More than a medium for disseminating information, Qatar Radio has been a tool for cultural exchange since its inception 50 years ago, well-known Qatari diplomat, writer and poet Dr Hassan al-Nama has said.
It was a historical moment for the country when Qatar Radio aired its first broadcast in 1968, Dr al-Nama said while recalling his association with the channel.
There were only two other radio stations in the region - Kuwait and Bahrain - when Qatar Radio began broadcasting its programme.
When there were no other media channels around, Qatar Radio pioneered the mission of informing the world about Qatar's culture and heritage, he said. "There were no TV channels, no internet or social media during those days," he added.
So was the fame and reach of Qatar Radio that artistes and intellectuals in the region, some from even Cairo, used to come to Doha to be featured.
Dr al-Nama who recited a poem during the opening of Qatar Radio in 1968, rendered another of his poetic creations yesterday before an august audience including HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani.
The poem highlighted the achievements of both the country and the radio station during the last five decades.
Dr Dr Hassan al-Nama has served as the ambassador of Qatar to India and the permanent representative of Qatar to the United Nations.
In April this year, Katara - the Cultural Village honoured him by presenting a ‘Litterateur Trophy’.
A documentary film on the life and contributions of the writer was also screened on the occasion.
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