Gulf media...the other star of the tournament for Gulf 27

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Since the launch of the Gulf Championship in 1970, football was not the only thing that made this major Gulf event have its presence, continuity, and popularity. The Gulf sports media, with its various means and tools, was an essential partner in the success of this tournament and the consolidation of its position over more than five decades. At Gulf 27, which concluded its competitions the day before yesterday in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically in the Mermaid Jeddah, the Gulf media was strongly present, not only in following the football competitions and their events inside. The stadium and outside it, but also in presenting a different image of the tournament, the city and Saudi society, which added more excitement, suspense, follow-up and beauty to this Gulf event.

Anyone who follows the media coverage of Gulf 27 will notice the size and strength of the competition that existed between the sports media outlets in the countries of the region, to gain the satisfaction of the recipient and attract his interest with all his national affiliations, and the keenness to provide distinguished media material through word and image, according to different models that control the definition of the type of media outlet and its material, artistic and human capabilities. It was clear that each channel and each program seeks to be “number one” in providing coverage that satisfies the viewer, and to enjoy stardom other than the stardom of the champion team and the titles it won. achieved in this tournament.

As for the print media, which was once a betting horse and a major partner in the success of the Gulf Championships, it is no longer what it was. The media game has changed completely after the digital media has invaded various areas of our lives, and sports programs and electronic platforms have a stronger presence than before, in light of a new media reality imposed by speed, technology, the Internet, breaking news, an influential image, and direct information, which reaches the recipient in seconds, without him needing to wait until the next day to find out what the print press will publish, and the paper press has realized this shift. Early on, it hastened to establish its electronic platforms, in order to preserve its historical status and authentic value, and to keep pace with the new media reality that imposed itself on the world.

Through my modest following of these programs on various Gulf channels, and the fever of fair competition that exists between them, you find among the viewers those who remain focused and impressed by a particular program, and do not prefer others. There are also those in the industry who see that their program or channel is the first to be watched, and to be fair and just, I can say that success had different images and visions from one channel to another and from one program to another.

The guest media did not only focus their programs on critical opinions, analysis, news material, and statements, but rather took advantage of the opportunity of their presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and played a role similar to a “tour guide,” conveying to their viewers, in audio and video, an aspect of inherited Saudi customs and traditions, and types of popular food for which Jeddah and its environs were known, in addition to some folklore, folk arts, and Hijazi songs. This is another beautiful picture presented by these channels about the Kingdom and Jeddah, and it received great interaction. And a large turnout from visitors and viewers, which is a tremendous effort for which these channels and programs that represent them are to be thanked, as they have succeeded in making their presence in the Kingdom an opportunity to introduce other aspects that are no less beautiful than football itself.

-Some were blaming, blaming and criticizing, wondering: Why were the Saudi government and private channels not able to keep up with the other Gulf channels with the same level of distinguished coverage with which their programs appeared? In my opinion, the question is simply answered; Local channels, governmental and private, had previously provided this type of excellence through various programs, specialized and general, and covered various aspects related to the regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the cultural, artistic, sporting and social characteristics that each region is famous for. Therefore, it was natural for the opportunity to come this time to other Gulf channels, to also provide their own coverage in their own different way, and introduce the viewer to Jeddah and the Kingdom from another angle. This is what actually happened, and we saw it and were impressed by what the Qatari, Omani and Iraqi channels presented. Kuwaiti, Bahraini and Yemeni, from different coverages, combining fun, competition, suspense and knowledge.

-This admiration, which we felt from various sectors of the Gulf and Arab society, and from visitors and residents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, confirms the success of the media coverage of Gulf 27, and at the same time confirms that the tournament was not just competitions within the green rectangle, but rather it was an integrated Gulf event that brought together sports, media, culture, heritage and tourism.

And through the attention that Jeddah has received, and its historical and cultural landmarks, we should not forget the unknown soldiers behind this success, who contributed to facilitating the mission of these channels, and enabled them to present this beautiful image of the Kingdom, and at the forefront of them are the Ministries of Sports, Media, Culture, and Tourism. It is clear that these parties have played their role, and they are aware of their responsibility towards dear guests who came to the Kingdom to cover a major Gulf event, so they performed their professional duty, and presented an honorable model of Saudi hospitality.

Truth be told... 27 Gulf teams were not only champions and lifted the cup, but there was another star outside the green rectangle called the Gulf media, who succeeded in being a true partner in creating excitement, beauty and success for this edition of the tournament.