The Faculty of Mass Communication and Fine Arts (MCFA) at Al Maaref University organized the fourth edition of the Forum of Media Faculties in Lebanon with the theme “Artificial Intelligence in Media and Education” on its Beirut campus on Tuesday July, 11 2023. The event included the participation of several media professionals, academics, and researchers in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

The event began with an opening speech from the organizer of the forum and instructor in the Journalism and Digital Media Department at Al Maaref University Dr. Rana Aladdin. Students majoring in the journalism and digital media department including Ghadi Fadel, Fatima Hammoud, and Mariam Fakih then introduced each of the three panels.

The first panel discussed implementing artificial intelligence in media curricula. The dean of MCFA at Maaref University Dr. Ali Takash moderated the discussion. The panelists that participated included education consultant and media literacy researcher and trainer Dr. Aline El Jurdi, assistant professor in media and communication at Notre Dame University Dr. Rita Sayah Nehme, and AI instructor at Saint Joseph University Dr. Bassel Nasr. The discussion concluded with recommendations that AI has become an integral part of all aspects of life and that it’s imperative for all educational institutions to include it in curricula. Moreover, the panelists emphasized on the idea that there is responsibility on both teachers and students to understand how AI tools work and how they can help in developing their communication and overall performance. 

The second panel discussed artificial intelligence in the media industry. BBC journalist Ibrahim Chamas was the moderator with panelists including digital journalist and media trainer Daoud Ibrahim, AI engineer Lara Wehbe, and data scientist and AI intelligence consultant Ali Srour. The discussion concluded that AI will not deprive media professionals from their jobs. Instead, those who master working on such tools will be able to enhance their work. Panelists also discussed that although AI tools can be helpful; they still lack the human sense that is needed with broadcasting and transmitting news.

The third and final panel discussed the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence. Data scientist and university instructor Dr. Hussein Hazimeh moderated the panel. Participants included media ethics instructor at Al Maaref University Dr. Haitham Fadlallah, AI lecturer at the Lebanese University Dr. Malak Khreis, and Al Mayadeen journalist and university instructor at USAL, Abdallah Shamseddine. The panelists provided recommendations including the need to pass laws that oblige AI users to adhere to professional ethics in order to avoid forgery, false news, and chaos. Panelists urged the need for human talent and human sensitivity to remain the center point of all journalistic work. 

The fourth edition of the Forum of Media Faculties also included question and answer sessions with audience members as an opportunity to open the door to discussions between university students, media professionals, and academics.

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