Renowned Saudi journalist and entrepreneur Turki Al-Dakhil has been recognised as an ‘Outstanding Media Leader’ by an international organisation dedicated to the free exchange of ideas.

The annual awards by American Abroad Media (AAM) recognises three prominent television and film leaders from around the world.   They are honoured for their contributions in harnessing the power of mainstream media to inform individuals about critical social and public policy issues, a statement said.

Al-Dakhil, the first Arab national to be honoured, has been recognised for his role in promoting independent thinking, analysis and discussion around important regional and international issues to tens of millions of people across the Arab world.

Through his weekly television talk show on Al Arabiya, Spotlights ("Idha'at"), where he hosts a diverse range of speakers, Al-Dakhli has stimulated discussion on a host of controversial and sensitive topics.  In March 2014, he was recognised as one of world's 100 most powerful Arabs by Arabian Business Magazine, said the statement.

Al-Dakhil said: “There are many great journalists around the world who work tirelessly to expose critical issues and prompt debate; enabling individuals to make informed decisions in matters affecting their future. I am very grateful to be recognised for contributing to what is a vital public service."
 
AAM founder and president Aaron Lobel said: "America Abroad Media is delighted to announce this year's honorees in recognition of their outstanding work.  All our honorees have used the tremendous influence of media to promote the free exchange of ideas, critical thinking and thoughtful public discourse around the important international issues of our time."

Al-Dakhil along with the two other honorees, Hollywood director Paul Greengrass and Impact Partners, will be awarded at the 2014 AAM Awards Dinner in Washington D C later this year.

Greengrass is the academy-award nominated director of ‘Captain Philips’
 and Impact Partners is a company that brings philanthropists and filmmakers together to produce independent documentaries addressing pressing social issues.  - TradeArabia News Service