The meeting was inaugurated by Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) CEO HE Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Thani al-Thani alongside QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham. The event was organised by QU’s Media Department, in co-operation with QMC, aiming at refining student skills, developing their capabilities, and opening training and employment opportunities with the participation of officials from a number of media institutions in the country.
A considerable number of media students and graduates, who participated in the meeting, were able to voice their concerns and discuss issues of interest with the senior media officials and representatives.
'Achievements of Qatari media to be recognised'
Addressing the meeting, Gulf Times editor-in-chief Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka stressed that the achievements of the Qatari media have to be recognised and introduced to the new generations.
"We have excelled in the sports media and the recent 25th Arabian Gulf Cup in Iraq was given excellent coverage by a Qatari journalist to just give a recent example. Besides, Al Jazeera network's channels have changed the outlook of the media in the Arab World. Also, in the arts and music field, Sout Al Khaleej Radio has been offering elite distinguished experience to the listeners," pointed out al-Mudahka.
The components of a positive work environment in the field of media is strongly present and available in Qatar, but have to be effectively utilised, he added.
HE Sheikh Abdulaziz pointed out that the "meeting is very important because it promotes partnership between two institutions interested in developing the media profession in Qatar; Qatar University and Qatar Media Corporation. The university prepares future leaders and gives them the skills to ensure that they practice the profession perfectly, and the institution subsequently refines their experiences and talents and provides them with practical skills in order to respond to the needs of the Qatari labour market.” Dr al-Derham, expressed his hopes that the meeting would be a turning point in the relationship between the Media Department and QMC. He pointed out that the event represents a practical translation of QU's strategic plan aimed at providing society with graduates who meet the various developmental needs sought by the state.
He noted that the meeting comes as a co-operation initiative between QU and QMC, stressing the need for more integration between the academic world and the job sector to maintain the soft power of media in keeping national unity, upholding the image of the country and promoting the value of the solidarity.
Sheikh Abdulaziz advised the students to work hard to realise their dream and be ready to face and overcome the challenges involved in the field of media as the job of a journalist needs a well-equipped person to take the initiative round-the-clock and be able to explore the facts and undertake all the involved responsibilities to present his or her audience with reliable and authentic in-depth material.Saad al-Rumaihi, former director of Qatar TV, stressed that those who want to join the field of the media should pursue this with genuine passion for the profession, so as to create their own creative content. He urged the students to go for their aspiration step-by-step and strive to build their career through diligent daily practice.
The editors in chief of many Qatari newspapers took part in the meeting and expressed their readiness to support the media graduates and aspiring media persons through an open door policy, through which they can get practical field training in journalism and expand their creativity and skills.