Eddy Borges-Rey (left), Associate Professor in Residence Northwestern University Qatar; Fatima Al Kuwari, (second left), Executive Director of Marketing Ooredoo; Steve Morris (second right), Managing Partner, Portland Communication, and Hayfa Al Abdulla,
Industry experts explored new media trends in Qatar during the biannual Qatar Media Industries Forum (QMIF) held yesterday.
The Forum ‘Media on the Rise in Qatar: 2020 Trends and Beyond’ discussed the way in which the traditional media trends in Qatar and beyond is influenced by technology. The theme was explored and analysed by a panel of communication experts. Organised by the Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q), the Forum discussed issues including the continued rise of digital media, the impact of 5G, combating disinformation, and the role of entrepreneurship.
According to Everette E. Dennis, dean and CEO, QMIF is a unique platform held once in two years that brings together industry leaders and professionals to engage in debates and discussions on a variety of topics within the realm of media and communications.
“This year’s topics revolve around new media trends and are essential learning for anyone looking to innovate, disrupt, or simply stay ahead of the curve,” he said.
The Forum was moderated by NU-Q’s Eddy Borges-Rey, associate professor at NU-Q. Fatima Al Kuwari, executive director of marketing at Ooredoo speaking at the Forum highlighted that development in technology has enabled a shift in functions of media and cited the example of live video acquisition away from expensive satellite transmission. She said technology offers new revolutions in media functions.
“During the recently held IAAF World Championships in Athletics, we saw all the media networks broadcasting here from Qatar and sending all materials live. However, there is no more traditional big Outside Broadcast vans but they broadcast-quality video uplink with the help of advanced technology,” said Al Kuwari.
The Forum on ‘Media on the Rise in Qatar: 2020 Trends and Beyond’ also featured other distinguished industry leaders including Hayfa Al Abdulla, innovation director at Qatar Science and Technology Park; and Steve Morris, managing partner at Portland Communications.
They shared their experience and thoughts on emerging trends in media within Qatar and beyond. NU-Q established the QMIF in 2012 as part of a wider effort to provide thought leadership, educate future media and communications leaders in Qatar and the Middle East, and produce groundbreaking research on industry trends and media consumption in the region.
