I suspect all too often we miss the signs that what we are doing is having an impact.

Today I was working with a class on an end of term project and gave the all clear to leave 20 minutes early.

The usual reaction of students is to run!

Today as I sat at a desk after giving the all clear command I was in shock!

For 25 minutes 2 groups of students were planning, debating and organizing the work they had to do for the project.

And best of all they were working as if I was not there! The bonus for me was that I got a chance to listen in on the thinking process.

My verdict?

Something got through, I am doing something right.

The Federal National Council has given the legal package two thumbs up, it is now going to cabinet.

But is the new law a step forward? Not all of those to be impacted by the legislation are impressed.

The director-general of the National Media Council of the UAE, Ibrahim al-Abid spoke with me on Nightline on DubaiEye 103.8 FM about what this new legislation might really mean.

Will the new media law create a more courageous media? Or will it be more of the same?

My concern was very simple.

1. talk radio in the UAE at some point might be critical of government activity could this not be interpreted as demeriting the UAE and lead to my breaking the law?

2. by hosting talk radio and allowing people to air an opinion might I not be facilitating a distortion of the national identity and thus break the law?

According to Ibrahim al-Abid these are the very activities being encouraged, responsibly though, and what the law serves to encourage and protect.

A conversation with the director-general of the National Media Council of the UAE about the new media law pending cabinet approval.