KazNU discusses transformation of mass media in the era of digitalization

Within the framework of the UN International Day of the Brotherhood of Mankind, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted a scientific and practical round table on the topic "Transformation of mass Media in the era of digitalization"

This year, the meeting organized by KazNU and the Public Association "Club of Editors-in-Chief", which marks its 15th anniversary, was attended by heads of domestic mass media, well-known journalists, MPs and scientists.

Opening the large–scale event, Chairman of the Board - Rector of KazNU Zhanseit Tuimebayev focused on the strategic goal of Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to transform Kazakhstan into a "massive digital country" and noted the importance of artificial intelligence: "As the President noted, artificial intelligence forever changes the way people live. We must be prepared for this and act decisively, otherwise the consequences of falling behind will be serious. Therefore, KazNU is systematically working in this direction. In addition to the Faculty of Information Technology, we have launched the country's first laboratory, LG AI MediaLab, at the Faculty of Journalism. This center has become a unique platform for teaching the use of neural networks in media and communications",- said the Rector.

In turn, Deputy of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, President of the NGO "Club of Editors-in-Chief" Zhexenbay Bibigul thanked KazNU "alma mater of journalism" and teachers and dwelled on the new realities of today's media. She added that digitalization is not just a technology, but a phenomenon that changes the architecture of trust between the state and the citizen. "Head of State Kassym-Jomart Kemelovich called the information space an integral part of national security. Now 70 percent of young people receive news from social networks. This does not mean that the influence of the media has decreased, but the mechanisms of influence have changed",- the senator said.

In the legislative and ethical aspect, the topic was consolidated by Deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Marat Bashimov: "In preserving national security, conscience must come first. Now that misinformation has spread through social media, there is artificial intelligence-generated video content featuring fake appearances by famous personalities. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the responsibility of the "authors" of such fakes before the law",- the speaker said.

The solemn moment of the meeting was the award ceremony for veterans who have worked in the field of information for many years. As part of the 15th anniversary of the Editors-in-Chief Club, veterans of Kazakh journalism Sagimbai Kozybayev, Kaken Khamzin, Marat Tokashbayev and Nurzhan Mukhamedzhanova were awarded veterans' medals.

Muratbek Toktagazin, First Vice-President of the Club of Editors-in-Chief, Professor at the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, shared his opinion on the role of artificial intelligence in modern journalism and its prospects.

Also, media manager Yerlan Bekkhozhin, PR specialist, journalist Aybar Olzhai, chairman of the Republican newspaper Adilet Kuanyshbek Botabekov, artificial intelligence researcher Meirzhan Auelkhanuly, doctoral student of the Faculty of Journalism of KazNU Telman Beisen and other experts raised topical issues and made specific suggestions in their fields.

During the discussion, issues of media ethics, digitalization of regional and republican mass media, data storage of information resources, formation of digital funds, the influence of artificial intelligentsia on the information space, as well as information responsibility in the digital environment were widely covered. In the format of an open microphone, the participants expressed their opinions and suggestions.

The participants also visited the centers of the Farabi Hub, supercomputer, and remote sensing of the Earth, aimed at the innovative development of high-tech projects and products of the al-Farabi Kazakh National University. During the review, the scientific and innovative potential of the university, the modern infrastructure, as well as the opportunities provided to young scientists and students were highly appreciated.

Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University