Session on the Future of Journalism in the Digital Transformation Age
The second session on the fourth day of the Third Yemeni Media Conference focused on the future of journalism in the context of digital transformation and how to leverage these advancements to enhance journalistic work.
The session, moderated by journalist Bassam Ghaber, founder and head of the 29 Platform specializing in data journalism, featured contributions from Dr. Waleed Al-Saqqaf, a associate professor of journalism and a researcher in media technology, who discussed ways to empower Yemeni journalists through digital transformation. Digital media journalist Khalid Albarmwi also participated, presenting how Arab journalism is navigating this transformation, offering examples of both successes and challenges faced by media institutions in the region.
Al-Saqqaf and Albarmwi highlighted various challenges faced by media outlets in leveraging technological advancements, including the need for strong and secure infrastructure, the availability of devices and tools, and high-speed internet access. They also discussed the negative impact of the economic crisis caused by the war on media institutions, which had relied heavily on revenues from commercial advertisements.
Al-Saqqaf remarked, “Indeed, the growing desire and youthful enthusiasm in Yemen towards digital transformation show great potential for the future of digitization. Despite the numerous challenges facing media and technology institutions, such as limited infrastructure and scarce resources, digital technology can play a pivotal role in empowering youth and harnessing their energy for innovation and creativity.”
He emphasized the need to focus on the quality of content delivered to the audience, given their diverse interests, and to use a modern and accessible language. He also stressed the importance of training young people to take advantage of technological advancements, with a focus on producing content tailored for social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, as well as launching a news podcast that covers topics in a smooth and engaging manner.
Al-Saqqaf urged the creation of specialized technology units within media organizations to enable them to invest and generate revenue to face economic challenges.
Meanwhile, Albarmwi shared innovative methods for funding media organizations, noting the need to go beyond just providing news content to offering entertainment, service, educational, and guidance content. He stressed that digital transformation is a critical component of media work, emphasizing the need to understand audience needs and make them the core focus of journalistic efforts.
Albarmwi stated, “By keeping up with technological advancements and setting priorities based on audience needs, journalists and media organizations can offer more effective and engaging content. This requires continuous analysis of audience demands and providing accurate and reliable information that meets their expectations.”
He encouraged journalists to make the most of available tools, including the internet, apps, and software, and pointed to strategies developed by the ARIJ network, which offers a roadmap for Arab media institutions to utilize artificial intelligence. These strategies can be accessed through the network’s website.
The session concluded with a call for all media professionals to innovate and excel in executing media projects that align with the current digital transformations.
To watch the full session, click here