The symposium discussed the future of the traditional press. The symposium has brought together media and technology experts to discuss the mix of new media and technology with traditional media. Experts examine whether traditional media will disappear because of new media.

Dr. Saud Kateb, media technology professor at King Abdulaziz University, confirmed that traditional media were facing a great challenge due to new media.

“Traditional media are being challenged by new media users. However, students in mass communication colleges in Saudi Arabia suffer weakness in several fields, such as language, self-confidence, creating ideas, writing and using technology to promote their work. Traditional media students have to develop their skills to keep the established press alive,” said Kateb.

He added, “Traditional press will die if officials continue to fight the media that use new technology.”

Kateb blamed the Ministry of Education, university officials, and press companies for ignoring the weaknesses of Saudi students.

Kateb urged journalists to work on developing their writing, interviewing and reading skills without referring to university or press companies.

Muna Siraj, editor of Sayidaty magazine, called on the importance of hiring specialized journalists.

“Most press companies hire journalists who are not specialized in the field. Some of them don't hold a mass communication certificate, but they do have the talent to write. Despite that, we have many famous names of journalists who are not specialized. We are still looking for qualified journalists who can cope with modern technology and the changes that appeared in the Middle East and the rest of the world," she said.

Kateb and Siraj confirmed the importance of mixing new media with old, traditional media, as both of them were important and required.