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Against mounting challenges facing print journalism and growing concerns over credibility in the digital age, the Qatar Press Centre (QPC) and the Lebanese Press Editors Syndicate explored avenues for closer co-operation during a meeting in Doha. The meeting brought together Abdulrahman Majid al-Qahtani, chairman of the Board of Directors of the QPC, and Joseph Kosseifi, president of the Lebanese Press Editors Syndicate, to discuss shared professional priorities and the future of journalism in the Arab world. Al-Qahtani outlined the QPC’s mission and activities, highlighting programmes aimed at developing media professionals and promoting higher professional standards. He noted that the centre has established a continuous professional development platform through seminars, dialogue sessions, and specialised events that address key challenges facing journalism at the regional and international levels. He also underscored QPC’s partnerships with media and academic institutions, designed to facilitate the exchange of expertise and keep pace with rapid transformations in the media industry. For his part, Kosseifi presented an overview of the Lebanese Press Editors Syndicate and its role in regulating journalistic work, defending journalists’ rights, and upholding professional and ethical standards. He also highlighted the syndicate’s efforts to modernise its work in response to evolving media realities, including issues related to press freedom and the protection of journalists. Discussions focused on common challenges, particularly the pressures confronting print journalism amid digital transformation, shifting media consumption patterns, and the spread of unverified information. Both sides stressed the need to safeguard the core mission of professional journalism in shaping public awareness, reinforcing accuracy and verification, and supporting informed public discourse. The two institutions also explored practical steps to strengthen co-operation, including joint training and professional development initiatives, the exchange of expertise, and the organisation of specialised meetings and dialogues to support Arab journalism in navigating current challenges. The meeting concluded with the exchange of commemorative plaques, underscoring the depth of professional ties and the importance of continued partnership between the QPC and the Lebanese Press Editors Syndicate. 

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. 

A delegation from the National News Agency Nepal, headed by Executive Chairman Dharmendra Jha, visited the headquarters of Qatar News Agency (QNA) to enhance co-operation and exchange expertise. The delegation was briefed on the nature of QNA's work and the developments it has witnessed recently across its various departments.**media[391504]**The delegation toured several QNA departments to learn about the modern work systems utilised by Qatar News Agency (QNA), which positively enhance daily operations. The delegation also visited the QNA Training Hall, where they learned about the specialised and high-quality training programms offered, as well as its role in training journalism graduates and media personnel in the State who wish to join QNA or other state institutions.  

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping journalism faster than any previous technological wave. It can analyse data in seconds, transcribe interviews instantly, and summarise complex reports in moments. It is a powerful ally - but also a demanding one. Because as AI takes over tasks once done by humans, the responsibility of journalists to verify, interpret and protect truth only grows.“AI can accelerate journalism, but it can’t replace human judgment. The faster the tools become, the higher our responsibility grows.”AI can accelerate research, but it cannot understand nuance or context. It doesn’t know when a quote has moral weight or when a number hides a human story. The role of the journalist remains to question, verify and explain. Major news agencies such as the Associated Press and Reuters now allow AI tools only under strict human supervision. The BBC, in its own policy, forbids using generative AI for news gathering without editorial control. The message is consistent: AI is a tool - not a reporter.”What truly matters today is who stands behind information. Every piece of content we see - text, photo or video - must raise the question: Who created this? Why? What do they gain?”A recent Reuters Institute study shows that audiences trust traditional news brands more than AI-generated news. People might admire AI’s speed, but they still trust human judgment and transparent reporting far more. AI can fabricate sound and image with frightening realism. The risk is not theoretical - it’s already here. For journalists, this means treating every visual or audio file as potentially manipulated until verified. Yet technology alone is not enough; the duty of proof still lies with us.Journalism’s mission has not changed: to discover what is true and make it understood. The difference is that in the AI era, this mission demands more skill, more discipline, and more courage than ever before. AI gives us extraordinary reach and speed. But it also exposes us to misinformation at the same velocity. The solution is not to resist technology but to pair innovation with integrity — to build systems that are both intelligent and accountable.AI does not free journalists from responsibility - it raises the bar. In this new landscape, skepticism must be our default setting. Every fact, image, and quote should be treated as potentially altered until proven authentic. Editorial brand remains the ultimate trust anchor. In an age of overwhelming noise, heritage and credibility stand as the clearest signals of truth.FACTSWhat is AI?Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence — such as understanding language, recognising patterns, analysing data and making predictions. Generative AI goes a step further, creating new text, images and video based on existing information.AI in numbersGlobal data centres currently consume about 1% of the world’s electricity, a figure projected to double by 2030, reaching nearly 945 terawatt-hours per year.(Sources: International Energy Agency, World Economic Forum 2025)Upcoming AI & tech Events in Qatar 2025MWC Doha 2025 (25–26 Nov). Focused on telecom, smart infrastructure and AI-driven innovation.World Summit AI Qatar 2025 (9–10 Dec, Doha Exhibition & Convention Center). Global conference under the patronage of MCIT, uniting industry, academia and policymakers to shape the future of AI.

Media City Qatar and Qatar University hosted the second edition of the Euronews Academy Bootcamp, focused on digital and mobile journalism, which took place over the course of three days at St. Regis Marsa Arabia. The program offered training sessions designed to provide participants with practical skills and insights relevant to modern journalism. Students from Qatar University's College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Mass Communication, participated in a series of interactive workshops over the first two days. Sessions covered digital storytelling techniques, mobile reporting and editing, and strategies for using social media platforms to engage audiences. The final day brought together instructors and representatives from Qatar University, Media City Qatar, and Euronews for a dedicated session, allowing participants to consolidate their learning in a collaborative environment. Director of Strategy and Excellence at Media City Qatar, Tevfik Ergun affirmed Media City Qatar's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the media sector. "Through our partnership with Qatar University and Euronews, the bootcamp provides opportunities for emerging talent to explore new ideas, gain exposure to industry standards, and contribute to shaping the next generation of media professionals. Initiatives like this support Qatar National Vision 2030 by nurturing a skilled, creative workforce that strengthens the country's media ecosystem." For her part, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Qatar University, Fatima Al Kubaisi said: "This program with Media City Qatar and Euronews provides our academic community with vital global media expertise. It encourages the critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving essential for building a diversified, knowledge-based economy, aligning with our mission to cultivate individuals who can make a positive impact within society." This year's bootcamp builds on their previous Euronews Business Media Training, reinforcing their shared commitment to preparing participants for careers in a fast-changing media environment and advancing Qatar's position as a regional media hub.