Conference on the Role of 5G in the Development of the Press and Artificial Intelligence
On Thursday, March 13, 2025, a scientific conference was held as part of the Tunisian Federation of Newspaper Directors' (FTDJ) Technology and Science Chair. The conference featured a keynote speech by Mansoor Al Khater, General Manager of Ooredoo Tunisia, on the role of 5G in the development of the press and artificial intelligence.
Opening Remarks
Taïeb Zahar, President of the FTDJ, highlighted the importance of telecom operators in accompanying digital transformations in Tunisia and worldwide. He emphasized that the FTDJ Academy, recently established, aims to organize regular conferences and meetings to enable newspaper directors and media sector actors to better understand the major developments in the field. This initiative seeks to help them guide journalists and work together to improve the quality of information.
Supporting the Press
Hafedh Ghribi, Vice-President of the FTDJ and responsible for the Academy's activities, stressed the importance of supporting the press, whether paper or digital. He insisted on the need to preserve independent and quality journalism. According to him, the Academy seeks to offer continuous training to strengthen journalists' skills, promote freedom of expression, and facilitate the sharing of experiences with international media institutions.
The Impact of Technological Advancements
Mansoor Al-Khater emphasized the impact of technological advancements on the performance of media companies. He explained that telecom operators are no longer just service providers but have become key partners in digital transformation and the development of the digital economy.
Al-Khater highlighted that Ooredoo Tunisia is heavily investing in improving digital infrastructure, including the deployment of 5G and fiber optics, enabling media outlets to expand their audience and optimize their content using innovative tools.
The Role of Telecom Operators
Al-Khater stressed that telecom operators are playing a strategic role in modernizing the media sector. Technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence, and cloud solutions are opening up new perspectives for newspapers, offering them more efficient means to disseminate their content and explore innovative economic models.
Formation and Digital Skills
Al-Khater also emphasized the importance of training and strengthening digital skills for media professionals. He advocated for close cooperation between media outlets, technology companies, and public institutions to build a modern and sustainable media ecosystem.
Challenges Facing Traditional Press
Al-Khater noted that traditional press is facing major challenges with the rise of digital platforms and social media, where citizens are now competing with media outlets in disseminating information. He believes that the key to adaptation lies in integrating new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data analysis, to offer more reliable and high-value-added content.
Ooredoo's Solutions for Media
Ooredoo is working on digital solutions dedicated to media outlets, including cloud storage, ultra-fast internet connections, and tools to help newspapers adopt new economic models based on digital subscriptions and targeted advertising.
Debates and Recommendations
The conference debates focused on the future of the Tunisian press in the face of digital mutations. It was emphasized that adapting to new technologies is no longer a choice but a necessity to ensure the sustainability of media companies.
Particular emphasis was placed on training journalists in new digital tools and the need to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors to create a favorable environment for media content development in Tunisia.
Conclusion
The conference concluded with several recommendations aimed at reinforcing collaboration between media outlets and technology companies, including telecom operators. It was suggested that clear and ethical digital strategies be adopted to ensure a balance between innovation and journalistic ethics.
Finally, Mansoor Al-Khater reaffirmed Ooredoo Tunisia's commitment to supporting the evolution of the media sector through advanced technological solutions, contributing to a dynamic and accessible media ecosystem.
