Sharjah Press Club Sessions at IGCF 2024 Discuss Journalism's Future Amid Human-Machine Dynamics

photo:Sharjah Govt Media Bureau

On the first day of the 13th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2024), held on Wednesday, experts delved into the evolving relationship between machines and humans in the field of journalism. The inaugural day showcased three engaging events organized by the Sharjah Press Club, focusing on the integration of technology, artificial intelligence, and robotics within the media landscape.

One of the sessions, titled "Storytelling: Human Communication in the Digital Age," was hosted by Dr. Mohammed Al-Wasmy. The panel featured notable figures including Dr. Fatima Al-Salem, Director General of Kuwait News Agency; Nawal Al-Jabr, Editor-in-Chief of Al Riyadh newspaper; and Sawsan Al-Shaer, a prominent Bahraini media figure and writer. The discussion centered on the critical role of storytelling in media and how it serves as a vital tool for conveying information effectively.

The panellists explored strategies for leveraging storytelling in today’s digital era, particularly highlighting the role of social media in government communications. They emphasized the necessity of using innovative tools and techniques to develop compelling digital narratives that resonate with audiences. Each panelist shared personal experiences from their careers in journalism, showcasing insights gained from their work in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.

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A key focus of the discussion was the importance of building trust and enhancing the relationship between governments and citizens. The panellists identified various challenges that governments encounter in implementing effective storytelling within digital media frameworks. They also discussed the significance of integrating traditional and digital media approaches to communicate governmental messages, coining the term "hybrid media" to describe this blend.

Dr. Al-Salem referenced the media dependency theory, which illustrates the mutual reliance between the media and the public. She stressed that the media’s role extends beyond simply delivering news; it must also entertain and engage audiences. Storytelling emerged as a crucial element in making content more appealing and relatable.

Nawal Al-Jabr highlighted the necessity for adaptability within the media landscape. She stressed that government messages need to remain contemporary and aligned with current trends to maintain relevance. In her contribution, Sawsan Al-Shaer pointed out how narrative storytelling can simplify complex governmental information, thereby enhancing its comprehension and impact among the public.

The roundtable session titled “Robotic Journalism: When Machines Write the News” brought together experts including Fairouz Mubaideen, Director General of Jordan News Agency (Petra); Akram El Kassas, Chairman of the Board of Youm7 newspaper; and Moanes Almardi, Editor-in-Chief of Al Bilad newspaper in Bahrain. Moderated by journalist Aida Al-Zadjali, this discussion focused on the increasing incorporation of robots and AI in news writing and their transformative effect on traditional journalism practices.

Mubaideen emphasized the importance of keeping pace with technological advancements, noting that failure to evolve could lead to obsolescence. She acknowledged the complexities surrounding the integration of AI, particularly in distinguishing between human and machine-generated content in video reporting, a factor that could significantly affect public trust in the media.

El Kassas spoke about the pros and cons of robotic journalism, discussing its potential to enhance professionalism in news production while also considering its impact on creativity and traditional journalism. He raised important questions about how automated journalism might reshape the future of news delivery.

Al Mardi added that universities are beginning to incorporate AI ethics into their curricula, highlighting the potential risks associated with robotic journalism. He cautioned that scenarios often depicted in science fiction, where AI operates independently of human oversight, could become a reality. Therefore, journalists must possess a deep understanding of their nation’s history to identify and correct misinformation, underscoring the media's critical role in delivering accurate news.

A vibrant debate titled “Radio in the Age of Podcasts - Integration or Competition?” featured Saad Al-Fandi, Director of the General Programme Department at Kuwait Radio, and Abdulaziz Al Hedian, founder and CEO of Mics, a podcast solutions company. Moderated by journalist Ahmed Alenezi, the discussion explored the dynamic relationship between podcasts and traditional radio, examining how these two mediums can coexist and enhance audience engagement.

Al-Fandi noted that radio is a time-honored medium where expertise develops gradually, arguing that no media format fully supplants another as long as each adapts to modern technological advancements. In contrast, Al Hedian argued that podcasts represent the natural evolution of radio, emphasizing their characteristics as "content made to be heard." He highlighted significant differences between the two mediums, including geographic reach, licensing requirements, broadcasting schedules, and content formats.

Notably, he shared statistics indicating that over 7 million individuals in Saudi Arabia listen to podcasts monthly, with a substantial 80% of this audience aged between 18 and 36. This demographic shift underscores the growing popularity of podcasts among younger audiences.

Adding to the conversation, two graduates of the Ithmaar Media Training Programme for children and youth, Saeed Mohammed Al-Hammadi and Alreem Sarhan AlMaeeni, shared their perspectives on the ongoing debate surrounding the relevance of radio versus podcasts.

The discussions held during the first day of IGCF 2024 set the stage for further exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing the media industry as it navigates the complexities of human-machine interactions in journalism.

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