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Speaker
Ted Kemp
Chief Content Officer, Khaleej Times
Ted Kemp is Chief Content Officer at Khaleej Times. An international editorial leader and content strategist with more than 25 years of experience, Kemp is recognized for building and inspiring multinational teams across major global hubs including New York, London, Singapore and Dubai. He has directed newsrooms through high-stakes geopolitical, investing and economic coverage throughout East Asia, India, North America, Europe and the Middle East, and he has worked as an editor, CNBC TV analyst, documentarian, social video leader and podcast producer. He launched and produced CNBC’s Beyond the Valley podcast, was the creative force behind the globally televised documentary Oceans of Crime, and co-author of a book on the Iraq War, The Ragged Edge, which was named “Editor’s Pick: Best History,” by Amazon.com.
Ted Kempat BRIDGE
- Media Fireside 8 December 4:15 - 4:30PM
Stories with an Agenda
Storytelling has long helped societies navigate power, policy, and crisis, informing, connecting, and challenging. Yet today, narratives are increasingly weaponized: 62% of Americans, according to a 2020 Pew study, cite social media as a major source of false information. How can we reclaim storytelling as a force for trust, inclusion, and impact, while guarding against manipulation?
Forum StageSpeakers
- Creator Economy Fireside 9 December 12:50 - 1:05PM
What Happens When Creators Become Policymakers?
In 2024, YouTuber Fidias Panayiotou and Spanish influencer Alvise Pérez were elected to the European Parliament, marking a conversion of digital virality into political authority. Their rise, fueled by massive online followings and anti-establishment narratives, reflects a growing appetite among younger voters for alternative forms of representation. How will this new wave of leadership reshape democratic institutions, accountability, and public trust?
Central Stage - Media Panel 8 December 1:30 - 1:50PM
Winning Back Gen Z One Swipe at a Time
Traditional media is losing ground with younger audiences who value authenticity and personal connection. A 2025 Statista report shows that 33% of Gen Z and Millennials trust influencer recommendations, more than double the 15% who trust traditional outlets like newspapers and TV. In an influencer-led era, how can legacy media evolve its formats, partnerships, and narratives to stay relevant and rebuild trust?
Academy StageSpeakers
What They Say About BRIDGE
“One BRIDGE to unite them all. BRIDGE Summit looks to become the largest cross-sector media event in the world.”
“A gateway for knowledge exchange.”
“A summit to BRIDGE the gaps in the global media ecosystem.”
“We are proud to take part in the inaugural edition of BRIDGE Summit.”
“Un pont pour tous les réunir.”
