International conference, scholars from 11 countries discuss development in the media industry

Researchers from 11 countries and 21 different universities, were gathered at the international conference on media and communication studies, where were discussed developments and challenges facing the media industry. Academics and professionals from the media, from France, Ireland, Turkey, Belgium, Albania, Kosova and Macedonia, referred their scientific work aiming to provide answers to dilemmas and problems that have brought technological changes in media industry.

Topics at the conference include sharing information on research, development, media industry applications, social media, marketing, political communication, etc. New reports of media ownership have also brought new relationship with the owners of the media product, its quality, with advertisers, politicians and other stakeholders.

In his speech, Rector of  Hena e  Plote  University Dr. Ferdinand Gjana , after welcoming the speakers and participants raised the importance of treating such topics in terms of digitization and new media trends.

The meeting was welcomed by Prof. Artan Fuga, Head of the Department of Journalism and Communication at the University of Tirana, which focused on the dynamics of recent years, where traditional media is being challenged by new communication tools. New digital media is creating  a few dilemmas and questions, about the effectiveness, credibility and audience. He spoke of the importance of organization in partnership with several institutions of this conference,wishing referees, through their works, to answer questions  on recent developments in the media industry.

Deputy Ambassador of France in Albania, Didier Guilbert expressed honor of participating in this important international conference in the conditions of the birth of new communication platforms. He also noted  the close cooperation between Hena e Plote Beder  University and  French embassy in various activities within the Francophonie.

Prof. Dr. Briseida Mema, as the speaker of the conference, focused on the relevance and importance of the discussion of topics related to the media industry. She stressed that the technology is progressing rapidly and in this regard belongs to researchers, journalists and media people to walk with the same rhythm for not left behind technological developments. Ms. Mema expressed gratitude for the support of the French Embassy which has consistently provided these activities within the Francophonie.

The guest speaker at the event was the deputy chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Public Information in Media, Alfred Peza, who thanked Hena e Plote Beder  University  for organizing this conference, noting that such activities serve not only to media professionals, but also to the public and policymakers.  Mr. Peza  focused on the process of transition to digital broadcasting as an international obligation.

The invited as keynote speaker was Prof. Eric Scherer from France, also the director of "Future Media" on French television. Professor Scherer presented to the audience 10 challenges of the digital revolution, as well as media industry which should adapt to the changes.

Professor Scherer, author of the essay '' Do we need journalists any more '', stressed that social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat etc, are spreading  widely , while traditional media is trying to integrate these new forms of communication. He also said that entrepreneurship is difficult in media and digitization brings the need for experts in this field.

International Conference on media and Communication studies on ‘’Media industry, trends, dynamics and challenges’’, organized by the Department of Communication Sciences at the Hena e Plote Beder University, in collaboration with the Department of Journalism and Communication at the University of Tirana,  Ipek University in Ankara, University of Pristina, and the Union of Journalists of Albania.