Qatar Press Center hosted on Saturday evening a panel discussion on the digital transformation of media platforms and the move from television broadcasting to on-demand video platforms.
The discussion aimed at reviewing the experiences of Al Jazeera 360 Platform that pertain to Al Jazeera Network, and TOD Platform that pertain to beIN Sports, and their role in enhancing the media content while engaging the viewers, offering quality and informative content able to entertain them as well. The center hosted Jamal El-Shayyal, Manager of content strategy at Al Jazeera 360 and Nashat al-Khaldi, Manager of communications and events at TOD.
Al-Khaldi pointed out that the idea behind TOD is to give the viewers exceptional digital viewing experiences that break away from sports and takes them to more entertainment while retaining some key sports features. It was launched to give the followers easily accessible content on the internet using their own mobile devices, in addition to offering diversified content tailored to reach out and appeal to different segments of followers. He pointed out that TOD enables those in charge of the platform to analyses the viewers and study their preferences to modify the content accordingly, which make it more flexible than the TV broadcasting.
Besides, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) makes such processes more instrumental and effective when it comes to constantly adjusting the content to targeted audience. However, he stressed that the platform is always keen to maintain the ethical side of the content taking into the consideration that it is mainly directed to the people in the Middle East. TOD also maintains active cooperation and partnership with other international entertainment content providers to cater for the various demands of its viewers.
In the meantime, El-Shayyal explained that Al Jazeera 360 was launched as part of keeping up to the strategic transformation of viewing experience as many prefer to use the internet to view their preferred channels rather than satellite channels. In addition, the platform provides special content to engage the followers while abiding by the main ethics and principles of Al Jazeera. The new platform provided a good opportunity to post diversified content with more creative production and presentation methods without undermining the main ethical responsibilities and identity of Al Jazeera.
Further, it gives more room for enriching the content through different videos, more photos, links and other information. He stressed that that Al Jazeera 360 is aimed at liberating the Arab media content with no limitations or curbs, enhancing dialogue among stakeholders with views exchanged freely among different opinions. He noted that while the platform is set to be highly informative and rich in entertainment, it would always be abiding by Al Jazeera high ethical and professional standards.
Both speakers stressed that while more followers go for mobile platforms, live TV broadcast will remain engaging for viewers and indispensable when it comes to certain topics or issues, in particular live sports matches and breaking news. Besides, TV live broadcast is key player at commercial places of hospitality and entertainment such as hotels, cafes and social clubs.
The panel discussion enjoyed a considerable presence from among the local media, as a good number of media persons, and Qatari intellectuals and writers took part at the discussions and discussed the views that were presented throughout the event.
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