Kids turned journalists at new media centre

Children now have a chance to write newspaper stuff and take shots for the press to become future journalists with the launching of a fun media centre at one of the Middle East’s largest shopping mall in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi Media, a key regional media establishment, said it had launched what it described as “three exciting” new learning and leisure establishments at KidZania® in the Dubai Mall.

“Budding young journalists, illustrators and radio DJs now have a place to hone their skills while having fun,” it said in a statement.

The National newspaper, Majid magazine, an affiliate of Alittihad Arabic language daily, and Star FM radio each have a new activity within the “Media Zone” at KidZania®, which includes scaled down versions of a real newspaper newsroom, magazine production house and radio recording studio.

The statement said children can try their hand at becoming a news reporter with The National, a comic artist with Majid, or a radio presenter with Star FM, all within an interactive, entertaining and educational environment designed especially for kids.

KidZania® combines play with learning, and offers children a real-life business and social environment that familiarizes them with real-world professions. Children visiting the interactive mini-city can perform “jobs” for which they are paid in kidZos, the official currency of KidZania® and through these activities, learn the principles of life in modern society.

“It is with great excitement that we announce the launch of Abu Dhabi Media’s three new establishments at KidZania® today. The promotion of education is fundamental to many of our brands and the new establishments will introduce the next generation to a range of exciting and dynamic professions available within the media industry,” said Abdul Rahman Awadh, Radio Network Director for Abu Dhabi Media.

“Each activity encourages learning and teaches children about the fascinating world of publishing and broadcast, while engaging them with the premium content that Abu Dhabi Media produces.”

According to Fatima Seif, Editor of Majid, the magazine’s activities join over 70 different roles for children to choose from when visiting KidZania®, and also provides Abu Dhabi Media with a unique and interactive way to build brand recognition with both parents and children.

The KidZania® “Media Zone” includes The National establishment, where children can learn about being a journalist.

 Activities include reporting on various news stories from around the KidZania® city, taking photos at the scene, and returning to the newspaper establishment to write up the news story. Upon completion of the activity, children can print their finished story in their very own edition of The National to take home and keep.

KidZania® visitors can also become a comic artist at the Majid magazine’s studio, and design their own story page in the Majid magazine – learning how to edit back grounds, characters, and text. Children can print out and keep their Majid comic book at the end of their KidZania® “employment”.

At the Star FM radio station, children can also test their skills as a radio DJ and create their very own Radio programme, complete with
Star FM music and features. Each radio program will be recorded on a CD and will be given to visitors on departure.

Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer at Emaar Retail LLC, which manages KidZania®, said: "The media plays an increasingly important role in shaping public dialogue and pushing the knowledge horizons of youngsters. Emaar Retail’s partnership with Abu Dhabi Media at KidZania® is a significant value addition that will enable our young visitors to understand the intricacies associated with print and radio journalism.”

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