Global Media Congress Discusses Future Trends In Media And Technology Integration

The final day of the Global Media Congress featured a panel titled "What Will Media Look Like Next?" This discussion delved into how technology, mobile-first strategies, short-form content, and AI are reshaping the media landscape. The conversation highlighted AI tools that enable precise targeting and personalized experiences while addressing ethical issues like misinformation.

Dan Hu, Vice President of Tencent Cloud for the Middle East & Africa, spoke about the merging of content creation and technology. He noted that mobile-first strategies dominate, with mobile internet making up 70-80% of global usage. Video content, including short videos and live streams, accounts for 80-85% of internet traffic. Hu described short-form content as a major disruptor due to technological advances and affordable mobile networks.

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, discussed AI's transformative impact on media. He pointed out innovations like AI-powered newsrooms and virtual anchors. Traditional legacy media is declining as audiences prefer short, video-based formats that match current consumption habits. Content under 90 seconds is most effective today.

Michael Jabri-Pickett, Editor-in-Chief at Khaleej Times, emphasized the link between technology and content in engaging younger audiences. He highlighted the shift to short-form video storytelling to remain relevant while maintaining journalistic integrity. Addressing misinformation challenges, he stressed collaboration between newsrooms and tech firms to develop AI solutions for content moderation.

The panel underscored the UAE's potential to lead global media innovation through supportive policies and AI integration. Proactive strategies were seen as key to this leadership role. The need for legacy media to adapt by focusing on video-centric storytelling was also emphasized to attract younger audiences while preserving journalistic values.

Dr. Al-Ali also reflected on digital technology's societal impact, including its effects on family interactions and social behaviours. He advocated for proactive measures to tackle ethical and social challenges posed by AI and social media platforms.

The discussions concluded with a focus on balancing technological advancements with ethical journalism practices. This balance is crucial for preserving the future of the industry in an increasingly tech-driven world.

With inputs from WAM