Digital platforms’ impact on TV discussed
DUBAI: The Arab Social Media Influencers Club (ASMIC), an initiative of Dubai Press Club (DPC), hosted its second live virtual session to discuss the impact of digital platforms on television content.
Held as part of the ‘Arab Social Media Influencers Majlis’, which is now conducted online in adherence to COVID-19 precautionary measures, the knowledge-sharing session attracted experts from the Arab TV industry and more than 100 media and social media figures from across the region.
Maitha Buhumaid, Director of Dubai Press Club, said: “DPC is committed to facilitating constructive dialogue between media leaders locally and regionally through its various initiatives as part of its mission to support regional media development. As the ‘Capital of Arab Media 2020’, Dubai continues to implement initiatives to contribute to the advancement of media in the region even in the current exceptional environment.
“Dubai’s strong smart infrastructure has enabled it to use online platforms for sharing knowledge and fostering dialogue in the regional media industry.”
The Director of DPC thanked all the participants for sharing their perspectives during the discussion, which had a large online viewership. “Such discussions play a critical role in generating ideas for enhancing Arab media content offered on both traditional and new media platforms and aligning it to the expectations of Arab audiences,” she said.
During the session moderated by TV presenter Nouraldin Al Yousuf, MBC Group’s official spokesman Mazen Hayek stated that television, which remains the main source of information and entertainment in the Arab world, has succeeded in diversifying and adapting its content so that it can fit any platform.
“The impact of TV is now measured by its ability to deliver content on multiple platforms,” said Hayek. “In the last 10 years, digital platforms have become an essential requirement for TV channels and an integral part of the production process. At MBC, digital platforms are given a lot of importance. Today, we have the Shahid platform that has been able to double its subscription base in the last period,” he added, noting that to have a successful platform, the content must be compelling.
Speaking in the session, Sarah Al Jarman, Director of General Channels, Dubai Media Incorporated and General Manager, Dubai TV, agreed that content is the backbone of any media production and “digital platforms are not here to replace TV but rather to complement it.”