Survey – Mervat Abdulhamid and Jamila Ismail
The world is experiencing a rapid wave of technological innovations, and media organizations are not immune to the winds of change. Digital transformation, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the proliferation of social media are all factors compelling these institutions to redefine the rules of journalism, presenting new challenges and opportunities for journalists and audiences alike.
Experts and media professionals attending the Arab Media Summit organized by the Dubai Press Club shared insights on how the media landscape has significantly evolved over the past two decades due to technological advances.
Accurate Information
Ali Jabber, Dean of the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Communication and CEO of content at MBC Group and Shahid, noted, “Technology has changed the game in media.” He emphasized that this transformation does not signal the end of journalism, nor will robots replace journalists or media professionals. Instead, we are entering a new era that requires journalists to be more adaptable and creative while updating their skills. He stressed that professionalism remains the cornerstone in a time where everything is swiftly evolving.
He added that traditional media must keep pace with changes by tailoring content to meet the requirements of various platforms, ensuring that accurate information reaches the audience while utilizing these platforms to convey facts and dispel misinformation.
Challenges and Opportunities
Regarding the main challenges facing journalists today, Jabber highlighted credibility. In the age of social media, everyone publishes without verifying or analyzing information, coupled with the challenge of preserving identity and professionalism amid the chaos of fast and commercial content.
On the opportunities available to the media industry, he stated, “Technology has opened doors for every young journalist to create independent content and reach audiences without large institutions.” He mentioned that artificial intelligence, analytical tools, and direct audience interaction can be beneficial if utilized intelligently and ethically.
The Audience as a Partner
Imad al-Din Hussein, editor-in-chief of Al-Shorouk newspaper, remarked, “Technological transformation has not only impacted the tools of journalists but has redefined the relationship between media outlets and their audiences.”
He noted that professionalism, amidst the overwhelming flow of information, faces significant challenges, necessitating the development of verification tools and critical thinking skills more than ever before.
Publishing Algorithms
Dr. Ghada Abido, a digital media professor at Ain Shams University in Cairo, emphasized that journalists must master tools such as data analysis, understand publishing algorithms on social media, and even use artificial intelligence in editing and production.
She added, “While technology has provided tremendous opportunities to reach audiences, it has also created a state of distraction and information noise, highlighting the need for new quality and reliability strategies.”
Powerful Tools
Tony Khalifa, General Manager of Al-Mashhad Channel and Platform, stated, “The media landscape is undergoing a transitional phase, and there are powerful tools available for expanding reach, while challenges regarding credibility, privacy protection, and publishing ethics are also increasing.”
Khalifa believes that artificial intelligence plays a crucial role, from news editing to visual content creation, and even engaging with audiences through smart chatbots, but excessive reliance on it may threaten the human aspect of journalistic processing.
Accuracy in Reporting
Mouness Al-Mardi, editor-in-chief of Al-Balad newspaper, who identifies himself as part of the print journalism generation, emphasized the newspaper’s efforts to adapt to the evolving landscape by establishing a presence on various digital platforms. He insists on prioritizing accuracy over speed when it comes to publishing to avoid sensationalism. He affirmed that newsrooms across all media organizations bear this responsibility. He added, “Today’s influencers on social media platforms are not fundamentally journalists; they often take story ideas from newspapers and media outlets and present them in engaging ways to their followers.”
Intelligent Systems
Naila Toueni, CEO of Al-Nahar Media Group, stated that despite the political challenges faced in Lebanon, the team remained committed to renewal and change. She highlighted the group’s endeavor to reshape the media landscape by incorporating development processes and leveraging technology. Today, they have newsrooms fully equipped with applications and systems utilizing artificial intelligence.
She mentioned, “We also have skilled editors who create captivating videos for the audience, alongside our efforts on diverse social media platforms, in addition to many future initiatives.”