The 26th Arab Radio and Television Festival kicked off in the Mediterranean city of Hammamet, Tunisia, with a panel discussion titled "Podcast: Content Trends and Influence." The session featured experts in communication, media, and modern technologies from across the Arab region. The discussion highlighted the growing importance of podcasts as a medium for attracting audiences worldwide and in Arab countries.

The panelists included Dr. Hanane Miliati from Tunisia's Institute of Journalism and News Sciences, who presented a paper titled "From Microphone to Camera: Podcasting and Re-Shaping the Medium in the Platform Economy." Mustafa Sidqi Qasim Allah Aboudris from Sudan discussed "Podcasting: Production Mechanisms and Artificial Intelligence Solutions." Rasha Al-Dib from Egypt, a prominent specialist in podcasting and media innovation, presented on "Arab and International Experiences in Podcasting and Audience Building."

The session also featured Moncef Slaimi, head of online, radio, and podcasting for North Africa at Deutsche Welle, who spoke about "Arab and International Experiences in Podcasting and Audience Building." The panelists emphasized that podcasting has become a significant medium, with the global podcast market expected to grow substantially, reaching $130 billion by 2030, up from $39 billion last year.

According to recent studies, 46% of audiences now obtain news from content creators. The panelists agreed that podcasting does not pose a threat to traditional radio and television media, provided that traditional media adapt to technological changes and shifts in audience consumption patterns. The discussion highlighted the need for traditional media to evolve and incorporate new technologies to remain relevant.

The Arab Radio and Television Festival, now in its 26th edition, brings together experts and professionals from across the Arab region to discuss trends and innovations in radio, television, and podcasting. The festival provides a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices in the media industry. This year's event features a range of sessions and discussions on various topics related to media and communication.

The growing popularity of podcasting has been driven by its ability to provide audiences with on-demand content that caters to their interests. Podcasting has also become an important tool for content creators to reach their target audiences and build a loyal following. The panel discussion highlighted the potential for podcasting to become a major player in the media landscape, both globally and in the Arab region.

The festival's focus on podcasting and its trends reflects the rapidly evolving media landscape in the Arab region. As the media industry continues to adapt to technological changes, events like the Arab Radio and Television Festival provide a valuable platform for professionals to share insights and expertise. The discussion on podcasting trends and influence is expected to have a lasting impact on the media industry in the region.

Key points

  • The global podcast market is expected to reach $130 billion by 2030.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.