffers from the audience's mistrust," Yousuf said, adding, "This lack of credibility is a result of the abuse or misuse of online media, leading it to be often perceived as a channel for spreading rumours and destroying reputations."

"We believe that online media has a much bigger role, and our mission is to invite bloggers and online reporters to adopt professional standards."

The workshop discussed various topics including the role of new forms of media in changing and reshaping public debate, the relationship between citizen journalists and mainstream media, technology and ethics.

Saudi journalist Samar Fatany attending the workshop said online media had a growing impact on youth in the Kingdom. With youth comprising 70 per cent of the population and an increasing rates of internet penetration, she said that online forums and blogs have been utilised more and more as a vehicle to launch discussions on topical social issues.

Active bloggers in the UAE, Yousuf said, included students and employees in various fields in addition to media professionals.

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