NEW MEDIA IS THE LANGUAGE OF THE AGE; ANYONE CAN USE IT TO LEAVE A MARK, SAYS EGYPTIAN TV ANCHOR

Veteran Egyptian journalist Mahmoud Saad has stressed that digital media has now become the medium and language of the age as anyone can use it to create an impact and leave his or her mark. He asserted that the media as we know it will continue to exist until the end of time.  “However, we have to provide opportunities for young people to create their own future,” he pointed out.

Saad was addressing a special session entitled “From traditional media to new... A speech for a media journey”, hosted by the Sharjah Press Club, at the Government Communication Talk platform on the sidelines of the recently concluded International Government Communication Forum, themed “Today’s Resources…Tomorrow’s Wealth,” organised earlier this month by the Sharjah Government Media Office at the Expo Centre Sharjah. 

Saad pointed out that social media offers many advantages that make it superior to traditional media. Most notably, there is a large amount of freedom, unlike traditional media outlets that have to rely on strict quality controls and other restrictions. Also, to be successful in social media, one does not have to resort to nepotism and favouritism and anyone can attain success it as long as they produce content that followers admire, added the Egyptian journalist.

Addressing a predominantly young audience, Saad argued: "We must forget the traditional media and look at what is new. We have the ability to create modern media that works according to the requirements of the stage. Life imposes new and changing rules, and the media is not going to disappear until the end of humanity.” He advised the organisers and nations in the region to provide the opportunity for young people to create their own future.