Media has a big role to play when it comes to technological adoption, education, and advocacy. However, many limitations prevent journalists, media experts, and companies from practicing freedom of speech.
Global Media Congress is UAE’s largest media conference held between 14 November to 16 November 2023 in Abu Dhabi where media from all over the world gather to address the major issues of media and solutions to it.
As the CEO of NFTStudio24 and media representative from Japan and Pakistan, my firsthand experience in the media industry has highlighted the complexities and limitations faced by media practitioners. During the conference, I engaged in meaningful discussions with key entities such as the Sharjah Government Media Bureau and WAM, aiming to pave the way for blockchain adoption in media.
My efforts to drive Web3 adoption across the global media industry continued at the Global Media Congress where I noticed little presence of Pakistani media channels.
I had the honor of meeting Mr. Hamid Mir, one of the popular anchorpersons/journalists of Pakistan. We had a favorable discussion on the importance of blockchain adoption in Pakistani media. This exchange emphasized the need for increased awareness and integration of innovative technologies within the media sector.
There were many Indian, Chinese, and Japanese channels that enthusiastically shared their plans for the future. It was a great platform for critical discussions and collaborative efforts to address challenges within the media industry.
Each media is integrating new aspects of AI for news reporting, journalism, and entertainment for better audience interaction. In this case, Pakistani media seems to lack such pace.
My goal in attending this conference was to promote blockchain technology in media because I believe it has the potential to power freedom of speech due to its decentralized nature. Current media sites, journalists, and reporters lack ownership of their efforts. Blockchain hands back the power of truth and facts to media because it’s built on high-performing automated systems that no man can manipulate.
At the conference, I also explored how traditional platforms can become transparent and highly secure ecosystems with blockchain. I met various prominent Emaraati media personalities and business leaders to advocate for blockchain adoption.
UAE is known for its fast technology adoption, regulated rules, and openness to new business developments. Web3 is not a novice concept here. In fact, the government organization, Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), has been actively regulating blockchain technology. Thus, the evolution of media should also start from here as well.
However, Pakistan’s less involvement in such a prestigious event is truly unfortunate. Media, especially news channels, are the most commonly watched medium in the country, therefore, if we want to bring something new, the media should be involved with the global media community as well.
My vision is to create a decentralized media site, and I’m proud to share that it will finally be taking shape in December 2023.
Blockchain is highly dependent on building authentic ecosystems through communities. Any media’s role should be to become the voice of people, of its readers. Blockchain technology can unite readers, journalists, and reporters together to become the ultimate changemakers.
The first step is to connect the world more closely for better understanding and positive change.
