media industry | feature story
Since its inception Al Jazeera network’s English language television channel has garnered the attention of audiences across the globe for its objective coverage of large news stories, many of them ignored by Western outlets, winning numerous accolades and critical acclaim. However, when it comes to the development of a thriving media business sector within its own borders, Qatar still faces many challenges, argues Shehan Mashood.
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nited States (US) secretary of state, Hillary Clinton recently said she felt Al Jazeera offered real news, something, which channels in the US were failing at. Indeed, American cable networks have seen the media favour discussion panels over on the ground reporting, with CNN closing its investigative unit last year because it was not profitable. However, Al Jazeera has grown to become one of the most, if not the most influential media outlets in the region, and is looking to expand its reach. It provides the news from the perspective of the developing world, and not simply those that have a bearing on the foreign policies of Washington. Al Jazeera is no doubt an organisation reflecting the kind of ambition Qatar has shown internationally in recent years. However, inside the nation that is home to the news organisation, some media experts inside the country feel that the same drive and ambition apparent in so many aspects of the country is not matched when it comes to developing the local media. Everette E. Dennis, dean of Northwestern University in Qatar (NUQ), explains to The Edge that while there is some reference made to the media in Qatar’s 2030 National Vision, it has not been strongly enunciated. Dennis also feels that there is a lack of cohesion among the various elements of the local media, and if they presented a more unified front they could become a stronger voice in developing a sector that has much potential to contribute to Qatar both socially and as a thriving business sector. In fact, during a speech at a media industries forum organised by NUQ and largely driven by Dennis in late 2012 he commented passionately on the subject. “Unlike Qatar’s evident and visible commitment to such cluster economies as energy, health and medicine, education, sports, culture, tourism, meetings,” he said, “it is more difficult to see a transparent vision for media industries. It is assumed, however, that the term ‘knowledge-based
industries’ does embrace general audience media and specialised media linked to economic sectors and others.” The media industry must be seen as a genuine economic sector, Dennis explains to The Edge, adding that media development is related to economic development in that media is really a kind of information engine for all enterprises. In addition to being a source of revenue in itself, it leads to strong synergies and increased business activity. The advertising industry, public relations and various other commercial enterprises, he adds, are what a thriving media sector can bring to Qatar. This is certainly an important component of driving economic growth particularly at the retail level, which drives much of the marketing spend.
Doha Media City?
At the forum, sentiments were expressed regarding the possibility of Qatar setting up a ‘media free zone’ akin to that of Dubai or AbuDhabi to achieve some sort of cohesion in the media sector. Some critisism of the idea centres on that fact that many international news media outlets have regional headquarters in the United Arab Emirates and would be unlikely to open offices in Doha. Dennis says this does not have to be a physical location, but could be a de facto media city. Much like the Qatar Financial Centre allowing organisations not based in their building to be registered with them, and declare their offices under QFC Authority, there is not necessarily a reason for the various media enterprises to be in physical proximity to each other, points out Dennis. A Qatari media city does not have to be about the news, he furthers. Abu Dhabi for example he says, has a media free zone mandated with developing Arabic content. “It is important to understand what kind of growth in the media sector is possible with an expected population increase from 1.7 million to 4.5 million over a certain period, adds Dennis. “The two most important facets that will shape any media city will
“Qatari companies should be able to reap the benefits of growth in the media sector” Khalid Al Sayed, editor in chief, The Peninsula. The Edge | 59