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Newland steps down as The National editor
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Monday, 8 June 2009Posted on Tuesday, 9 June 2009
all ado about nothing
Posted by aaaaa at 14:04 UAE time
I doubt Newland's departure has anything to do with his remarkably pliant editorial policy (he seems to have, in a short time, internalized the biases and prejudices that come with this region). A number of years ago, KT under its then editor/proprietor was not afraid of tackling certain issues, GN for all its faults took a stand during the Press Law controversy and XPress, far from being a lowly tabloid, actually has far better UAE coverage than the National. The National has clearly not provided a forum for anything resembling contentious debate and dialogue as one would find, albeit flawed, in the Arabic-language media here such as al-Jazeera or the Kuwaiti press. Those of you who are lamenting his departure as some sort of a blow to press freedom or journalistic integrity here are clearly misguided. He was nothing more than journalism's equivalent of a mercenary, a man without any knowledge of the region, its language and culture and with even less of a stake in its future development.
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Make no differences
Posted by Frank Dxb at 08:37 UAE time
I am totally agree with Paul. I don't see any differences between The National, GN and KT. It is easier for these newspaper to report outside news rather than true local news as long as you have are bounded by tons of rules and restrictions. This is not newspaper fault. A kudo to online newspapers such as Arabianbusiness.com which are my only good sources to get true local news.
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Posted on Monday, 8 June 2009
Non-league.
Posted by Paul King at 22:07 UAE time
Daily newspapers in the UAE are already so far down the freedom of press table, you can only assume they are non-league. This stepping down only relegates them further.
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failure
Posted by paul at 20:24 UAE time
The national has failed because it set out from the start claiming to bring a new journalistic independence to the UAE, when it was clear that it would continue to be bound by the same restrictions on the nature and content of stories.
The UAE English press is a useful tool for finding out the less controversial things that are going on, but for major issues that involve high profile figures or companies here, one must rely on the quality UK press such as the Times and the Independent in the UK.
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Nothing 'National' about the 'Gulf.'
Posted by Hassan E. Al-Muhairy at 18:24 UAE time
True, there is not much national about The National but as a UAE national I am very grateful to The National for publishing letters of locals who express their utter frustrations at the status quo of the gargantuan threat posed to the national identity and language and other major UAE issues unlike some other local English papers who are keen on muffling the UAE nationals. Such papers seem to cater to a particular section of the expatriate community and have nothing interesting but to publish the never ending mundane complaints of disgruntled customers. To The National we say, irrespective of who your editor is, you must be far more national than you claim and to other local English papers; as nationals we are closely observing every word you publish.
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The National vs Others
Posted by Bob at 17:47 UAE time
Must thank KT for what GN's today - an enterprise whose only aim is to maximise revenue 'at any cost'. Then came the National with a promise of turning a new leaf in the UAE's journalism and publishing sectors. Sadly, it appears to be following the KT way!
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National not a UAE paper
Posted by Kevin Mascarenhas at 17:23 UAE time
I begin by saying that a newspaper which does not reflect the local flavour of its majority is on the wrong path. Despite funding many others have failed to make breakeven.
A strategy to reach the maximum besides news which the readers(majority) like is what will sustain growth.
Besides recruitment baed on preference for certain nationals do not speak of professionalism, which is a demerit. Those in the know have seen similar routes failing miserable.
I wish a newspaper like National has a vision for the region and this will help it take on GN.
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The National
Posted by Anupama V. Chand at 15:43 UAE time
I too would request Martin Newland to probably rethink stepping down - it is important for any newspaper to retain a certain sensibility, and this one has certainly done Abu Dhabi and the region proud, I believe, with its different perspective on things, hitherto considered taboo in the region. We need more newspapers, and we need different points of view, and as a member of the journalist fraternity in the UAE, I would insist, we need decision-makers who can lead from the front, and prove to the so-called Western democracies that the United Arab Emirates certainly does not lak a liberal press.
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Please maintain the position
Posted by Steve at 14:11 UAE time
The National has evolved into the best local english newspaper (claimed circulation nos. by others notwithstanding)
The National had taken the right direction in its content and I really hope the standards are maintianed
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The National-Change of boss.
Posted by Syed Qamar Hasan at 14:00 UAE time
Not much to say about local coverage. Mostly mouthing paymaster's voices, The Nationa,however, provided a fresh and informative
insight to international issues, especially Arab social, political and
economic drawbacks. It dealt boldly with faith related matters
in day to day life of the UAE and Gulf socities.Hope Mr Newland's deputy follows him.
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consistency is the key!
Posted by Ali at 13:39 UAE time
Hopefully the new editor doesnot convert into another Gulf News or Khaleej Times...
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The National
Posted by Ian at 13:38 UAE time
I like it because it has no obvious 'country' bias - unlike some of the local English language press which is obviously slanted towards content from one Emirate and/or one part of the Subcontinent. Also it is not (yet.....) overwhelmed with advertising and supplements.
My only beef - the National website downloading speed is sometimes like watching paint dry.
I hope this appointment is a genuine promotion - it will soon become obvious if the Editorial content alters course under it's new leader.
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National
Posted by Dr. Dastoor at 12:17 UAE time
The national always had locally produced stories and dwelt on life in the UAE and is ot a cut and pste newspaper. It lso gives true insight into the real estate and financial crisis in the UAE.
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The National
Posted by Misha at 11:32 UAE time
Let the man do his job!!! It is by far the best paper at the moment. I get nervous just from the article itself. Again: Let the man do his job and build the paper! Unbelievable this.
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Sad indeed.
Posted by Westie at 11:17 UAE time
will be a big blow to not only the National but also UAE transparency.
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