Muscat – Ministry of Information on Monday hosted a dialogue session – titled ‘New Media and its Role in Shaping Community Culture’ – as part of the ongoing 29th Muscat International Book Fair. The session brought together academics, media experts and cultural stakeholders to explore the evolving influence of digital platforms on societal values and national identity.

Key topics of discussion included the impact of new media on intellectual and social dynamics, and the importance of harnessing these tools to promote positive values and enhance cultural consciousness.

Hilal bin Salim al Hilali, media expert, consultant and General Manager of Funoon Electronic Radio, said Oman’s cultural richness presents both a challenge and an opportunity in today’s fast-evolving media landscape.

“We are at a critical juncture in the media scene,” Hilali said. “Modern technologies such as podcasts and digital platforms open new horizons for highlighting our cultural wealth. These tools can enhance media presence across artistic, social, educational and health sectors, thereby supporting comprehensive media awareness.”

He stressed the need for an advanced media system rooted in the sultanate’s rich knowledge base, urging professionals to develop innovative programming that aligns with global trends. He also underlined the importance of empowering youth through media-focused workshops and educational initiatives that foster responsible engagement with digital content.

Dr Khamis bin Salim Ambusaidi, Assistant Professor of Digital Media at University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Nizwa said social media has significantly influenced cultural identity and public awareness.

“This places a responsibility on us to guide these platforms in ways that serve societal interests and uphold our values,” he said, advocating media literacy to be integrated into school curricula.

Ambusaidi warned of the growing influence of social media personalities on youth and the importance of nurturing critical thinking to help young users assess content more discerningly.