By Roy Lie Atjam
The 6th World Media Summit was held in Urumqi City China, on October 14, 2024. The conference discussed AI’s impact on the media sector. More than 400 people from 106 countries attended, arranged by the Xinjiang Regional Government and China’s Xinhua News Agency.
The theme was AI and Media Transformation, emphasising how AI affects media globally.
At the summit, officials from the Central Government of China, Xinjiang regional government, Xinhua News Agency President Mr. Fu Hua, and World Media Forum member organisations delivered keynote speeches. Fu Hua, highlighted the agency’s 70% productivity increase in AI development, claiming it leads in AI in the media sector. Other speakers included Ma Xingrui, Chen Wenjim, and Erkin Tuniyaz, who praised the summit as an opportunity for journalists to experience Xinjiang first-hand.
The World Media Summit has strongly advocated for the responsible adoption of AI technologies while upholding journalistic ethics and standards. A Significant 66% of the news media worldwide view the impact of generative AI positively, with 51.2% already implementing AI technologies. This optimistic outlook underscores the potential of AI to drive productivity in news media and foster new business models, instilling hope for a bright future. However, the report also cautions about the risks and challenges associated with AI’s uncertainty and misuse, including the spread of false information and its impact on public opinion and societal discourse.
Tamas Kovacs, CEO of Hungary’s ATV Media Group, underscored the importance of truth in news reporting and the media’s responsibility in the digital era. He also highlighted the value of collaboration between media outlets, especially in the context of new technologies. The report further addressed the ethical dilemmas facing AI development and governance, pointing out the potential widening of the intelligence divide between different groups and regions. It proposed that news media should prioritize the ethical use of AI, commit to a people-first approach, and promote intelligence for good in the era of AI, reassuring the audience about the responsible development of AI in the media industry.
The WMS report recommended that news media accelerate their initiatives driven by artificial intelligence, prioritise the ethical use of AI, accept their social responsibilities, and promote dialogue and cooperation to improve global governance. A survey revealed that 76.4% of respondents were concerned about the potential distortion and misrepresentation of news, while 61.1% expressed concerns about copyright and liability issues.
Gan Ling-Sze, Vice President of Reuters News Agency for Asia Pacific, highlighted the increased risk of misinformation and disinformation associated with the rise of generative AI. Gan Ling-Sze emphasised the necessity for trusted news sources, robust fact-checking, and transparency.
During a meeting in Beijing, senior officials from primary global wire services stressed the importance of leveraging AI to enhance journalism while effectively managing the associated risks.
The 6th World Media Summit program highlighted the vibrant cultural performances at both the Xinjiang Grand Theatre and the Xinjiang Art Theatre, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Additionally, the summit’s itinerary featured excursions to several points of interest in Xinjiang, including the Chin Energy Group Control Centre, the Urumqi Planning Exhibition Hall, the Xinjiang Islamic Institute, and the Tiansha Tiianchi scenic area, among others.
The 6th World Media Summit, held this year in Urumqi, was an extraordinary success. It empowered the media to navigate the complexities presented by AI confidently. The insights shared by participants illuminated how to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence while ethically addressing its potential challenges.
