More related content on the BRIDGE
- Media Fireside 9 December 10:00 - 10:20AM
Who Reports On The Reporters?
Journalists report on stories, but who reports on the reporters and the people on the ground risking everything to document war? As frontline reporting becomes more decentralized, those trying to bring the world the truth now face not only physical danger but an overwhelming information landscape where anyone with a phone can shape global narratives. With millions following real-time updates from citizen journalists on platforms like X, Instagram, and Telegram, the question is no longer just about how stories are told. It’s about who supports, verifies, and protects the people doing the reporting in an environment built on speed, fragmentation, and constant risk.
Academy StageSpeakers
- Creator Economy Panel 9 December 12:00 - 12:15PM
Breaking Down the Creator Monetization Stack
The creator economy is set to exceed $500 billion by 2027, driven by over 50 million individuals building businesses on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Patreon, according to Goldman Sachs. While brand deals remain dominant, creators are increasingly monetizing through subscriptions, affiliate marketing, merchandise, and direct-to-fan models. The UAE is at the forefront of this shift, with initiatives like the New Media Academy, 1 Billion Followers Summit, and regulatory exemptions contributing AED 2.5 billion to GDP in 2024. As monetization channels multiply and governments invest in creator-friendly infrastructures and supports, how can creators further grow revenue stacks to reflect their values, engage their communities, and support long-term growth?
Academy StageModerator
- Picture Workshop 9 December 10:00AM - 12:00PM
scene to screen How to be a Cinematic IDEA machine 1\2
Day 1 — From Concept to Script The workshop focuses on developing cinematic ideas into structured scripts. Participants learn the difference between idea, story, and screenplay, explore loglines, synopsis, and treatments, and practice creating their own film concepts.
Workshop Room 1Speakers
- Media Panel 8 December 2:25 - 2:45PM
How the Gulf and Africa Are Rewriting the Media Map
Africa and the Gulf are fast becoming two of the world’s most influential media hubs, building newsrooms, creator ecosystems, and digital platforms that reach hundreds of millions and increasingly shape global narratives. This session explores how broadcasters and digital-first operators across both regions scale coverage, expand cross-border bureaus, build culturally resonant formats, and grow loyal audiences in markets often misunderstood by global capital. We examine where international partners fit, how geopolitical context shapes storytelling, and how these rising hubs are redefining the media operating system of the Global South.
Impact StageSpeakers
- Media Workshop 9 December 10:30 - 11:10AM
Mastering the art of leading a conversation
Master the art of storytelling to craft memorable messages that resonate with audiences and reinforce brand identity. Trainer: Lenah Hasaballah, CNN Business Arabic
IMI Academy - Media Fireside 9 December 11:20 - 11:40AM
The Disappearing Job Map of Media
By 2035, PwC projects automation will reshape nearly a third of media jobs, changing how content is created, distributed and monetized. Traditional roles are shrinking while new ones like AI prompt engineers, generative optimization experts and misinformation analysts are emerging quickly. This session focuses on what skills and strategies media professionals need to stay relevant, create value with new tools and build careers that remain essential as technology rewrites the industry.
Academy StageModerator
