Media Congress seeks to change traditional ways
The first edition of the Global Media Congress in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday called for a change in media's conventional ways and urged journalists to share their experience and contribute ideas to find solutions to challenges faced by the Fourth Estate
“We wish that the congress becomes a worldwide platform for contributions and exchange of experiences and opinions and also to find ways to improve cooperation and transfer of knowledge. I ask you all to contribute your ideas and experiences in finding the best solution to challenges that the media sector is facing worldwide,” Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, said in a statement.
Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, noted that the media should be able to intellectually challenge and thoughtfully provoke people, especially youth, with their content.
“They want the media that is engaging, that genuinely cares for their future, that makes them a better citizen,” she said about the youth's expectations from the media.
The youth need to be prepared and well-equipped with new and relevant media and technological skills because they are the ones to shape the future, said a top UAE media professional.
In a discussion on "Investing in creative skills of today's youth to work in the media of tomorrow" at the Global Media Congress in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, Mona Al Marri, Director-general, Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), said that in a world of rapid change young people need the right mix of skills to thrive.
“We need to invest more in the youth. Young people in the Arab region need to develop a greater breadth of media skills and technology to evaluate and apply knowledge in ways that meet the new demands of the media industry,” she said.
“The Media is transforming rapidly and young people need to focus on the skills needed in the future to foster thoughtful, productive, and engaged citizens.”
Al Marri noted that youngsters need to learn more technological skills and the use of new gadgets to create their own content and spread information on various digital platforms.
“It is crucial for the youths to learn new skills on how to convey information very quickly on social media and in an accurate and ethical manner,” she said.
“Digital analysis is very important for the future. There is need to know where your content reaches, who are the people you are targeting, what the right content to post is and the right social media platforms, at the right time.”
According to Al Marri, the UAE has already taken big strides to equip its young generation with the skills required to face future challenges in various fields, thereby creating strong human capital.
She said that several initiatives and programmes have been launched in the UAE to train the youth and prepare them for the media industry.
In a different panel discussion on “Highlighting new and future investment opportunities in media from across the globe”, Hon Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, (Zimbabwe), said governments and media outlets need to change from dialogue to digital to attract the young generation.
“We need to invest in AI, social media and digital platforms. But also we have to look at the challenges, such as spreading of fake news, inaccurate information and inappropriate content, to protect youth.”