The role of journalists and the example of George Qardahi 

“The reality of media and the role of the journalist in it” was the title of the seminar with the great journalist George Qardahi, UN goodwill ambassador, held in Damascus University under the auspices of the Minister of High Education, Dr Bassam Ibrahim.

In a question to Al-Ekhbariah he answered that the Syrians are mighty people, the steadfastness of this people taught the nations the meaning of the sacrifice and endurance.

“The journalist has his/her influence, especially the known one, in changing the course of media”, Qardahi replied when asked about the journalist influence on society, “but this role remains limited because it depends on giving this journalist a chance to play and show his role in society”.

He added in another aspect ,“First, the journalist is a witness to his time, he has two options: either to be a truthful witness or to be a false witness with a personal interest. I do not consider  the second category as journalists, but despise them. I consider the journalists of the first category as the true ones, the honorable, who take positions according to their conscious not their interest.

Second, I consider  media a message like any honorable profession in the world, but how can this message be used? Journalist bear a great responsibility in society because they are given the opportunity to influence, and sometimes to direct the public opinion. So, media’s basic rule is ‘ethics’.

The other rules are professional formation, honesty and modesty . Not to mention the respect, to respect the other even if we disagree in opinions”.

 At the end of the dialogue meeting, George Qardahi was presented with a shield of honor in the presence of the President of Damascus University, Dr. Muhammad Osama Al-Jabban, Secretary of the Damascus University branch of the party, Dr. Khaled Al-Halbouni, members of the branch leadership, deputies of the university president, deans of faculties, professors at Damascus University, and a large number of students.