DPC unveils theme for Arab Media Forum 2010

Dubai Press Club (DPC) yesterday announced the theme for the ninth edition of the Arab Media Forum to be held next month.

Maryam bin Fahad, Executive Director of DPC, said: "The Organising Committee and the Working Group of Arab Media Forum 2010 have selected the theme 'Shifting mediascape: Inspiring content… expanding reach' for the ninth edition to profoundly reflect the agenda for the individual sessions and workshops."

The event, to be held from May 12-13 at The Atlantis-Palm Dubai, is expected to witness the participation of more than 800 eminent Arab and international media personalities.

"A total of 70 eminent journalists and the most influential decision-makers from the visual, print, audio and online media segments will drive intense discussions at these sessions on the status of the media in different regions and explore the way forward for the industry," said bin Fahad.

The agenda for Arab Media Forum 2010 covers a wide spectrum of topics ranging from specific segments and individual countries to the role of digital content and its impact on the industry.

Some dedicated sessions include a focus on the continuously evolving nature of citizen journalism as well as its new and different areas of impact, a special session on the Kuwaiti media scene, and a discussion on the Egyptian satellite media.

The forum will also discuss the media scene in emerging Asian countries, and assess the way Arab media addresses the Western public opinion.

In addition, there will be a dedicated session on the reasons behind the wide disparity between the media in the Maghreb and Mashreq countries.

A dedicated session at the media forum will debate the move to establish a commission for Arab media aiming at regulating the sector, in addition to promoting transparency and keeping content clean from provocation or racism.

A special discussion will highlight the explosion of entertainment industry in the Arab world, while the opportunities and challenges to journalism in the digital era will be the focus area for another session.

A group of experts will also discuss the impact of fast-evolving technology on the media and subsequent changes it may bring about.

There will also be a session on the current and future situation of the local Arabic content in Arab media, a fact that has been considered a great challenge for both media veterans and end users.

The influence of sports and its economy, and the local presence in sports journalism in general and television in particular will be the focus of another session in the forum.

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