الإعلام والأمن.. شراكة استباقية تحصّن الوعي من الشائعات

The session held as part of the "Security and History Dialogue 2026" conference on its final day in Riyadh discussed the relationship between media and security sectors, the importance of communication and partnership in fostering national awareness, enhancing the reliability of information, and combating rumors and misinformation. The session featured the participation of Shura Council member and former head of the Saudi Press Agency, Dr. Fahd Al-Aqran, editor-in-chief of "Okaz," colleague Jamil Al-Dhiyabi, director of the General Administration of Media and Institutional Communication and spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, Brigadier General Talal bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Shalhub, and associate professor of economic media at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, Shujaa Al-Buqami.

Al-Aqran: Security is the Foundation of Prosperity

Dr. Fahd Al-Aqran emphasized that security is a fundamental pillar of prosperity and that the media aspect complements the security role, reflecting the importance of integration between the two in serving the community and enhancing awareness.

He explained that the media plays a crucial role in conveying awareness messages and establishing trust in reliable information, while security agencies contribute by providing information that enables media outlets to perform their roles professionally and responsibly.

He affirmed that the relationship between security and media is based on integration, especially in light of the rapid developments in the communication environment and the audience's shift from traditional media to digital platforms.

Al-Dhiyabi: Exclusivity Should Not Precede Responsibility

For his part, Jamil Al-Dhiyabi clarified that Saudi journalism has played an important role in creating national awareness and keeping pace with the transformations witnessed in Saudi Arabia, stressing that the significant development in communication tools and social media platforms has multiplied the media's responsibility to verify information and confront misleading news.

He emphasized that journalistic work is based on exclusivity, responsibility, and objectivity, and that breaking news should not come at the expense of information accuracy or procedural integrity, especially when it comes to sensitive security information.

Al-Dhiyabi pointed out that the rapid spread of rumors on digital platforms makes it difficult to wait for inaccurate information to circulate and then attempt to correct it, stressing the importance of proactive communication and providing official information in a timely manner.

He noted that the absence of reliable information opens the door to speculation and inaccurate narratives, while swift and clear communication from official sources helps reduce rumors and enhance community trust.

Al-Dhiyabi addressed the transformations imposed by artificial intelligence on the media industry, affirming that modern tools are now capable of accessing vast amounts of information and producing content quickly, but they do not eliminate the need for professional journalists.

Al-Shalhub: The Presence of Security Communication

The session also featured the participation of the spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, Brigadier General Talal bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Shalhub, director of the General Administration of Media and Institutional Communication, in a discussion reflecting the growing importance of security communication in dealing with media and digital developments.

His participation came as part of a session focused on developing the relationship between media and security sectors, enhancing institutional communication, and managing information in a media environment characterized by speed, content density, and multiple news sources.

Al-Buqami: Dialogue Leads to Success

Shujaa Al-Buqami emphasized the importance of appreciating media efforts and understanding the nature of journalistic work, which may sometimes involve diligence, considering that dialogue, communication, and partnership are the path to success.

The session concluded that media and security share a joint responsibility in building a more aware community capable of dealing with information, and that the success of this relationship requires its transition from communication during events to a continuous partnership that precedes, accompanies, and addresses the repercussions of events.

The discussions confirmed that the speed, clarity, and accuracy of official information are essential elements in managing the media landscape, while media professionalism, commitment to verification, and respect for security considerations remain fundamental pillars in covering issues related to security and society.

This session is part of the conclusion of the "Security and History Dialogue 2026" conference, organized by the Ministry of Interior in Riyadh, with wide participation from leaders, specialists, researchers, and journalists to discuss the relationship between security and history and to envision the future in light of the transformations taking place in Saudi Arabia.