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29 March 2024

AMF session to debate evolving media formats

Ali Jaber (SUPPLIED)

Published
By Staff Writer

The onset of fast evolving technologies that are impacting various media formats and the hopes and prospects of Arab media in developing local content will be the focus of two main sessions during the ninth edition of the Arab Media Forum, Dubai Press Club said yesterday.

More than 800 media personalities from Arab countries and across the world will participate in the event, to be held on May 12 and 13. It will witness more than 70 speakers discussing key industry topics that impact today's media world.

Maryam bin Fahad, Executive Director, Dubai Press Club, said: "This edition of the forum is appropriately themed 'Shifting Mediascape: Inspiring Content… Expanding Reach', reflecting the key transformation stages the industry is going through. Complementing the theme, we have included 'Local Content in Arab Media… Its Hopes and Prospects' as part of the forum agenda to discuss the defining role of content, especially locally generated content.

"Our programme will also include another session on 'Media's New Forms and Patterns' to focus on the major changes across all media platforms including newspapers, TV, radio and the internet. We believe the discussions will assist in further developing the media sector's growth."

The session on new formats of the media will also explore the evolving roles in journalism as well as the Arab media's ability to cope with technical advancements while seeking to chart the path the industry may have to take to meet its financial need. Global case studies will be presented while speakers will also discuss whether the Arabic media is mature enough to be emulated by others.

The session will be moderated by Ali Jaber, Dean of Mohammed bin Rashid School of Communications – American University of Dubai, and include key speakers such as Hakam Kanafani, Chief Business Development and Synergy Officer, Oger Telecom; Dr Sami Abdel Aziz, Chief Board of Director- TBWA/Egypt; Sam Barnett, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer – MBC Group; and Yousef Mugharbil, President of Rotana Digital Media.

The session on local content will be moderated by Joumana Bou Eid, News Cheif Editor, Rotana Media Group. Speakers include Usama Al Sheikh, Head of Egyptian Radio and Television Union; and Adib Khair, General Manager/Owner, Sama Art Production among others.