QatarOct31

Tuesday, May 05, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Qatar

Gulf Times

Qatar launches first dedicated economic TV channel broadcasting in 4K

Qatar Media Corporation has launched a new economic television channel, marking what officials describe as a significant step in the country's specialized media landscape.The Qatar Business Channel (QBC), unveiled in Doha on Tuesday in the presence of senior media figures and executives, is the first of its kind in Qatar and broadcasts in ultra-high-definition 4K. It aims to provide comprehensive economic news coverage from Qatar to a global audience.QBC has also been integrated into the Tabie streaming platform, offering live broadcasting as part of efforts to expand digital reach and deliver reliable content to wider audiences.According to the corporation, the launch aligns with its strategy to develop specialized media that reflects national priorities and strengthens its professional presence. The move is also part of a broader plan to expand niche broadcasting channels and support the promotion of Qatar's growing economy at both regional and international levels.The channel currently broadcasts for 15 hours daily, from 09:00 to midnight, including nine hours of live programming. There are plans to transition to 24-hour broadcasting in the future.Its programming includes specialized news bulletins, in-depth analysis and real-time reports covering key economic sectors. A range of shows will address topics such as the film industry, women in business, legal frameworks in Qatar and the Gulf, and major economic developments.Marwan Aboushanab, supervisor of news and program content at QBC, told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the channel's 4K broadcasting capability sets it apart, adding that it is among the first economic channels originating from an Arab country rather than operating under a global media brand.He added that the channel is supported by more than 30 correspondents across major regional and international capitals, alongside agreements with four global agencies to provide market data and economic news.Officials also highlighted the strong presence of Qatari talent across editorial, production and technical roles, with plans to recruit further national expertise in line with the country's expanding economic influence.Dr Sara Al Derham, acting director of news and digital media at QBC, described the launch as a key moment for Qatari media, noting the importance of economic coverage as an integrated and evolving field.

The seminar concluded that press freedom in times of crisis is inseparable from journalist safety, public access to information, and societal resilience against misinformation.

Qatar Press Centre highlights seven journalism challenges during wars and crises

The Qatar Press Centre (QPC), in co-operation with the Media Department at Qatar University (QU), held a seminar marking World Press Freedom Day under the theme “Press Freedom in Times of Crises and Wars.” The event, part of the “Press Council” sessions, brought together academics and media professionals at Abdullah bin Hussein Al-Nema Hall. Speakers included Dr Taleb al-Atba, a specialist in strategic and crisis communication at QU; Palestinian journalist Najwan Samri; and Dr Abdullah al-Har, a lecturer in QU’s Media Department. Held against a backdrop of escalating global conflicts, the seminar outlined seven key challenges confronting journalism today: tensions between national security and the public’s right to know; rapid digital transformation; the growing influence of artificial intelligence; increasing difficulty in verifying information; the spread of misinformation; the emergence of digital platforms as arenas of information warfare; and declining safety guarantees for journalists. The discussion framed these issues within this year’s World Press Freedom Day theme, “Shaping a Future of Peace,” which highlights the relationship between journalism, technology, civic space, and human rights.Dr al-Atba said crisis communication differs from routine media work, as it is defined by immediacy, speed, and credibility. These conditions, he noted, test whether media organisations can pursue truth or drift into reinforcing dominant narratives. He described crises as unstable environments that force journalists to rethink the meaning and limits of press freedom. In modern conflicts, restrictions extend beyond access to information to include algorithmic influence, selective content promotion, and control over what audiences see. **media[442200]** “Media today does not simply facts,” he said, noting that it increasingly shapes perception and public understanding. Narrative control, he added, now operates at a behavioural and cognitive level, not just through reporting. Al-Atba warned that artificial intelligence has become a powerful tool in misinformation, enabling the creation of highly realistic images, audio, and fabricated scenes. The challenge is no longer just identifying false content but cultivating critical awareness among journalists and audiences. He called for a dual approach: institutional measures such as regulations and training on AI use, and individual responsibility through stronger verification skills and awareness of context and sources. Collaboration between academia and practitioners, he added, is essential to developing professional standards that protect public understanding. Dr al-Har emphasised that preparing journalists for crises cannot remain confined to classrooms, pointing to a gap between academic theory and field realities. He said professional resilience comes from combining theoretical grounding with practical training. He also highlighted media literacy as a core pillar — not only for journalists but for audiences, who now actively shape the information environment. Journalists today must go beyond producing content to understanding audience engagement and the impact of their reporting. Samri shared her experience reporting from Palestine, describing a highly restrictive environment shaped by security pressures and competing narratives. She said such conditions affect access to information, freedom of movement, and the ability to report accurately. She pointed to the ban on Al Jazeera as a significant escalation, signalling broader efforts to limit independent coverage. Since October 7, she said, conditions have deteriorated further, with journalists facing direct targeting, displacement, and disrupted communications. Samri described the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh as a turning point that underscored the risks faced by clearly identified journalists. Subsequent events, she added, show a pattern of attacks on media workers, offices, and infrastructure. She stressed that protecting journalists requires concrete international action, not statements, and that the risks faced today extend beyond professional challenges to personal safety and loss.Despite these conditions, Samri said maintaining professionalism requires discipline, verification, and ethical responsibility toward both victims and audiences. War coverage, she noted, tests not only skills but also humanity and endurance.

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