How is it that we describe our press as “local” and then ask whether it is Qatari or not? Explaining this discrepancy makes it necessary to raise some important points related to press freedom.
Press freedom is considered the backbone of the media. Therefore, freedom is as indispensable to the media as its editorial functions, the eliciting of information, investigative journalism and all other activities connected to the press.
The more encouraging the atmosphere available to the press, the more effectively it can play its role locally, regionally and internationally.
Our wise leadership became aware of this fact early and lifted censorship to empower newspapers and help them play their role freely, with accountability. If our press needs to play its role more effectively, it should be freed from constraints, and the only way to do this is by responding to the concerns of our country and its citizens while staying true to our traditions, religion and values.
Sayings and slogans such as “difference of opinion does not invalidate friendship”, “give a chance to others’ opinions”, and “a spark of uproar is a healthy phenomenon”, which mean that one should have tolerance, are not always true, and can be misused in ways that contradict our customs, religious beliefs and ethics.
Such sayings can also pave the way for wrong practices. It is enough to mention in this regard malpractices in the fields of education, health and tourism because of going by such slogans.
To be fair, the local press is moving towards freedom of speech and reflecting the aspirations of our society, especially after the appointment of several citizens as chief editors, managing editors and heads of departments. However, this press has still not achieved the freedom it aspires to due to the following reasons:
• Reluctance of Qataris and journalism graduates to work in the press because of the skills required for working in this sector, not to mention the need for patience and tenacity. Most of them prefer to work in other, more alluring fields that offer better privileges.
• The majority of those working in the local media are expatriates from Arab or other countries. We respect them, but their news priorities could differ from those of citizens.
• Most of the Qatari chief editors and their assistants are afraid of taking up certain issues for fear of the repercussions. This has affected the credibility of the newspapers and also their prices, which vary.
• Some journalists use information from sources without further investigation.
• News and events are covered without proper guidance or inputs from citizens, and such coverage lacks good news judgement.
• Some Arab journalists approach certain issues differently due to their sensitivity and to avoid punishment or the displeasure of government officials. In addition, many government officials do not have a positive attitude towards the media and undermine its complementary role in society.
• A lot of space in newspapers is devoted to reports from news agencies and pieces about arts and entertainment, which leaves little space for more serious local issues.
• Delay in the establishment of a union or association of Qatari journalists and writers. This has discouraged a large number of Qataris from joining the profession because they feel they will not be protected or supported in their demands. No doubt, journalist and writers should feel free and confident in the discharge of their duties, otherwise they will feel discouraged and be unproductive.
• The Doha Centre for Media Freedom is run by a non-Qatari and non-Arab individual. The members of its board of directors and most of its advisory council members are non-Qataris. DCMF is ignoring our society’s concerns and Qatari writers and journalists when organising events. It also has a record of violations in the name of freedom of speech, particularly during the tenure of its former head Robert Menard.
Do you see how we contradict ourselves and give intruders and dishonest persons the opportunity to pour their venom in our society?
