Arab Media Forum to take up detailed case studies to spur industry growth

This was announced by Dubai Press Club, organizers of the Arab Media Forum.

The high profile event, to be held at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai on 24-25 April, will be built around the theme - 'Developing People, Developing Organizations'.

Mona Al Marri, Chairperson of Dubai Press Club, said: "This year's agenda has been carefully crafted to identify the various factors that can accelerate the growth of Arab media, besides shedding light on its strengths and weaknesses. The discussions will be substantiated with case studies and models to develop the regional media industry.

"Developing media in the Arab world is one of the main objectives of Dubai Press Club. Leveraging the developments taking place in the global media arena and driven by the region's unique requirements, we intend to help the Arab media chart a new path for growth."

Al Marri said the Organising Committee was leaving no stone unturned to attract leading Arab and international media personalities to share their ideas and provide a transparent and accurate overview of the Arab media.

At the Arab Media Forum this year, Dubai Press Club, in association with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), will present the 'Arab Media Outlook,' a comprehensive report outlining the status and future prospects of the industry. The report will be published annually.

The Arab Media Forum's agenda will include several other crucial issues related to media in Arab countries and the status of Arab journalists.

Contemporary issues confronting the regional media industry will be discussed in the light of a Western media speaking the language of the Arab citizen and the emergence of an Arab media with a global voice.

The plenary session will analyse factors such as the size and growth of media entities, the emergence of new media and its convergence in the industry, and ways to develop the right people for the Arab media.

'Content versus Profit: The Impact of Advertising on Programme Content' will focus on the issue of meeting the bottom line while maintaining the value of editorial content.

The segment on 'The Effect of Technology Innovation on Today's Media Landscape' will highlight the dynamism of technology to enhance quality and accuracy of media content, provide real time reporting and reach wider audience.

The second day will include a session on 'The Rights and Privileges of Media Professionals' to explore the importance of protecting the privileges of all professional journalists in the region. AMF 2007 will also initiate discussion on 'Converting Journalists from Print to Television'.

The concluding session on 'Ranking Training and Education in the Rung of Priorities' will debate the value of media education and its status in the Arab world.

The Arab Media Forum has successfully established itself as one of the most important events in the region's calendar. The significant and compelling issues that are discussed have gained the forum extensive regional and international media exposure.