Events like GMC help shape media industry’s future
Officials say professional forums build a culture of trust
Officials of news media organisations said forums such as the Global Media Congress (GMC) are vital in shaping the future course of the media sector.
Sergei Stanovkn, Head of BBC Advertising Regional Offices and Managing Director of Dars Consulting, said that "media has a responsibility in shaping the future of our children and our planet".
In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Stanovkn said that exchanging new types of media exchange while focusing on content is very significant in promoting the stature of the media entity.
He said that events such as the GMC helps media entities to work more on building a culture of trust and focus on professionalism and responsibility, and “I think this is what can bring everybody to success in the very near future.”
The media sector has a doubled responsibility to utilise its resources to raise the public's awareness by promoting pilot projects of media practitioners to develop media and sculpt its future to serve the benefit of all, Stanovkn said.
Majda Tafra-vlahovic, President of the Croatian News Agency's Board of Governors, said forums such as GMC are conducive to facilitating the meeting of global media figures under one roof, bypassing virtual borders to discuss the current state of media and its future.
“We must be in control of the virtual medium and not let it control us, so we really have to meet
in-person to discuss and exchange views because we are in charge. The moment technology takes charge of us, we are doomed. So, being here today in the Global Media Congress is a step in the right direction, and I complement the organisers for their efforts.”
Tafra-vlahovic, who participated in a panel discussion titled Media for good: Sustainable Development Goals, stated: “The role of activists, environmentalists, and civil society, as well as governments, is necessary in the media. Without them, we're unable to do anything. The media sector has a doubled responsibility to utilise its resources to raise the public's awareness by sensitising pilot projects of media practitioners to constantly improve and develop media to shape its future. This is, in my opinion, the catalyst to transition into ‘good media' that drives sustainable development goals”.
Shedding light on the topic of tolerance and changing misguided views spread through media, Tafravlahovic simply said: “Naturally, biases and prejudices are always present, but our responsibility as a global society is to be united. I've visited the Muslim Council of Elders' stand at GMC and had a lovely chat with its members about unity, tolerance and continued cooperation.”
“Let's light one candle rather than curse the darkness. Let's do what we can step by step,” she said.
The third day of the GMC also featured a panel discussion hosted by Saeed Al Eter, Chair of the UAE Government Media Office, which addressed the role of the media in promoting national identity amidst the challenges posed by cultural globalisation.
The media has a major role in promoting national identity, especially considering the importance of education and its related contributions, Al Eter affirmed, noting that some countries are exerting significant efforts to strengthen their national identity, referring to the role played by the media.
The three-day event, that was held under the theme “Shaping the Future of the Media Industry”, saw participation from more than 1,200 media sector pioneers, specialists, and influencers from six continents in the globe, with more than 30 debates and workshops featuring more than 162 globally renowned speakers.
We must be in control of the virtual medium and not let it control us, so we really have to meet in-person to discuss and exchange views because we are in charge. The moment technology takes charge of us, we are doomed. Majda Tafra-vlahovic, President of the Croatian News Agency’s Board of Governors