Amman, November 24 (Petra) – Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani said that modern technology creates responsibilities on media professionals, requiring elevated professional practices, improved content quality and continual development of communication tools in an era of rapid digital innovation.

Speaking on Monday during a panel discussion titled "Future Opportunities for Developing Communication and Media Sciences Using Modern Technology," part of the International Conference on Bridging Horizons organised by the Arab Open University in Jordan in cooperation with Abu Dhabi University, Momani said that platforms for dialogue and idea exchange have become essential for shaping visions that serve the media sector and support the ongoing development of communication systems.

Momani noted that the world is witnessing an unprecedented flow of information, placing significant responsibility on media professionals and the public alike to examine news consumption patterns, verify accuracy and distinguish between credible journalism and misleading propaganda.

While social media offers speed and interactive advantages, he warned that it presents ethical challenges that must be managed wisely to maximise benefits and reduce harm.

He stressed that digital media should be approached as a supportive tool that empowers journalists in their pursuit of truth amid overwhelming volumes of inaccurate information.

He emphasised a complementary relationship between traditional and digital media, noting that the future of the sector depends on the strength of its content, not merely the tools used to deliver it.

This, he said, must be achieved while preserving national identity and societal values, remaining open to the world and keeping pace with technological advancements.

Momani highlighted the role of digital media in conveying the reality of events in Gaza and documenting the injustice faced by the Palestinian people.

He called for regulatory frameworks governing the use of technology and artificial intelligence to protect society without infringing on freedom of expression, stressing that cases involving rumors, hate speech or privacy violations must be handled through the judiciary to ensure justice and safeguard freedoms.

Ali Rawdan, an artificial intelligence and digital transformation expert in the University of Jordan, said AI's emergence was the natural result of massive data accumulation and advancements in systems and devices.

He pointed to social media's role in providing vast data environments that train AI models.

He emphasised the importance of AI tools for journalists, highlighting their ability to perform tasks such as editing, summarisation and multi-source research in seconds allowing journalists to focus more on creative and editorial work.

AI tools, he added, support efforts to verify accuracy without replacing journalists, whose experience and analytical skills remain central to producing high-quality news content.

Similarly, ART Keys CEO Wasfi Safadi said platforms for dialogue and idea exchange have become pivotal to developing both media and official communication.

The overwhelming flow of information, he noted, places a dual responsibility on individuals and institutions from responsible consumption to distinguishing between accurate and misleading content.

Safadi said social media offers unprecedented opportunities for swift communication and direct engagement but poses ethical and value-based challenges.

He called for content tailored to digital platforms and noted that, despite AI's transformative impact on media production and audience interaction, it has achieved no more than 60% integration into the media sector according to international benchmarks.

This reality, he stressed, demands modern legislation and enhanced technical skills among media professionals.

For her part, Ataf Rawdan, Director General of Radio Al Balad, reviewed the challenges facing local media institutions amid digital transformation.

She noted that technological advancements require advanced skills and modern production approaches, while limited funding and a widening gap between journalists' experience and AI capabilities pose major obstacles.

She added that digital transformation has raised questions about who shapes the media agenda, noting that audiences have become active participants in producing and disseminating content.

Citing international examples including an Italian newspaper that replaced its editorial staff with AI for a month, receiving positive public feedback she highlighted the growing competition between artificial intelligence and traditional journalism.

The conference brought together a distinguished group of Arab and international experts and researchers, providing a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and enhanced collaboration, with a focus on evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary innovation.

Over two days, participants discussed more than 40 international research papers covering early childhood education, inclusive and special education, educational leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, international trade, digital media, professional ethics, strategic communication, social justice, human rights, cultural studies, political science, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

The event attracted educators, researchers, policymakers, government officials, specialists and community stakeholders committed to supporting interdisciplinary research.

//Petra// AK