Interview with Journalism Professor and Blogger, Jeff Jarvis

Jeff Jarvis is a journalism professor at the City University of New York and writes the media and news blog BuzzMachine.com. A founding editor of Entertainment Weekly, he is consulting editor of Daylife, a news startup. He writes a new media column for The Guardian and consults for media companies. He exclusively talks to DubaiBeat.com before attending the World Economic Forum’s Summit on the Global Agenda here in Dubai.

Would you please tell us a bit about the background of your relationship with the World Economic Forum and your participation in the upcoming Summit on the Global Agenda?

I was lucky enough to get involved with the WEF when they asked for some help in opening up the annual meeting in Davos to the conversation on blogs and the internet. That led to the Davos Conversation Page, which in turn led to more videos at the conference (last year, with YouTube playing a central role there). As a result, I've been able to go to the last two annual meetings and I wouldn't miss them for the world. I come away with new perspectives on the world and with inspiration (much of which found its way into my book, What Would Google Do?, which is coming out in English in January). A few months ago, Prof. Klaus Schwab announced that the WEF would create its Global Agenda Councils and I'm lucky again to be included.

What specific area is your focus and how do you say it can help improve state of the world?

I am in a group devoted to the future of the internet, which is rather intimidating considering that the council also includes people who helped create the internet and some of its greatest institutions. I think the WEF stands in an excellent position to demonstrate to nations and companies the value of ubiquitous, broadband, open internet access leading to economic development, education, entrepreneurism, involved citizens, and free speech.

What do you think about the city of Dubai, the host for this summit?

I've never been to Dubai and so I'm delighted to be coming and don't know exactly what to expect except surprises.

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