The recent creation of a new ministry for artificial intelligence in the UAE is poised to provide a great boost to the country's electronic media sector, said Mohammed Jalal Al Raisi, Executive Director of the Emirates News Agency, WAM.

Addressing the opening session of the Fujairah Media Forum on Tuesday, Al Raisi expected the ministry's creation to churn out more smart apps and techniques for the benefit of both conventional and e-media.

"Social media platforms account for 70 percent of the information and news production. This shows how such platforms can be employed to serve the mission of the media sector," he added.

He suggested that the media sector and social media should complement each other to curb news chaos and prevent rumours.

"The relationship between conventional and social media moved from repulsion to competition and ended up with what we see as a complementary relationship," he noted.

Speaking about the positive impact of modern media on conventional media, Al Raisi said that newspapers are now more interested in highlighting needs of the public to woo more followers and augment reach.

However, he continued, we should always view social media channels as tools for delivering news and not as a source for news. They have the advantage of swift posting and updating of news, as well as the ability to deliver information in a short and easy-to-comprehend form, he added.

Al Raisi also emphasised the importance of distinguishing between electronic media and social media channels.

"Each has its own distinct tools and advantages. The media industry is founded on an institutional structure, while social media is not bound by any regulations that support its credibility in sharing news and information," he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, and Sheikh Dr. Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of Fujairah Culture and Media Authority, attended the launch of the 8th edition of the Fujairah Media Forum, under the theme 'Media and Social Media Platforms.’