An Examination of The Use of Immersive Technology in Pan-Arab Newsrooms

This research examines the integration of immersive technologies in pan-Arab newsrooms and their impact on journalistic practices. Specifically, it investigates how Al-Arabiya, Sky News Arabia, and Al-Sharq utilise immersive technologies to enhance news reporting. Through qualitative content analysis of 18 videos and interviews with 20 industry professionals, the study identifies thematic patterns in immersive content production and explores the motivations behind their adoption. The findings demonstrate that immersive technologies enhance news presentations by adding visual appeal, interactive elements, and virtual environments, thereby making stories more compelling. Yet, they fall short of providing an immersive experience to their audience. They also enrich storytelling by providing contextual information in visually engaging ways and facilitating remote reporting through virtual studios. The findings also reveal that these technologies are used to simplify the presentation of complex news topics by using visual aids that clarify information and improve viewer comprehension. Also, they are used to compensate for the lack of traditional footage in inaccessible or hazardous locations, enabling journalists to report on events remotely and safely. However, the research identifies challenges such as time-intensive implementation, maintaining editorial integrity, and adapting to a new narrative style. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the transformative impact of immersive technologies on journalism in the Arab region, highlighting their role in enhancing news delivery and broadening reporting capabilities.