DOHA: An association of some Indian journalists based in Qatar and affiliated with the Indian embassy charges money from the organisers of some press conferences to cover their event.
The Indian Media Forum (IMF) justifies the professionally unethical levy on the ground that the money thus collected is used to support its operations.
The IMF has a large number of members who represent the vernacular Malayalam media, both print and electronic, most of whom are not trained as journalists.
IMF insiders say QR500 is collected by their organisation for covering press conferences that are held to promote Indian cultural shows, opening of hypermarkets or press conferences addressed by Indian political leaders on visit.
Malayalam is the language of the south Indian state of Kerala which sends the largest number of Indians to Qatar. Some Malayalam newspapers have Qatar editions as well.
A large number of Malayalam TV channels and newspapers, based in Kerala as well as the GCC region, have representatives in Qatar. The neighbouring Dubai has some Malayalam radio stations and they also have representatives here.
Contacted for comment, a senior official of the Indian embassy confirmed the IMF is affiliated with the mission. Some Indian editorial staff members of a local English daily are also members of the IMF, which is a large professional organisation.
