Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU) recently hosted the Pan-Arab Media Quality Award 2011/2012 as part of its commitment to fostering a culture of quality and honoring creativity and excellence.

The award is aimed at all media professionals in the Arab world and covers the four categories of print, TV, radio and digital media in both Arabic and English formats.

Running under the theme ‘Alleviating the negative impact of the global recession on our society: What role can quality play? How will it boost economic activity and provide hope for the future?,’ the 5th edition of the award reflected HBMeU’s belief in the importance of quality in promoting competitiveness and boosting  overall development in the Middle East.
 
The organisation of the Pan-Arab Media Quality Award for the fifth consecutive year reflects the success and momentum of the previous editions, which have become hugely popular and have attracted great interest from the Arab media, said a HBMeU statement.

Over the past few years, this award has been able to consolidate its role as a major incentive for the Arab media’s adoption of total quality management practices for the betterment of society and business alike, it added.

This year’s winners include Heba Abd El Hamed from Alam Rakamy website, Egypt (in the ‘Digital Media’ category); Siham Chafai from Al Fujairah radio (in the ‘Radio’ category); Ahmad Qasem from Decision Makers (in TV category); and B Surendar from CPI Industry magazine and MA Cleofe Maceda from Gulf News in ‘Print’ category.

Dr Mansoor Al Awar, HBMeU chancellor said: "Over the past few years, the award has proven its success both as a leading platform for spreading a culture of quality and excellence on a large scale across the Arab media."

"We are keen on encouraging journalists and media professionals to adopt quality practices and be aware of the scientific and practical aspects of quality management in everyday life, as well as leveraging media channels to educate the community and the business sector on the importance of this concept which we really need to focus on in this region," he noted.

"We assessed participants in an integrated manner and based our judgment on definite criteria that address pressing issues faced by the Arab world," said Al Awar.

"We particularly focused on the theme of this year’s awards, which is the role of quality management in reducing the negative social and economic effects of the global financial crisis at both the economic and social levels," he added.

Serine El Salhat, general co-ordinator of the award, HBMeU: said "The award is regarded as one of the leading initiatives to enhance awareness on quality in journalism and the media industry, and create an integrated media environment based on innovation, creativity and transparency."-TradeArabia News Service