Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Media Minister Salman Al-Dosary opened on Monday the Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX), the inaugural event of the third edition of the Saudi Media Forum in Riyadh.

The launch was attended by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha, Assistant Minister of Information Dr. Abdullah Almaghlooth, Saudi Media Forum President and CEO of the Broadcasting Authority Mohammed Al-Harthi, along with numerous officials from Arab and international media, and leaders in the media industry both locally and globally.

"FOMEX", the largest specialized media expo in the Middle East, spans three days and hosts over 200 local and global companies. These companies showcase the latest in technical, and artistic innovations, and advancements across various media fields, facilitating discussions and idea exchanges among specialists and innovators to shape the newest trends in media content, production, and broadcasting.

This second edition of the expo provides exhibitors and participants the opportunity to forge successful partnerships that contribute to the growth of media companies and institutions globally, through showcasing modern media experiences and world-leading expertise and activating contemporary TV and radio production activities in line with the fast-paced transformations in the media sector.

The Saudi Media Forum's sessions will commence on Tuesday over two days, gathering leaders, decision-makers, and innovators from around the world in more than 60 dialogue sessions and workshops presented by 150 speakers. These sessions will cover 80 topics discussing the latest in media work worldwide in various formats including visual, audio, print, and digital media, showcasing prominent local and international media experiences and discussing media's role in social, political, sports, and economic issues.

The forum will delve into the significance of digital media and marketing, mobile journalism, television, news editing arts, the state of Arab media, and more. The main sessions will reflect on the local and Arab media landscape, discussing various themes such as the future of the region amidst climate changes, tourism, media's response to transformations, media's evolution in crises, media regulation in the age of artificial intelligence, Saudi sports' major shifts, technology and advertising challenges in the entertainment industry, media mergers and acquisitions, artificial intelligence developments in media, TV production, influencers, podcast industry opportunities, strategic media marketing for sustainable development goals, and media skills between passion and professionalism.

The forum will also offer numerous sessions and workshops by ministers, officials, experts, and media professionals discussing content creation, media and technology's role in culture and economy enhancement, the evolution of diplomatic media dialogue, support for local tourism, leadership roles of women in reshaping the media landscape, the future of print journalism, the evolution of security and sports media, and how technology has transformed newsrooms.

Hosting over 2000 media professionals and enthusiasts from Arab and non-Arab countries, along with local and international officials, the Saudi Media Forum offers a unique opportunity for media sector employees, talents, and media students to stay abreast of sector updates.