Forum to discuss rapid growth of social media

RIYADH: Local and foreign media experts will gather on Sept. 29-30 at the second Saudi Broadcasting Forum (SBF) to discuss the rapid growth in telecommunications technology and media tools, which play a pivotal role in how and when we can access information. They will also tackle the impact of social networking media on broadcasting and TV.
The two-day forum at the Riyadh Marriott Hotel is organized by the Dubai-based International Quality & Productivity Center (IQPAC). It is officially supported by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture and Information. Riyadh K. Najm, deputy minister for Information Affairs, Ministry of Culture & Information, said, "Saudi Arabia is embarking on major developments in the broadcasting sector, both public and private, and we see this forum as a cornerstone in these developments."
Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding its extensive TV, radio broadcasting and communication capabilities by implementing the latest technologies for content distribution through various platforms including IPTV, mobile devices and other innovative broadcasting channels. The Saudi Broadcasting Forum will provide delegates the opportunity to learn about market leading technology advancements and the future of broadcasting and communications within the Kingdom.
The speakers include Riyadh K. Najm, Ahmad-Al-Mufleh, business media professionals at Saudi TV, Mohammed Burhan, CEO at CNBC Arabia, Khulud Abu Homos, SVP Programming and Creative Services at OSN and Alan Musa, general manager and VP Middle East at AfricaTurner Broadcasting.
Arab News senior staff in Riyadh are also among the key speakers. They will be discussing, among others, the changing media scene in Saudi Arabia, how radio and television in Saudi Arabia is being corporatized and audiovisual regulations in the Kingdom. They will also explore news in an era of social media, discuss how social media has changed the way we consume news, demonstrate how stronger social media campaigns increase viewers and talk about how to increase market share of viewers through social media and other channels.
An Arab News staffer will speak on the role of media in promoting a culture of entrepreneurship among young Saudis to increase local talent in the broadcasting industry, highlighting how creating an appealing content will assist in promoting broadcasting among the Saudi youth. He will also speak on differentiating between the content of a targeted newspaper and the professional objective newspaper as well as understanding the role of the media in promoting news.
The organizer said that among the benefits for attending this high-profile forum are; strengthen ability to win new business in the Kingdom with first class networking opportunities; learn about the latest technologies and market trends to ensure that the organization will reach out to a wider audience; gain instant access to new platforms to ensure that the participant can stay ahead of this growing trend to maximize his company's revenue; understand the future of satellite broadcasting and how an organization will be impacted by the market dynamics.
Additionally, according to the organizers, the participants will learn about the power and potential of digital radio and understand how the use of this medium can help boost returns on investment. They will also understand the importance of effective content distribution and digital rights management to ensure that by acquiring the know-how they will learn how to safeguard their corporate objectives.