The Qatar Press Centre (QPC) organised a dialogue session to examine the state of Lebanese journalism amid the overlapping crises and rapid transformations reshaping contemporary media. The session was attended by Bilal Kabalan, Lebanese ambassador to Qatar; Joseph Kosseifi, president of the Lebanese Press Editors Syndicate; Majed al-Jabara, managing editor of Arrayah newspaper; and a select group of Qatari and Lebanese journalists and media professionals. Sadiq Mohammed al-Ammari, director-general of the QPC, welcomed the Lebanese ambassador, the head of the Editors Syndicate, and the participants, underscoring the deep fraternal ties between Qatar and Lebanon. He lauded Qatar’s continued support for Lebanon, particularly during periods of crisis, and highlighted the QPC’s role as a leading media institution serving the press sector in Qatar while maintaining strong relations with regional and international media bodies, unions, and syndicates. In his address, Kabalan expressed his sincere appreciation to Qatar, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, for its unwavering support for Lebanon. He highlighted Qatar’s recent development and humanitarian assistance, describing them as clear reflections of the depth of bilateral relations and Qatar’s firm commitment to standing by the Lebanese people during difficult times. He noted that Qatari support included a comprehensive aid package of over $400mn, targeting the energy sector and other vital areas, particularly education through scholarships. The assistance also extended to strengthening the Lebanese army through the provision of military vehicles and equipment, as well as supporting the sports sector to empower youth and enhance their role in society. The ambassador said this support provides a positive boost to the Lebanese government during a sensitive period ahead of elections, reflecting international concern for Lebanon — concern that Qatar translates into concrete, responsible action. He added that the aid was carefully planned and focused on sectors that directly affect citizens’ lives and support stability and essential services. He lauded the active role of His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, Qatar’s ambassador to Beirut, citing his continuous engagement and follow-up as further evidence of Qatar’s steadfast commitment to Lebanon. He affirmed that Lebanese-Qatari relations represent a strong model of solidarity, based on partnership and practical support that enhances Lebanon’s resilience and recovery. Kosseifi said gatherings of this kind reflect shared professional concerns among journalists, stressing that media challenges have become global rather than confined to national borders. He noted that digital transformation has profoundly altered journalism in terms of tools, work pace, and audience engagement, offering advantages such as broader reach and faster access, but also serious risks. He warned of declining verification standards, the spread of superficial content, and the proliferation of rumours and misinformation, linking much of the recent media confusion to the misuse of digital platforms and the erosion of ethical standards. He cautioned against the uncritical adoption of the notion that “every citizen is a journalist,” and said print journalism has been the first casualty of these shifts. Kosseifi described the rapid collapse of print journalism in Lebanon as a major cultural loss, stressing that the written press represents the nation’s historical memory. He added that Lebanon’s media crisis is part of a broader global challenge, calling on governments to support journalism in ways that preserve its independence.
Monday, March 16, 2026
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Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.
