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Campaign ME
an hour ago
- Campaign ME
Meet the future of radio: AI RJ Steve
Ravi Muni: The UAE is globally recognised as a hub for innovation, be it in space exploration, renewable energy, or artificial intelligence. The country's commitment to future readiness is evident in its decision to introduce artificial inteligence (AI) courses in schools, preparing the next generation for a digital-first future. In such a bold and visionary environment, it's only fitting that radio keeps pace and Channel 4 Radio Network is doing just that. 'Keeping with the UAE's tech-forward vision, Channel 4 Radio Network proudly launches 'AI RJ Steve' – the UAE's only AI radio jockey on its English station, 104.8 Channel 4 FM.' Radio thrives on immediacy, intimacy and innovation. It's one of the most agile and adaptive media platforms that constantly evolves to stay ahead of the curve. From analogue to digital, from frequency dials to mobile apps and CarPlay, radio embraces the latest technological advancements like no other. It is a medium built for the audience, shaped by their preferences and driven by their changing needs. And now, as artificial intelligence begins to shape every aspect of modern life, radio is once again ready to lead. Keeping with the UAE's tech-forward vision, Channel 4 Radio Network proudly launches 'AI RJ Steve' – the UAE's only AI radio jockey on its English station, 104.8 Channel 4 FM. With this revolutionary launch, the network once again sets a benchmark in innovation, audience engagement, and broadcasting excellence. Since its inception in 1997, Channel 4 Radio Network has continually evolved with changing media consumption habits. We were among the first commercial radio stations to offer a complete package of music, news, RJ talk, sport, business, culture and entertainment updates, appealing to both locals and expats residing in the UAE. We were the first in the region to merge traditional radio with digital interactivity, creating a seamless audio experience on-air and video experience on social media for our listeners. We also led the way as the first radio network in the UAE to launch its own app and expand beyond radio podcasting. The introduction of AI RJ Steve marks a bold leap into the next era of broadcasting where cutting-edge technology meets compelling storytelling, and where artificial intelligence transforms how audiences connect, engage and experience audio content like never before. Mohammad Jundi: Powered by advanced generative AI, Steve is designed to deliver a smarter, more interactive radio experience. A lot of attention has gone into Steve's voice, too. It has been carefully crafted to be radio-friendly, emotionally expressive and neutral in accent, making it easily understood by the multicultural audience in the UAE. Steve is built with the same passion and purpose that has kept radio thriving through generations. For a medium like radio, where content is king, the ability to consistently generate high-quality feature segments with the right delivery, modulation and energy is a game-changer. In many ways, Steve complements our human RJs, and listeners will get a glimpse of this in the Morning Show, where RJ Faris and Georgina will interact with Steve in an exclusive segment. Listeners can expect a fresh radio experience tailored to the trends and moods of the day. An AI RJ allows us to experiment with newer, more diverse narratives and innovative formats. From intelligent summaries of world events to decoding complex scientific theories in simple words, Steve will make niche topics accessible and entertaining, especially for our younger and knowledge-hungry audiences. For advertisers, AI RJ Steve opens an exciting new frontier in audio and visual branding. Steve can be programmed to deliver highly customised brand messaging, seamlessly adapting to real-time trends, listener behaviour and topical moments. What makes Steve stand out is his multi-platform potential. Branded content voiced and performed by the AI RJ can be extended across media ecosystems – from on-air radio features to podcasts, social media snippets, web platforms and even branded RJ videos for product demos and store walkthroughs. This not only enhances brand visibility but also ensures interconnected storytelling and broader reach. We're incredibly excited to share this next chapter with our listeners and advertisers. Our AI RJ is more than just a tech upgrade; it's a statement of intent. It reaffirms Channel 4 Radio Network's vision to stay ahead of the game and keep delivering innovative, listener-first content in the most engaging ways possible. The fusion of AI and Radio opens endless possibilities. Steve is our pilot project, and soon we will be launching more AI RJs on our Arabic, Hindi and Malayalam stations. The future of radio is smarter, faster, more engaging – and it's already on-air. Stay tuned. By Ravi Muni, Group Deputy CEO & Group CFO – Al Murad Group and Channel 4 Radio Network (right), and Mohammad Jundi, Network Sales Director (left), Channel 4 Radio Network.
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Increased GPS spoofing sparks interest in alternative navigation technology
One of the side effects of the hostilities between Israel and Iran has been the increased inaccuracies of navigation systems relied on by ships and, to a lesser extent, smartphone users in the Middle East. Most experts say those inaccuracies are probably the result of Global Positioning Satellite spoofing, known as GPS jamming. Israel, Iran, proxy groups, or all of the above might be to blame. Companies trying to protect their own interests might also be a contributing factor. Regardless, GPS jamming can be used offensively or defensively, and is often implemented by militaries to disrupt signals sent by navigation and location-based systems to gain a strategic advantage, avoid missiles or confuse the enemy. According to Jack Hidary, chief executive at SandboxAQ, a developer of products involving quantum technology and artificial intelligence, the very things that make GPS so accessible are the same things that make it so vulnerable. "It's a publicly registered and publicly available frequency that is widely accessible," he said, explaining that those attributes make GPS easily adaptable to various devices, operating systems and vast technology standards. "That also means that it's brittle by design," Mr Hidary added. A quick internet search shows how vulnerable GPS can be, with a plethora of devices available to just about anyone who wants them ranging from $130 to $2,000. That sort of easy access, combined with hostilities and geopolitical tension, have caused GPS headaches for shipping and even air. Amid the conflict between Israel and Iran, according to maritime insights and data provider Windward, about "970 ships per day" experienced GPS jamming in the Arabian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. All that jamming can cause delays and be costly and, in turn, many companies are now looking into alternatives to GPS, with technology firms actively researching what works best. GPS alternatives? Over at SandboxAQ, Mr Hidary said the company is attracting a lot of interest in its proprietary AQNav technology from companies looking for reliable alternatives to GPS. He described AQNav as having three main components, a quantum sensor that picks up the magnetic field of the Earth, a graphics processing unit (GPU) and special AI software. Though it might seem complex at first, he said AQNav is rooted in and inspired by nature. 'Birds use it, literally," he explained, referring to the Earth's magnetic field and how its used by animals. "Billions of birds use it every day to go and do their business of migrating up and down this planet, and whales are using it too." Each square metre of Earth, Mr Hidary said, has a unique fingerprint that corresponds with Earth's magnetic field, and he said SandboxAQ's technology is able to make the most of that existing data. Perhaps most importantly is that it depends on far fewer elements, unlike GPS, Mr Hidary said. "It does not connect to a satellite, it does not connect to the cloud, it does not connect to the internet," he said. "Therefore there's no way to hack it." A number of companies are working on GPS alternatives. Some are experimenting with the use of low-Earth-orbit satellites, while others have pursued something called cellular network positioning, with mixed results. Nonetheless, the pursuit of more secure and therefore less fragile navigation systems is likely to continue, with interest at an all-time high due to geopolitical tension and GPS spoofing. In June, The European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the International Air Transport Association tentatively agreed to a comprehensive plan that would address GPS jamming. Some parts of the plan involve tightening export controls on GPS jamming devices, as well as maintaining back-up systems to create a "minimum operational network of traditional navigation aids". Tech experts and entrepreneurs like Mr Hidary say the pursuit of more navigation options and the improvement of GPS could pay big dividends for everyone. "We all depend on reliable transport, either for ourselves travelling and/or for cargo to come in, and inherently we're all dependent on a strong navigation system to make that happen," he said.
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
'Vote of confidence': Trump's lifting of Syria sanctions raises hopes for investment
US President Donald Trump 's executive order to permanently lift most sanctions on Syria is a 'vote of confidence' in the country's new leaders, removing some of the final barriers for foreign investors, Syrian officials and experts told The National. The move implements a promise Mr Trump made in May to lift crippling sanctions on Syria's new government, in a major policy shift aimed at giving the country a chance at 'greatness'. The signing of the executive order 'will definitely encourage more investors to take the step and enter the Syrian market,' Ayman Hamawiye, head of Syria's Investment Authority, told The National. In late May, Mr Hamawiye told The National that the authority had received hundreds of letters expressing interest, including letters from dozens of Western companies, following Mr Trump's pledge to end sanctions. Now, Mr Trump's order terminating those sanctions will 'definitely' help turn those expressions of interest into concrete investments, though expectations around the time frame should be managed, Mr Hamawiye said. The regime of Bashar Al Assad was under a dense web of sanctions, which intensified after 2011 following a brutal crackdown on peaceful protests, which led to a 14-year civil war. Since the regime was toppled in December by Sunni rebel groups, Syria has had a surge of investment pledges, particularly from Gulf countries. The latest, announced this week, was a $1.5 billion deal backed by a Qatari company to develop an artistic and media production hub in Damascus. 'Of course, we'll keep in mind that even executive orders need some time before they're implemented on the ground, but in any case, this is a positive and encouraging development,' Mr Hamawiye added. 'There's strong interest in investment, and it's constantly growing. The more the security and international concerns diminish, the more investment interest increases, especially from major international investors,' a source at Syria's Ministry of Economy told The National. The sanctions relief does not apply to Mr Al Assad or his associates. It also excludes people accused of human rights abuses, drug trafficking, chemical weapons activities, or linked to ISIS or Iranian proxies, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday. A 'vote of confidence' Benjamin Feve, a senior researcher at Karam Shaar Advisory, told The National the move was significant for investor confidence and Syria's international reputation, and demonstrated Washington's seriousness in supporting the country. 'This is really a vote of confidence from the US government towards the Syrian government. It also shows that the American administration – even its most senior figures, including those most opposed to [Syrian President Ahmad] Al Shara – were unable to convince Trump to reverse his decision on lifting the sanctions,' Mr Feve said. 'This reflects a real, radical shift within the US administration itself,' he added. During a brief, historic meeting with Mr Al Shara – a formerly Al Qaeda-linked fighter described by Mr Trump as a 'handsome man' with a 'tough past' – the US President urged him to meet specific conditions, including establishing ties with Israel. Back-channel talks have taken place between Syria and Israel are continuing but have yet to yield tangible results, with the issues highly sensitive. Syria has a long history of war with Israel, which has occupied the Golan Heights, a rocky plateau bordering the two countries, since 1967. 'It's also kind of a test for the Syrian authorities, will they manage this post-Assad transitional phase well?' Mr Feve added. Outbreaks of sectarian violence have also raised questions about the interim government's ability to stabilise Syria, despite its pledges of inclusivity. Some sanctions will remain on Syria, including those mandated by the US Congress, as well as the US designation of Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism. Sanctions on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the now-disbanded group that led the December offensive and whose former members lead the government, also remain in place. 'Obviously, none of these sanctions explicitly prevent investments, but they do damage Syria's reputation,' Mr Feve said. Challenges ahead Experts and officials told The National that while the lifting of sanctions is a milestone, the path to recovery remains long. For Mr Feve, the reintegration of Syrian banks into the global financial system, a necessary step to manage the expected flow of billions in reconstruction funds, is a top priority. 'What still blocks things today are the interbank links between Syrian banks and international banks,' Mr Feve said. He said the end of sanctions does not mean foreign banks will automatically resume long-cut ties. 'International banks still don't know whether Syrian banks are really compliant with all the measures meant to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing. So it's taking time, but those connections will gradually be re-established.' Syria's central bank governor told The National last week that Syria's banks are expected to resume ties with international lenders within weeks. According to the source at the Ministry of Economy, challenges also lie in the urgent need for administrative reforms and the state's capacity to manage massive investments. 'The legal complications and the old chaos within government institutions will take time to dismantle. We are in the process of building a new government system – not from zero, but from a point below that, due to the presence of the old system,' the source said.
