ABU DHABI, 26th November, 2024 (WAM) -- Participants in a panel discussion titled "Emerging News Models and The Changing Media Landscape," as part of the first day of the 2024 Global Media Congress (GMC), explored the evolving news landscape, discussing how digital innovation, social media, and advanced technologies are reshaping the way news is produced, distributed, and consumed.
The session was moderated by Greg Fairlie, Senior Presenter at Dubai One News, with contributions from Mohammed Sergie, Editor for the Middle East and North Africa at Semaphore; Ahmed Faid, Founder of Dose Of Society; and Lisa MacLeod, Director and Head of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and Senior Representative at Financial Times Strategies.
The speakers discussed the importance of adapting to changes in consumption patterns, balancing journalistic integrity with financial sustainability, and leveraging innovation to meet audience demands.
Mohammed Sergie addressed the fragmentation of news delivery models, pointing out the obsolescence of traditional platforms like print media, while algorithms on social media platforms made it difficult to maintain a consistent reach. He emphasised the need for transparent journalism that separates facts from opinion and analysis to help readers explore complex issues.
He also discussed the risks of relying on the most widely shared content, which often distorts the broader news landscape, highlighting the value of carefully curated news for audiences seeking reliable information to guide decision-making. He acknowledged the growing capability of artificial intelligence to automate some journalistic tasks, such as editing and content aggregation.
Ahmed Faid discussed the shifts in news consumption patterns, particularly among younger audiences who prefer authentic content that aligns with their interests over traditional, serious news formats. He noted how digital platforms have enabled a more participatory form of media, where storytelling fosters empathy and community-building. He also highlighted the growing role of social media platforms in news distribution, explaining that audiences have become more skeptical of metrics such as views and interactions, focusing instead on content that reflects shared values. He explored the potential of artificial intelligence but stressed that human storytelling remains essential for expressing emotions and personal experiences.
Lisa MacLeod examined the broader challenges facing journalism, particularly the financial sustainability of traditional newsrooms. She discussed the shift from ad-based revenue models, which are no longer sufficient to cover the high costs of professional journalism, to subscription-based revenue models. MacLeod stressed the need to better align media organizations' business models with changing audience behaviours, especially among younger generations who consume news differently. She highlighted the rise of in-depth digital content and audio formats, such as podcasts, as major trends. She also addressed the fragmented nature of news consumption, where audiences often rely on multiple platforms and may not prioritise credibility.
The event brings together media leaders, experts, and innovators from around the world to explore the latest trends and opportunities in the industry.
Organised by ADNEC Group in partnership with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the congress highlights a roadmap for creating innovative media content that reflects the country's achievements and meets the leadership's aspirations in building a diverse and sustainable media economy.