Jameel Altheyabi, editor-in-chief of Okaz and supervisor general of Saudi Gazette, told a session of the Security and History Dialogue 2026 conference in Riyadh on Tuesday that the media and security sectors are indispensable partners in shielding society, cementing its stability, and boosting public awareness, as he called for building their relationship on trust, open communication, and mutual accountability.
Speaking at the event organized by the Ministry of Interior, Altheyabi pointed out that the surge of media outlets and social platforms has made news travel faster than ever, yet it has also magnified the danger of rumors and falsehoods, especially during emergencies and security incidents, which makes the bond between journalists and security bodies a cornerstone of informing the public and reinforcing faith in state institutions.
He explained that while the press plays a key role in correcting misconceptions, countering fake news, and backing awareness drives, it equally depends on official sources that are dependable, quick to respond, and authoritative so that accurate facts reach citizens, stressing that neither side can do without the other and that coordination must be continuous rather than limited to specific occasions.
Altheyabi highlighted the delicate balance between the need for rapid publication and the confidentiality that security work often demands, noting that media outlets operate under competitive speed while security agencies handle sensitive data tied to investigations that cannot be fully or immediately revealed, which calls for mechanisms that reconcile the public's right to know with the integrity of security procedures.
During crises, he said, the promptness, clarity, and precision of official statements become vital tools for calming the public and steering the media landscape, with the role of spokespersons and official digital channels being crucial in curbing speculation and halting the spread of rumors, adding that reacting after falsehoods have already circulated is no longer enough and that proactive communication must be developed alongside stronger cooperation between security bodies and media organizations to verify content.
He also underscored the media's professional duty when covering security matters, which includes protecting victims' privacy, avoiding interference with ongoing investigations, verifying facts before going to print, and refraining from sharing images or videos that could cause social or security harm, and he urged a fundamental shift from communication at the time of an event to a permanent institutional partnership that includes regular meetings, joint training, direct channels, and clear crisis communication plans.