Arab League official highlights AI opportunities and challenges in media

Ahmed Rachedi, the Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Media and Communication Sector at the Arab League, has emphasized the significant opportunities presented by artificial intelligence for the media landscape. Speaking in Cairo, Rachedi stated that AI offers a promising avenue for developing media content and elevating professional performance, which is crucial for adapting to digital transformations and achieving comprehensive development. He also stressed the importance of AI in maintaining Arab cultural identity and fostering a culture of knowledge and innovation.

“

AI represents a promising opportunity to develop media content and elevate professional performance, contributing to keeping pace with digital transformations and achieving comprehensive development, while preserving the role of media in consolidating Arab cultural identity and promoting a culture of knowledge and innovation.

Rachedi, a Moroccan diplomat, made these remarks during a meeting of the judging committee for the 10th Arab Media Excellence Award. He noted that the award's theme, "Arab Media and Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges," reflects a forward-looking vision to keep pace with the transformations in the media sector, aligning with the directives of the Arab Information Ministers Council and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

“

The selection of the theme 'Arab Media and Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges' reflects a forward-looking vision to keep pace with the transformations in the media sector, in line with the orientations of the Council of Arab Information Ministers and the requirements of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The 10th edition of the award has set a record for participation since its inception in 2016, with approximately 154 nominations. These nominations were distributed across various categories, including 62 for digital media, 41 for print journalism, 36 for radio, and 15 for television. Rachedi expressed confidence in the judging committee's ability to select winning works based on professionalism, objectivity, impartiality, and transparency, thereby enhancing the standing of Arab media and its ability to keep pace with global media shifts.

“

The 10th edition recorded the highest participation rate since the award was launched in 2016, with the number of nominations reaching about 154.

Abdelatif Bennis, Director of the Higher Institute of Information and Communication, also commented on the award's significance. He described the initiative as important for motivating Arab journalists to stay abreast of media developments and contribute to shaping Arab public opinion on regional issues. Bennis highlighted that the focus on AI for this session is a direct response to the rapid digital and technological advancements in the Arab media sector, noting that a substantial portion of Arab media productions now involve the use of AI technologies. He added that training institutes and universities in the Arab world are increasingly integrating AI into their curricula to equip journalists with the skills to use these technologies responsibly and effectively.

“

The launch of this award is an important initiative to motivate Arab journalists to keep up with media developments and contribute to consolidating Arab public opinion around issues of concern to the Arab region.