The International Turkic World Journalists Media Forum will be held in Almaty

Avrupa Times/London-IV INTERNATIONAL TURKIC SPEAKING JOURNALISTS MEDIA FORUM "TURKTIME: MEDIA AND TOURISM UNION OF TURKIC COUNTRIES". November 11-12, 2024. Almaty. IV International Media Forum of Turkic-speaking journalists is a great opportunity to gather media representatives from all over the world to discuss important issues and future strategies. Topics discussed at the media forum include joint projects in the field of tourism, new trends in traditional journalism and social media, the impact of artificial intelligence on the media, the impact of the geopolitical situation on the media market in Turkic countries, ways to develop regional mass media, and others.
 
10.00-11.00. I GENERAL SESSION. "GEOPOLITICAL SITUATION AND MEDIA MARKET IN TURKIC COUNTRIES"
 
The geopolitical situation strongly affects the media industry of Turkic-speaking countries. Sanctions, changes in the flow of information and new challenges for journalists are shaping a new media landscape characterized by fragmentation, the rise of disinformation and increased pressure on independent media. To overcome these challenges, it is necessary to strengthen the professional community of journalists, develop the media literacy of the population and support independent media.
 
Changes to the information flow
 
Fragmentation of the media space: the deterioration of the geopolitical situation leads to the fragmentation of the media space. As a result, information platforms prone to propaganda and manipulation appear. This prevents access to real information.
The rise of disinformation: In an information war, disinformation and fake news will increase. This makes it difficult for journalists to distinguish between real information and "legends".
Increasing influence of social networks in society: Social networks have become a very important resource for the whole world. But false information is often spread in social networks, information manipulation is often done. This is an obstacle to free professional work of media representatives.
 
Requirements for journalists:
 
Source Protection: Journalists working in politically unstable areas often face threats to their personal safety and the safety of their sources. This requires finding new ways of working and strengthening security measures.
Searching for real information: wars, armed conflicts, interests of lobby groups, etc. When disseminating information about current issues and controversial events in the society, journalists are often exposed to false information. This requires verification of each piece of information.
Professional independence. Journalists all over the world are often under pressure from the state, business, and interest groups while performing their professional duties. Media representatives are obliged to maintain professional freedom and objectivity.
 
 
11.00-12.00. II SESSION. "TOURISM AND PR IN TURKIC COUNTRIES"
Promoting the development of the tourism sector in the Turkic states through the effective use of PR and marketing tools. Clarification of the role of public and private structures in the development of tourism PR. Training and professional development of specialists in the field of tourism marketing, financing of projects and programs. Development of a joint strategy for the development of tourism in the Turkic world. Creating a network of communication between specialists in the field of tourism marketing. Increasing awareness of the potential of the tourism sector in Turkic countries. Attracting investments in infrastructure development.
Standardization and quality:
 
Common standards in tourism PR. Difficulties in adapting universal PR strategies to the characteristics of different Turkish cultures. Lack of proper attention to cultural nuances in creating and promoting tourism products. Negative influence of stereotypes and misconceptions about Turkic countries on tourism and PR.
Social networks and influencer marketing:
Use of social networks in advertising of tourist destinations. Cooperation with bloggers and public figures in creating real content.
 
Tourism is a tool of diplomacy
 
Strengthening cultural and economic ties between the countries of the Turkic world through tourism. Promoting the image of Turkic countries as hospitable and safe tourist destinations.

12.00-13.00. III SESSION. "FUTURE OF INFORMATION CONSUMPTION: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, NEW FORMATS"
 
Changing and Future Information Consumption Habits: Artificial Intelligence and New Formats
Today, the habit of consuming information is changing very quickly. The emergence of new technologies, such as social networks, short videos, and audio formats, has fundamentally changed people's need for information and the way they perceive it. In this new environment, media companies are faced with huge challenges such as adapting to new formats and platforms, monetizing content and effectively using tools such as artificial intelligence. What opportunities does artificial intelligence open in the field of journalism? In what fields are VR/AR technologies used? What are the new ways to monetize content? What is the effect of social networks on the psychology of people?
Changes in information consumption habits
Influence of social networks: Social networks have become the main platform for human interaction. The speed of news and information spread on these platforms is much higher than other media. The emergence of short video and audio formats such as TikTok, Reels, and Podcast are attracting people's attention. These formats are aimed at making information consumption easier and more entertaining.
Content monetization
Subscription: Offer users access to exclusive content by subscribing for a specific period of time. Advertising: Placement of advertising in or around content. E-commerce: Selling content-related products and services. Merchandising: Production of goods using the image of the brand. Artificial intelligence and media space.
The impact of artificial intelligence on the media space:
 
Data collection and analysis: Artificial intelligence enables the rapid collection and analysis of large amounts of data. Expertise generation: Artificial intelligence helps generate expertise on complex issues. Content generation: Artificial intelligence can automatically generate content in different formats such as news, articles, scripts.
Ethical aspects of using artificial intelligence in the media:
The risk of spreading false information when using artificial intelligence in the media. Violation of privacy. Reduction of jobs.

13.00-14.30. LUNCH.
14.30-15.30. IV SESSION. "REGIONAL MEDIA AND COMPETITION"
Issues in regional media
Economic difficulties: decrease in advertising revenues, increase in competition of traditional media and Internet resources, increase in costs for quality content production; lack of personnel: lack of qualified journalists, especially problems in regions and districts; political and financial pressure: regional media are under pressure from local authorities and interest groups. This limits their freedom of speech and objectivity. Technological changes: the need to constantly update technical equipment and adapt to new formats of information distribution. Competition from social media: Social media has become a powerful tool for disseminating information. This prevents the traditional media from quickly disseminating authentic information.

Increasing competitiveness in regional mass media

Diversification of sources of income: advertising, development of paid subscriptions, sale of content to other mass media, provision of paid services (press release, media market research). Preparation of multimedia formats: interesting high-quality video content for the audience, podcasts, infographics, etc. Strengthen interaction with the audience: use social networks to establish close contact with readers, conduct surveys, contests, live broadcasts. Focus on unique content: materials not published in other media, exclusive news related to the local area, issues, etc. Strengthening partnerships: cooperation with other regional media, non-governmental organizations in the field of media and business. Improving the professional level of journalists: training seminars, webinars, master classes, support of the professional community.
The importance of regional media in the development of civil society
Control of power: the media act as the "fourth power", monitor the activities of local self-government bodies, identify corruption and illegalities. Shaping public opinion: The media sets the agenda, raises important social issues, and influences public debate. Bringing citizens together: Media can bring people together around shared values ​​and goals and promote civic engagement. Social importance: mass media contribute to the rapid adaptation of citizens to the complex information environment and the formation of personal views.
15.30-16.30. Award ceremony. Awarding the winners of the contest of young journalists on the theme "My native place is my foundation" organized by the Foundation of Turkic-speaking Journalists among students of grades 7-11 in Kazakhstan.
19.00-23.00. Ceremony of awarding the winners of the "Society - Mirror of Society" 2024 competition organized by the Foundation of Turkic-Speaking Journalists in partnership with the Chevron Company and the "Free Speech" 2024 competition organized by the Foundation of Turkic-Speaking Journalists in partnership with the Chevron Company.
November 12, 2024. Almaty.
10.00-17.00. Seminar-trainings for media representatives.