A forum titled “Media of the Future: In the Footsteps of Akinchi” was held for young journalists on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Azerbaijani national press, jointly organized by “Azerconnect Group” and the Media Development Agency, APA reports.
Purpose and scope of the forum
The purpose of the forum was to support the professional development of young people in the media field, organize meetings and exchange of ideas with experienced media representatives, as well as to enhance practical knowledge related to the application of digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
The event was attended by representatives of the public and private sectors, leading media organizations of the country, representatives of higher education institutions, as well as young people studying journalism and communication.
Opening speeches and highlighted points
Delivering an opening speech at the forum, Emil Masimov, CEO of Azerconnect Group, drew attention to how the concept of media is being reshaped in the modern era by digital technologies and new communication tools. He noted that the younger generation plays a decisive role in this transformation.
Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, stated that there is an extremely fertile and favorable environment in Azerbaijan for young people to express themselves and realize their potential.
Mətbuat Şurasının sədri Rəşad Məcid çıxışında “Əkinçi” qəzetindən başlanan Azərbaycan milli mətbuat tarixinin zəngin inkişaf yoluna nəzər salıb. O qeyd edib ki, bu tarixi irs indi də medianın əsas missiyasını müəyyənləşdirir və yeni nəsil jurnalistlərin formalaşmasında mühüm rol oynayır.
Innovative approaches were discussed in the panel session
The panel session titled “A Look at the Media of the Future: Journalism as a Profession of the Future,” moderated by Saida Shafiyeva, Head of Communications at the Media Development Agency, featured extensive discussions on innovative approaches in the media field, the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism, digital transformation processes, and essential competencies for future journalists by Ramin Jafarov, head of “BAKU TV”; Orkhan Mammadli, head of “APA TV”; Aziz Akhundov, Director of Corporate Communications at “Azerconnect Group”; Gunel Abilova, Editor-in-Chief of “Qafqazinfo.az”; and Ulvi Safarov, Editor-in-Chief of “Oxu.az,” and emphasized the strategic importance of journalism for society and the necessity of encouraging youth interest in this field.
One-on-one meetings and speeches on professionalism
At the one-on-one meeting on the topic “Media Professionalism and Next-Generation Journalism” held within the event, Vusala Mahirgizi, head of APA Media Group, spoke about the importance of strengthening ethical principles in the rapidly changing information ecosystem, integrating technological innovations, and establishing effective dialogue with the public, the strategic role of journalism in the development of society.
Trainings and future career opportunities
At the same time, Saadat Ismayilova, head of the Human Resources Department of “Global Media Group,” conducted a training titled “Employment opportunities for youth in modern media,” and Abdulla Abdullayev, SMM and AI trainer at “SAT Group,” gave a training on “The role of artificial intelligence in journalism.”
Students gained valuable knowledge about the role of innovative tools in the development of journalism, professionalism requirements in the new generation media environment, and future career opportunities through these trainings.
Meeting of youth with media representatives
Participants meeting with well-known media representatives had the opportunity to discuss the future development prospects of the field based on real experiences and practical examples.
Universities participating in the forum
Note that about 100 young people studying journalism and communication specialties, as well as those interested in this field from other universities, participated in the forum from ADA University, Baku State University, Baku Slavic University, and the Azerbaijan University of Languages.
