The Saudi Media Forum discusses the future of journalism and algorithms

Amidst the rapid digital transformations reshaping the global media landscape, the Saudi Media Forum 2026 a strategic dialogue session titled “Journalism of Tomorrow: Truth in the Age of Algorithms.” The session focused on discussing the profound impacts of artificial intelligence and modern technologies on journalistic work , and how to maintain credibility in an environment dominated by big data.

These discussions are of particular importance as Riyadh becomes a regional media capital, with the forum annually seeking to anticipate the future of the industry and develop its tools in accordance with global professional standards, with the participation of a select group of experts, including Mohammed Al-Bishi, Mohammed Zahid Gul, and Younes Mujahid, and under the management of media professional Nawaf Al-Sayari.

Challenges of accuracy in economic journalism

Mohammed Al-Bishi began by emphasizing that "the journalism of tomorrow" is no longer an option but a reality imposed by the power of algorithms. He pointed to the unique challenge in economic newsrooms, where credibility depends entirely on the accuracy of figures and financial data. He explained that any error resulting from speed or blind reliance on technology could lead to disastrous consequences for markets and investors.

Al-Bishi added that while algorithms have a positive role in accelerating the delivery of information to the target audience, they have made the journalistic work environment more dangerous and complex, especially with the rise of waves of fake news that spread at lightning speed, putting media institutions to a daily test to maintain the recipient’s trust.

Artificial intelligence: a double-edged sword

For his part, Mohammed Zahid Gul addressed another aspect related to audience awareness, noting that the public is now more conscious of the dangers of misleading content generated through artificial intelligence technologies. Gul emphasized that the same technology used for forgery also provides sophisticated tools that help journalists and the public detect forgery and distinguish between genuine and fabricated content.

This proposal reflects the global trend towards using artificial intelligence not only in content generation, but also in fact-checking processes, which enhances the media's ability to purify the information space from impurities.

Corporate governance and editorial policies

In the context of institutional organization, Younes Mjahed stressed the need for media institutions clear policies and effective governance for managing their interaction with algorithms. He emphasized that understanding the philosophy behind these technologies is key to dealing with them professionally, warning against being swept away by trends at the expense of established journalistic values.

Mujahid’s call is in line with international trends that demand the establishment of ethical frameworks for the use of artificial intelligence in the media, to ensure that algorithms are not biased or violate privacy, and to preserve the human element as the guardian of the media gateway.

The future of media in light of the Kingdom's vision

This session is part of the Saudi Media Forum, a leading platform for exchanging expertise and developing media skills. The focus on “Journalism of Tomorrow” aligns with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to strengthen digital infrastructure and build a robust knowledge-based economy, where media plays a pivotal role in conveying the true picture and countering disinformation campaigns.

In conclusion, the participants agreed that technology, no matter how advanced, remains a tool in the hands of the journalist, and that the real bet remains on human competence capable of adapting these tools to serve the truth, which places a great responsibility on institutions to train their staff and qualify them to lead the journalism of the future.