As with everything in life, communication tools and mediums have known alongside technology the biggest leap especially since the first world war with utilizing the radio and making one voice resonate with thousands if not millions of people, not too long after that television revolutionized communication while providing a large range of entertainment options which only amplified throughout the years. Currently this invention called the internet made information available at the tip of one’s finger. Unlike “tradition” media approach to select and filter out the news given to their audiences. The average person can willfully and willingly seek out the news and information.

This big exodus from institutionalized platforms is costing networks big bucks, while ratings are dropping and views are getting scarcer. Meanwhile in the virtual realm, podcasts and independently hosted shows seem to be far more successful and appealing to the wide audience that consists mainly of millennials, gen-Z and gen-Y internet users. Generations that distanced themselves from subscribing to one school of thought allowing them to explore other options via forums or comments, thus forging more malleable views.

The demand for this alternative form of communication is at an all-time high, the relaxed more natural and laid-back manner of debate/conversing, rather than the rehearsed often predictable exchange of correct speech is a breath of fresh air.

The old school rigid cross interview methods proved out to be an unproductive, not transparent exchange most importantly people are starting to lose trust in news outlets, and entertainment shows are losing the appeal, perhaps not in terms of revenue but ratings.

With this I will cite few Podcasts that caught my attention this past year while citing the reasons behind my intrigue and infatuation.

• The classic Joe Rogan podcast: what started as an after show for the sport commentator became his main hustle, his sense of curiosity and willingness to host guests from all walks of life, created a heaven for those who seek unfiltered unmonitored conversations, free from any charges as long as you have internet.
• Red Scare Podcast: described as a social commentary podcast hosted by Dasha Nekrasova and Anna Khachiyan,what sets them apart is the simple fact that they aren’t your average first generation eastern European Americanized individuals, not shying away from going against the grain of what pop culture has set in the public domain, laid back very ironic and borderline deemed offensive to those who live by the politically correct guidelines, in addition to them being self-deprecating , they embody the new NewYorkesque salon talk.
• AB TALKS: An AE based podcast/ interview style that approach social media and media personalities with fierce and difficult questions on the spot, which brings out the raw side of each guess, while exploring racy and taboo subjects in the middle eastern context, hosted by the very successful businessman Anas Boukhach this podcast rose to prominence and gained a following and a loyal fan based fairly quickly.
• SARDE after dinner: Lebanese based, this podcast is hosted by Médéa Azouri & Mouin Jaber right after the pandemic hit, most of the globe realized how society crumbled under the stress and the strain, problems often swept under the rug resurfaced, which pushed them to take this chance to explore these topics with a keen eye from different and diverse point of views.

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Ben Guerir (Rehamna province)- the agricultural technology convoy “AgriTech” which aims at putting digital technology in the service of small farmers was launched on Thursday December 24th.

The convoy was launched by “AgriEdge”, the ecosystem business unit of Mohammed VI University of Technology, in partnership with Sutrig regional transport company. It will arrive first in Laayoune, Safi, El-Jadida, and Khouribga.

Abdelaziz Ait Mberic, the regional director of agriculture in Rehamna, told MAP about this initiative that helps introduce farmers to micro-farming. Stressing that this convoy is a part of the work of Mohammed VI University of Technology and its openness to its external world.

He further added that the convoy will approach farmers and conduct all necessary research to promote the application of techniques related to micro-farming by farmers in the region and all areas where the convoy will arrive.

He added that this work will allow farmers to learn about different technologies to better control the use of irrigation techniques and options (water technology, irrigation periods, and plants needs). Clarifying that they are “essential techniques, especially during this period which witnesses climate changes and requires the farmer to adapt to the circumstances surrounding him”.

He also mentioned the importance of informing farmers of various techniques in this area, and encouraging them to adopt crops that adapt with climate change and practice them in their areas of production. Highlighting that other topics of e-marketing and the use of means of communication by fields and farms will also be addressed in order to obtain the necessary information, including soil analysis and water conservation.

Faisal Al-Sahbawi, director general of AgriEdge, pointed that this unit, which is a part of Mohammed VI University of Technology, concerns micro-agriculture and the development of digital services; aimed at helping farmers rationalize the use of water resources, fertilizers, organic health products and the improvement of their production.

He emphasized the importance of combining these services and providing them to the farmer. Adding that this convoy will arrive first in the cities of Laayoune, El-Jadida, Safi, and Khouribga. Secondly, it will arrive in other areas of the kingdom so as to better train farmers to use these digital tools and show their importance in agricultural production.

Manal Al-Khalidi, director of Agricultural Services Development at AgriEdge, said that after the development of many services tested in field experiments, it is time to bring these solutions closer to farmers. Explaining that it has led to the organization of this convey aimed at bringing these digital technologies closer to the farmer and encourage them to use them.

On this occasion, the organizers set up a gallery to explain these different techniques and innovations to farmers, particularly irrigation and the use of drones, as well as the presentation of innovative agricultural programs.

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As much as it is admirable to look up at these business moguls’ accomplishments and never seen economic growth, it is equally concerning to democracies to contain this overwhelming power.

For years the EU fought against AMAZON and Facebook to regularize and limit its spread of influence and reck of havoc over local businesses while they were relatively successful, the same cannot be stated for the US, a nation as divided as ever in terms of political beliefs and  obviously very crippled by the current economical set back, while heavily relying on big businesses namely Google, Facebook Twitter, Amazon to keep them afloat.

That’s when the conflict of interest comes to light, which was also blatantly showcased during the height of the Election cycle. After a certain incident where a famous News outlet (Newyork Post) claimed that evidence of Joseph Biden’s involvement with Chinese and Ukrainian forces was facilitated by his son’s business relations abroad surfaced.

Twitter hastily deleted the tweet and the official account of the newspaper, the same treatment was given to the white house’s spokesperson as well as the President of the united states, their accounts were suspended until further notice, this sparked outrage within the republican party lines, this led eventually to another trial of the three main CEOs (Facebook, google, twitter) in front of the senate.

There is a General consensus about the threat of big tech within Both Party Lines yet their reasoning is completely different. On one hand the republicans claim that these platforms oppose to conservative point of views and silence both public and private figures thus these legislators push for deregulations of free speech and let go of biases, on the other hand Democrats are scandalized by the lack of tight regulations of speech calling for harsh and immediate restrictions on what could be expressed and it could be expressed on social platforms.

While the debate continues to prove more challenging and undecisive, one thing is for sure, the power welded in the hands of Big tech is soon to transpire in other influential domains Politics being one of them.

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