MENA Region Transformed Media Environment and Media Convergence: UAE Case Study

Abstract

It is worth noting that the concept of media convergence entails the process of multiple media platforms coming together to combine their equipment and tools towards enhancing the production and distribution of news or information (Dwyer, 2010). In essence, it demonstrates the collaboration or cooperation between diverse media platforms to create a blend of computer, telecommunications, and media industries that can eliminate the barriers to media unity (Lugmayr & Dal, 2016). It embraces the integration of various media forms into a single digital platform. The diversity and dynamic experience encountered through the process of media convergence enables the professionals in the sector to elaborately communicate information and tell stories (Latzer, n.d.). They can offer entertainment to the audience in a convenient manner while enhancing the interactivity of the media platforms for the unique experience. Ideally, Jin (2011) explains that the concept of media convergence is related to the aspect of technology convergence in the sense that it entails the combination of diverse technologies used in the media system in conveying information. The technology convergence facilitates the media content production through the expansion, acceleration, and enhancing its distribution with the reduction in costs (Jacobs, 2013). According to the Australian Law Reform Commission (n.d.), the technology convergence relies on the diversity of available media devices or gadgets that are utilized in the transmission of information and data. As such, the application of technology convergence enhances quick, safe, and convenient mechanisms of passing information to the consumers through the digital platform. Lugmayr and Dal (2016) indicates that the development of the cross-media content enables the media stations and professionals to provide the information in varied modes including videos, texts, audio, print, and the podcasts. Notably, this paper focuses on discussing the concepts of media convergence within the context of the MENA region, specifically in the UAE.