The Second Yemeni Economic Conference
Sana'a  18 - 20 April, 1998

Abstract 27

This paper looks with a bird’s eyeview at the pressures faced by the Yemeni economy since reunification, and the negative consequences, the return of almost one million migrants from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States in 1990-91, the decline of economic foreign aid, and the eruption of the secessionist war of 1994. Then, the paper examines the Reform Program as seen by Yemeni official and party press, taking into consideration its weak capabilities and the absence of qualified and specialized economic press that deals with information, figures and data in a competitive way vis-a-vis Arab and foreign press.

The paper covers a quick analysis of the contents of seven newspapers which represent government and party press covering events during the period from 15 November 1997 up to 15 February 1998. These newspapers are Al-Thourah, AL-Wahdah, and 26 September on the government side, and Al-Mithaq, Al-Wahdawee, Al-Thawree, and Al-Sahwah as party press. During this period many important economic events took place such as the Paris Club agreement to reschedule Yemen’s foreign debt, the Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement between Yemen and the European Union, and the ratification of the 1998 budget.

Through observing how these newspapers covered the Economic Reform program, the study has reached the following brief impressions:

Economic issues occupied a sizeable interest in the press, although not in proportion to the importance of reforms.

Coverage has been influenced by the government and party policies, or even by the personal views of the editors. Hence, the message was completely colored by the pre-judgement each party wanted to convey. This has been clearly reflected in the Government and General Peoples Congress press defending the Economic Reform Program and praising its positive steps, whilst the same program has been the target for continuous attack and sharp criticism by other parties’ press led by Al-Thouree and Al-Wahdawee, and to a lesser extent by Al-Sahwah.

Press coverage lacked economic information and accurate and detailed data. In this respect, government and party newspapers were on the same footing.

Some of these newspapers established economic divisions and initiated economic pages such as 26 September, Al-Wahdah, Al-Mithaq, and Al-Sahwah. Nevertheless, these pages lacked constancy and professionalism.

However, this paper comes up with the conclusion that the political stance has been reflected in the way the press dealt with economic issues. Apparently, such reflection looks legitimate in light of pluralism and democracy. Nevertheless, the competition did not use logical and effective weapons that would enrich the economic life with options and alternatives, and keep away insults and the destruction of any positive step. As Recommendations:

The necessity of convening seminars and specialized training courses for economic journalists to enrich their knowledge of the economic resolutions and measures that would enable them to report accurately on these issues.

Support the Central Statistical Organization to be able to publish economic data accurately and with speed.

Facilitate the collection of economic information from government sources instead of resorting to individual sources which may harm investment or distort economic development.

The Government ought to adopt through the Ministry of Information steps to support establishing specialized economic publications that participate in raising awareness in economic issues, and its development locally and internationally.

Encourage research relating to economic issues, and survey public opinion, political parties, and syndicates regarding these issues in order to get some feed backs on the effect and viability of the reforms.

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