The UAE Media Council has launched a comprehensive new system designed to regulate, empower, and drive sustainable growth across the media sector. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to modernise its media landscape and builds upon the foundation established with the Council’s formation in February 2023 and the subsequent enactment of the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation.

Announced at a press conference held at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, Dubai, the launch was led by Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, and Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Strategy and Media Policies Sector. Both emphasised that the new framework is in line with the UAE leadership’s vision for an innovative, future-ready media environment that not only keeps pace with global developments but also asserts the UAE’s leadership on the regional and international stage.

Al Shehhi described the new media system as transformative, combining updated legislation with streamlined services and inclusive policies designed to enhance operational efficiency and promote sustainable development. He pointed to the Media Regulation Law—hailed as the first comprehensive media legislation in over four decades—as a turning point for the UAE’s media sector. The law addresses modern challenges and opportunities, including digital media, artificial intelligence, on-demand platforms, gaming, and other emerging fields.

Developed over two years in collaboration with federal and local entities, media professionals, content creators, and international experts, the system is rooted in a partnership-based approach. Al Shehhi highlighted its flexibility and responsiveness to change, its capacity to empower local talent, and its potential to attract investment and foster innovation. He also underscored the centrality of content to the system, noting the importance of clear standards for responsible and balanced media that reflect Emirati values while encouraging creative impact.

The ultimate objective, Al Shehhi said, is to transform the media sector into a powerful contributor to the national economy, capable of boosting GDP and enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness. Through a combination of strategic partnerships, flexible regulations, and incentivised exemptions, the system is designed to create an enabling environment for content creators and media businesses alike.

Echoing this vision, Maitha Al Suwaidi said the UAE Media Council is spearheading a comprehensive transformation of the national media framework. She highlighted a legislative roadmap tailored to the evolving needs of the sector, ensuring a dynamic and globally aligned media ecosystem. According to Al Suwaidi, this roadmap extends beyond legal texts to include policies and decisions that respond to the realities of modern media while remaining anchored in national values.

Among the notable elements of the new system is a resolution to regulate social media advertising by individuals. Aimed at building trust and elevating content quality, this measure includes a three-year exemption from permit fees for content creators. Another key component is the introduction of a unified age rating system for media content, developed to protect children and adolescents amid the rising consumption of digital content.

In addition, Al Suwaidi revealed that the Council is working on a new licensing policy for digital news platforms. The goal is to establish clear standards that enhance journalistic credibility and accountability. Further regulatory advancements include the adoption of Cabinet resolutions on media service fees and administrative penalties, which aim to create a transparent, accessible, and integrated service system aligned with the UAE’s digital government vision.

She also stressed the importance of the local content empowerment policy, which supports Emirati creatives and prioritises national content. This includes fee exemptions for selected services to encourage local production and storytelling that reflects the country’s identity and values.

In closing, Al Suwaidi described the new legislative system as a defining moment in the evolution of the UAE’s media landscape. By promoting transparency, professionalism, and quality, the framework offers media institutions and content creators a robust platform for production, innovation, and international competitiveness.

NEW ORLEANS – Two Medgar Evers outdoor track and field student-athletes were recently recognized as All-Region performers by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).  Freshman Reco Griffith was recognized as All-Metro Region in the men’s 100 meter dash, while the Cougars’ Toshel Goffe was honored as All-Metro in the women’s 100 meter dash.

Top-5 individuals in each event from each region earned All-Region honors, in addition to each of the members of a top-3 ranked relay team. Data is compiled based on Regional TFRI.

Only USTFCCCA member programs are eligible for awards.

Griffith. the CUNYAC men’s outdoor track and field Rookie of the Year, ran a time of 10.52 seconds in the 100-meter dash at the 2025 Lafayette Open on March 29 to tie for No. 3 in the Metro Region.  His time was tied for No. 35 across Division III.

Goffe, the conference’s women’s Track Performer of the Year, ran a season-best 12.22 seconds in the 100 in the prelims of the 2025 CUNYAC Outdoor Track and Field Championship on May 3, good for No. 4 in the Metro Region.  

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For the latest news on the CUNY Athletic Conference, log on to cunyathletics.com – the official site of the CUNY Athletic Conference. Also, become a follower of the CUNYAC on Instagram (@CUNYAC), Twitter (@CUNYAC) and YouTube (@CUNY Athletic Conference), and “LIKE” Us on Facebook (CUNY Athletic Conference).

WACO, Texas – With under 90 days until the beginning of the 2025 Baylor Volleyball campaign, single and season tickets are now available for purchase.
 
This season features 12 home matches at the Ferrell Center, including nine Big 12 matches. Fill the Ferrell with the Bears as they host the 20^th installment of the Baylor Classic, welcoming Northwestern, Saint Mary’s and Rice to the court this year in early September.
 
BU is entering its 11^th season with Ryan McGuyre at the helm, who has 219 program wins and 125 at Ferrell.
 
Season tickets are $75 for all ages while single game tickets are $10. All seating is general admission at the Ferrell Center. Tickets can be purchased day of the match online or at the Ferrell Center ticket office. 
 
For questions, contact the Baylor Athletics Ticket Office at 254.710.1000.
 
To stay up to date with Baylor Volleyball all year long, follow the program on Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter) and TikTok: @BaylorVBall. Want to support the team? You can do so through NIL or giving to the One Way Club.
 

– BaylorBears.com –

FOLEY, Ala. (SBG) — Foley now has 12 public pickleball courts and 10 sand volleyball courts located north of the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market.

The city dedicated the new courts Monday, June 2. Within minutes of the opening at 6 p.m., all 12 pickleball courts were filled with four players on each court.

“Today is a great day for Foley with lighted courts that are free to the public, and we really are looking forward to this being open,” Mayor Ralph Hellmich said.

The mayor said planning and building the courts, including designs that fit the facility into the space next to the CAFFM, took several years of work by Foley employees, contractors and City Council members. Hellmich said David Thompson, executive director for leisure services, and his staff worked diligently to complete the project.

“The planning that went behind this is incredible,” Hellmich said. We wanted it to fit into this acreage here. Councilman (Charles) Ebert was very passionate about maintaining as much open space. We have housing units nearby. We have open space. We’re going to continue to improve all this area, but we believe it all blends together beautifully with the Farmers Market, which is one of the best in our area.”

Impact fees, charges paid by developers building in Foley, paid the cost of the courts.

“This is money that is created by the growth, and it’s used to support the needs of our quality of life for our current residents,” Hellmich said. “This did not come out of any tax dollars that residents who live here in Foley pay. It’s impact fee money, so it’s something that is really an incredible resource for us.”

Thompson said the courts will be a great resource for Foley residents.

“Today is an exciting day for our community,” Thompson said. “We’re officially opening our brand new pickleball complex and our very first beach volleyball courts, and I have to say, they look amazing. These projects are big wins for our residents, and the best part is they’re open to the public every day until 10 p.m. So whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, we’ve got you covered with lighted courts and no excuses to get out and play.”

“These new facilities aren’t just about sports, they’re about community and about giving people a place to come, move, connect and compete,” Thompson added.

He said a future phase of the park will also include more passive park areas at the site and restroom facilities shared with other areas of the site.

Thompson said crews from the Foley Public Works Department built the road linking the new courts to Stabler Drive and the new parking lot for the facility.

Thompson said contractors, including Sawgrass Engineering, WAS Design, Harris Contracting, Asphalt Services and Smith Electric, helped make the project a reality.

Hellmich said the council and city staff members are also working on additional plans for new parks.

“As we bring these projects forward, you’re going to see signs of future park infrastructure, remodeling and things of that nature around town,” Hellmich said. “We’re just going to continue working. We have a plan going forward. We’re going to keep implementing these items. There are great things to come.

California State University, Northridge senior setter Donovan Constable and redshirt sophomore opposite Jalen Phillips were among 21 athletes selected to train with the 2025 Men’s U23 National Team for the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup, July 27-Aug. 4 in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

The selected 21 athletes will gather for a training block at the National Team Training Center in Anaheim, Calif., from July 20-27. From this pool, 12 athletes will be chosen to represent the United States in Guatemala.

Constable and Phillips both have previous USA Volleyball experience, as each was selected to the 2024 Men’s Collegiate National Team that trained in Anaheim last summer.

“I’m incredibly proud of Jalen and Donovan for earning spots on the U23 USA Team,” said CSUN head coach Theo Edwards. “They’ve put in the work, and now they’re being rewarded with an opportunity that will challenge and elevate them in every way. Having spent years coaching internationally with USA programs, I know how powerful these experiences can be — not just for sharpening skills on the court, but for building character, leadership, and resilience off it. This is a huge step in their journey, and I couldn’t be more excited to watch them grow through it. They’re representing all of us with pride.”

McKendree University men’s head coach Nickie Sanlin will lead the team, assisted by four-time Olympian Reid Priddy (Indoor Volleyball Club) and Luke Reynolds (Pepperdine).

“I am incredibly honored to lead this talented group of athletes alongside such a dedicated and skilled staff,” Sanlin said. “Representing our country with ‘USA’ across our chests is a privilege we don’t take lightly, and I am excited for the opportunity to compete and grow together on this stage.”

The roster features many stars from collegiate programs across the country. Several athletes bring impressive resumes, including past gold medals and MVP honors from international competitions.

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