UAE | Media
Arab forum to highlight use of technology in media
Changes brought about by technology to the media scene both in the Arab World and elsewhere, will be the focus of this year's Arab Media Forum 2008 under the theme "Bridging Arab Media through Technology."
- By Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:33 April 19, 2008
Dubai: Changes brought about by technology to the media scene both in the Arab World and elsewhere, will be the focus of this year's Arab Media Forum 2008 under the theme "Bridging Arab Media through Technology."
The Dubai Press Club has completed preparations for the seventh edition of the Arab Journalism Award and the 10th edition of the Arab Media Forum, which will run from April 23 to 24 at the Monarch Hotel in Dubai.
Mariam Bin Fahd, Executive Director of DPC, said technology is the focus this year because many countries in the Arab World are still not benefiting from technology in media.
"We want to change this event from just a networking event to an institution where participants can share ideas and integrate suggestions that will help in developing the use of technology in media even further," she said.
More than 200 media, cultural and journalism personalities, who represent associations and Gulf, Arab and international media organisations are participating in this year's media forum.
Industry
Mariam said the forum and the award will cover 21 Arab countries for the first time.
The countries participating for the first time include Yemen, Sudan and Mauritania.
"The forum this year is more focused on the development process. There is networking every year, but this year, people will realise that the forum is becoming an industry forum," Mariam said.
The forum will also see the screening of documentary films that shed light on the current developments of the situation in Iraq and Palestine. The documentaries will be followed by expert commentary from some of the political figures from both countries.
Mariam said this year's journalism award saw 2,609 entries from 18 Arab countries.
She said the highest number of entries were for investigative reporting, interviews and politics.
"The new thing we are doing this year regarding the award is to announce how many entries were there in every category and the countries with highest entries. This gives the public and the winners an idea on how tough the competition was and gives a push for the winners," she said.
Mariam said the final ceremony will also include a presentation on the political, economic, journalism, media and other events of 2007.
"We will also honour two personalities who played a vital role serving journalism and Arab media and were attacked or threatened while carrying out their jobs," she said.
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