Image used for illustrative purposes. Photo: File
For news agencies to continue leading in setting benchmarks and making real news more appealing than fake news, collaboration with tech giants and understanding the interests of young people is essential. In a world dominated by digital content, media and AI are more interconnected than ever, with people primarily consuming media information through their phones. While some may speculate that traditional journalism is fading, there will always be a need for real journalism to set the standard for genuine news, as opposed to fake news, which is shared 70% more often, according to UAE officials.
"Journalism will always survive; it just needs to figure out how," said Michael Jabri-Picket, Chief Editor of Khaleej Times. "If done correctly, journalism will always be necessary because it moderates content and distinguishes between what is real and what isn't. If someone spreads misinformation, it's crucial to call them out." He emphasized that newsrooms worldwide should unite and cooperate with tech giants to moderate content and combat misinformation. Another key to revitalizing journalism is engaging with young people's opinions on emerging trends to create credible and engaging content. Newspapers are often seen as a medium for older people, but this doesn't have to be the case.
"To remain relevant, we must prove to young people that we are appealing," Jabri-Picket noted. Recognizing that younger audiences prefer video content and a different approach to news, news outlets can adapt their storytelling to be more attractive, preventing them from turning to non-news sources for information. "You have to hook them quickly – keep it short and to the point," he advised, using a 230-word news lead as an example to draw readers deeper into the story. "We can leverage new technologies to appeal to younger audiences while maintaining our journalistic integrity."
He cited Khaleej Times' KT Plus, a social media platform that presents news in short, entertaining video form, appealing to Gen Z and digital users. "You must accept that your followers and viewers want their news in various formats," he concluded. Dan Hu, regional president of Tencent Cloud International, highlighted how governments in China and the UAE are rapidly adapting to AI and integrating it into their communication strategies. For example, Tencent recently launched an AI-based digital human named Khalifa with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. "Today, Khalifa is busy interacting with millions of Chinese tourists on Wii chat, encouraging them to visit the UAE; this can serve as a good example of generative AI promoting local industries," he said.
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
