TRENDS Pavilion Highlights Importance Of Upskilling Media Professionals At Global Media Congress 2024

TRENDS Research and Advisory opened its pavilion at the Global Media Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi. As an official knowledge partner, TRENDS attracted attention from officials, researchers, and media professionals for its contributions both locally and globally. Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, awarded the TRENDS Media Medal to several media professionals in recognition of their support for the organisation's initiatives.

A panel discussion titled "Toward Effective and Responsible Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence" took place during the event. The session focused on equipping media professionals with AI skills, encouraging self-regulation for content quality, and fostering partnerships between media and academia to keep pace with digital advancements. The panelists included Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Dr. Hamad Al-Kaabi, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Shumairi, and Kuwaiti media figure Muhammad Al-Mulla.

Dr. Al-Ali emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships between think tanks and media organisations to enrich content with credible research. He advocated for ethical AI use and stronger cooperation to enhance societal awareness and address contemporary challenges effectively.

Dr. Al-Kuwaiti highlighted the media’s crucial role in cybersecurity education by exposing harmful practices and promoting public safety. He suggested journalist training, collaboration with cybersecurity bodies, and adherence to ethical standards to tackle cyber threats effectively.

Dr. Al-Kaabi raised concerns about deepfakes being used as tools for misinformation and security risks. He called for international cooperation, development of detection tools, public education initiatives, and legislative measures to combat these threats effectively.

Combating Misinformation

Dr. Al-Shumairi stressed the need for credibility in combating fake news while acknowledging AI's dual role in spreading and verifying information. He urged collaboration between governments, media outlets, and technology sectors to counter deepfakes efficiently.

Muhammad Al-Mulla discussed AI’s potential in countering extremism while praising the UAE’s balanced approach to AI and cybersecurity issues. He noted that Diwan Al-Mulla Network uses AI tools to promote moderation and counter extremist narratives effectively.

The panelists collectively underscored the necessity of a clear regulatory framework along with public awareness about AI ethics as essential tools to combat misinformation effectively. They acknowledged AI's challenges but also recognised its potential benefits for societal impact enhancement through responsible usage.

The discussions at the Global Media Congress 2024 highlighted significant issues surrounding AI integration into modern media practices while emphasising collaboration among various sectors as key solutions moving forward.

With inputs from WAM