The implications of new media and technologies, including the impact of 5G on day-to-day communication and the challenges of combating disinformation and fake news, were among the topics at the most recent Qatar Media Industries Forum.
The forum - Media on the Rise in Qatar: 2020 Trends and Beyond - organised by Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q), featured Hayfa al-Abdulla, innovation director of Qatar Science and Technology Park; Fatima al-Kuwari, executive director of marketing, Ooredoo; and Steve Morris, managing partner, Portland Communications; with Eddy Borges-Rey, associate professor at NU-Q as moderator.
Everette E Dennis, dean and CEO of NU-Q, praised the newly established Qatar Media City noting the opportunities it would create in the Qatar media industry and how its work dovetailed with the goals of the Qatar Media Industries Forum. “In hosting these forums,” Dennis said, “NU-Q provides an opportunity for media professionals and those interested in the media industry in Qatar to learn more about upcoming media trends and innovations. Qatar Media City is a natural partner for us as we move forward.”
Commenting on the role of emerging trends in the industry, al-Kuwari pointed out that “technology is the backbone for any industry. It is the key foundation and success factor for the media ecosystem. In Qatar, we are leading the world in terms of network developments, the future and readiness to adapt to technology landscapes”.
She added that “the newly established Qatar Media City will elevate readiness in Qatar”.
“Qatar is at the forefront of technology, it is a pioneering time to be here. But news organisations are threatened by the rise in media across the region and world and we are increasingly witnessing a rise in government regulation across media platforms. Traditionally, platform regulation is not a role for governments but now they are increasingly changing the rules as the platforms themselves are not willing to do so," noted Morris.
On the issue of media regulation, al-Kuwari commented, “It is an important area to explore, whether on a national level or within the media industry itself. Different arms should work together to ensure that people are ethically aware of the uses of technology.”
Al-Kuwari affirmed that Qatar “will be ready for the adoption of technology primarily driven by 5G networks. There is a lot of potential to enhance the fan experience through analytical data, augmented data, and growing media landscapes. All this will be supported by 5G.”
How technology can be used to curate a fan’s experience throughout the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar was also part of the discussion. Al-Abdulla said there is an increase in startups working to create more interactive experiences using augmented reality and virtual reality, and it is important that the media industry is receptive to testing out new technology.
Al-Kuwari affirmed that Qatar “will be ready for the adoption of technology primarily driven by 5G networks. There is a lot of potential to enhance the fan experience through analytical data, augmented data, and growing media landscapes. All this will be supported by 5G”.
Everette E Dennis, dean and CEO of NU-Q, praised the newly established Qatar Media City noting the opportunities it would create in the Qatar media industry and how its work dovetailed with the goals of the Qatar Media Industries Forum. “In hosting these forums,” Dennis said, “NU-Q provides an opportunity for media professionals and those interested in the media industry in Qatar to learn more about upcoming media trends and innovations. Qatar Media City is a natural partner for us as we move forward.”
Commenting on the role of emerging trends in the industry, al-Kuwari pointed out that “technology is the backbone for any industry. It is the key foundation and success factor for the media ecosystem. In Qatar, we are leading the world in terms of network developments, the future and readiness to adapt to technology landscapes”.
She added that “the newly established Qatar Media City will elevate readiness in Qatar”.
“Qatar is at the forefront of technology, it is a pioneering time to be here. But news organisations are threatened by the rise in media across the region and world and we are increasingly witnessing a rise in government regulation across media platforms. Traditionally, platform regulation is not a role for governments but now they are increasingly changing the rules as the platforms themselves are not willing to do so," noted Morris.
On the issue of media regulation, al-Kuwari commented, “It is an important area to explore, whether on a national level or within the media industry itself. Different arms should work together to ensure that people are ethically aware of the uses of technology.”
Al-Kuwari affirmed that Qatar “will be ready for the adoption of technology primarily driven by 5G networks. There is a lot of potential to enhance the fan experience through analytical data, augmented data, and growing media landscapes. All this will be supported by 5G.”
How technology can be used to curate a fan’s experience throughout the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar was also part of the discussion. Al-Abdulla said there is an increase in startups working to create more interactive experiences using augmented reality and virtual reality, and it is important that the media industry is receptive to testing out new technology.
Al-Kuwari affirmed that Qatar “will be ready for the adoption of technology primarily driven by 5G networks. There is a lot of potential to enhance the fan experience through analytical data, augmented data, and growing media landscapes. All this will be supported by 5G”.