IGCF 2024 Delves Into Journalism’s Evolution With Human-Machine Interaction

The 13th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2024) began with discussions on the interplay between machines and humans in journalism. Organised by Sharjah Press Club, the first day included three events focusing on technology, artificial intelligence, and robotics in media.

In a session titled "Storytelling: Human Communication in the Digital Age," Dr. Mohammed Al-Wasmy hosted a panel featuring Dr. Fatima Al-Salem from Kuwait News Agency, Nawal Al-Jabr of Al Riyadh newspaper, and Bahraini writer Sawsan Al-Shaer. They discussed storytelling's significance in media and its role in conveying information effectively.

The panellists shared their experiences from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, emphasising trust-building between governments and citizens. They also explored challenges faced by governments in implementing digital storytelling strategies. The session highlighted how traditional and digital media can be combined to convey governmental messages through "hybrid media."

Dr. Al-Salem introduced the media dependency theory, which highlights the mutual need between media and the public. She noted that storytelling enhances content appeal by not only delivering news but also entertaining and informing audiences.

A roundtable titled "Robotic Journalism: When Machines Write the News" featured Fairouz Mubaideen of Jordan News Agency (Petra), Akram El Kassas of Youm7 newspaper, and Moanes Almardi of Al Bilad newspaper in Bahrain. Journalist Aida Al-Zadjali moderated the discussion on AI's growing role in journalism.

Mubaideen stressed the importance of keeping pace with technological advancements to avoid becoming outdated. She also pointed out the need to distinguish between human-created and AI-generated content to maintain public trust.

El Kassas discussed both benefits and challenges of robotic journalism, including its impact on traditional journalists' creativity. Almardi highlighted that AI ethics are now part of university curricula due to significant risks posed by robots potentially thinking independently of humans.

Podcasts vs Radio: Integration or Competition?

The debate "Radio in the Age of Podcasts - Integration or Competition?" featured Saad Al-Fandi from Kuwait Radio and Abdulaziz Al Hedian, CEO of Mics podcast solutions company. Journalist Ahmed Alenezi moderated this discussion on how podcasts influence traditional radio.

Al-Fandi argued that radio remains relevant as long as it adapts to modern technologies. He emphasised that expertise gained over time distinguishes radio from podcasts. Conversely, Al Hedian described podcasts as an evolution of radio, highlighting differences such as geographic scope and broadcast times.

Gen Z perspectives were also shared by Saeed Mohammed Al-Hammadi and Alreem Sarhan AlMaeeni, graduates of Ithmaar Media Training Programme for children and youth. They contributed their views on the ongoing debate between radio and podcasts.

Nawal Al-Jabr underscored adaptability's importance for staying relevant with evolving trends. Meanwhile, Sawsan Al-Shaer highlighted narrative storytelling's role in simplifying governmental information for better understanding among citizens.

The forum provided a platform for experts to discuss how technology is reshaping journalism while maintaining essential human elements like trust and storytelling.

With inputs from WAM