Oujda Hosts International Conference on Journalism and Media in the Digital Age
Oujda Hosts International Conference on Journalism and Media in the Digital Age
The city of Oujda, Morocco, recently hosted the first International Conference on Journalism and Media in the Digital Age. Organized by the Laboratory of Strategies for Cultural Industries, Communication, and Sociological Research – Moroccan Culture and Human Development Team – along with the Department of Media and Strategic Communication Sciences and the Master’s program in Digital Journalism and Media at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Mohammed I University, the conference brought together academics, professionals, and students to discuss the transformative impact of digital technologies on the media landscape.
This pivotal event explored the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital revolution, examining how it has reshaped newsgathering, dissemination, consumption, and the very nature of journalistic practice. The conference fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas, focusing on critical themes such as the evolving role of journalists, the rise of citizen journalism, the impact of social media on news, the fight against misinformation, and the ethical considerations of digital media.
The digital age has fundamentally altered how we consume and interact with news. According to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2024, social media remains a key source of news for many, particularly younger audiences. However, this reliance on platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now X), and Instagram also raises concerns about the spread of misinformation and the creation of “filter bubbles” that limit exposure to diverse perspectives. The conference directly addressed these concerns, highlighting the need for media literacy and critical thinking in navigating the digital information ecosystem.
The rise of citizen journalism, empowered by readily available technology and social media platforms, presents both opportunities and challenges. While it can provide valuable on-the-ground reporting and diversify voices, it also necessitates careful verification and ethical considerations. The conference explored how professional journalists can collaborate with citizen journalists while maintaining journalistic standards and integrity. Discussions also touched upon the blurring lines between traditional media and new media platforms, and the need for journalists to adapt their skills and embrace new technologies.
The ethical implications of digital media were a central focus of the conference. Issues such as data privacy, online harassment, and the potential for algorithmic bias were discussed in depth. The conference emphasized the importance of developing ethical guidelines and best practices for digital journalism, ensuring responsible and accountable reporting in the digital age. This aligns with the growing global conversation around responsible technology and the need for ethical frameworks to guide its development and application.
The conference also highlighted the economic challenges facing the media industry in the digital age. The shift towards online platforms has disrupted traditional revenue models, forcing news organizations to explore new strategies for sustainability. Discussions centered around innovative business models, the role of subscriptions and paywalls, and the potential of alternative funding mechanisms. The future of journalism, the conference concluded, hinges on finding sustainable solutions that support quality journalism and ensure its continued role in a democratic society.
The Oujda conference served as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address the complex issues facing journalism in the digital age. By fostering critical discussions and exploring innovative solutions, the conference contributed significantly to shaping the future of media in Morocco and beyond. The insights and recommendations generated will undoubtedly inform future research, policy development, and journalistic practice in the evolving digital landscape. For more information on the evolving landscape of digital journalism, resources like the Tow Center for Digital Journalism and the Nieman Journalism Lab offer valuable insights and analysis.;
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