Hanane Djoua
Doha
At a seminar jointly organised by the Qatar Press Centre and the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies, leading figures from the media, academia, and public service explored how journalism, traditional media, and digital platforms influence societal stability, public awareness, and state security, particularly in the rapidly evolving information age. The discussion was held under the critical ‘The Role of Media in Enhancing National Security’.
Opening the discussion, Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed Al Khater, a prominent Qatari writer and sociology expert, emphasised the strong link between journalism and national security. He described journalism as a “complex communication tool that preserves public order and transmits societal values.”
Citing historical examples from Lebanon in the 1960s and 1970s, he highlighted how journalism played a critical role in public security and awareness.
Khater recalled instances where prominent journalists, such as the Al-Hayat columnist who wrote Speak Your Mind and Move On, and Michel Abu Jawdeh, who penned Al-Nahar’s Briefcase, were targeted due to their outspoken roles in society.
These incidents, he argued, demonstrate the power of media to challenge hegemony and maintain public order.
Shifting to the Gulf region, Khater praised the resilience of Qatari media during the blockade, where it showcased remarkable strength in countering false narratives.
However, he warned that media could also become a tool of misinformation if misused, referencing the role of British outlets in promoting false claims about Iraq’s nuclear weapons, which misled global audiences and paved the way for conflict.
Saad Al Rumaihi, chairman of the Qatar Press Centre, discussed the delicate balance between press freedom and societal responsibility.
While freedom of expression is essential, he stressed the importance of oversight, particularly in developing countries, to protect the social fabric and ensure stability.
“Freedom of the press does not mean the freedom to publish unverified information,” Rumaihi explained.
He pointed out that journalists must be accountable for the accuracy of their reports, and in some nations, penalties for spreading false information can include imprisonment.
This responsibility, he argued, is fundamental to journalism’s role in safeguarding national security.
Rumaihi also addressed the growing challenges facing traditional media. With the rise of smartphones and social media, print newspapers and television have seen a decline in audience engagement.
He noted that many major global newspapers have shifted to digital platforms or reduced their print editions, urging local outlets to adapt to these changes to remain relevant.
Mubarak Jaham Al Kuwari, a Qatari writer, highlighted the media’s role as a mirror of society, reflecting its concerns and aspirations. He, however, observed a decline in citizen engagement with local media, including newspapers and television, compared to earlier times.
He recalled the impact of influential radio programmes such as Good Morning, My Beloved Country and Issues and Opinions, which were once central to public discourse in Qatar.
Kuwari emphasised the need to study the reasons behind this decline and work toward restoring local media’s connection with the public. “If the media is not close to the people, it loses its role in enhancing national security,” he remarked.
The discussion also focused on the disruptive impact of digital media and cyber armies.
Faisal Abdul Hamid Al Mudahka, editor-in-chief of Gulf Times, drew attention to the role of cyber armies in shaping global events. He cited the alleged influence of cyber armies during Donald Trump’s 2016 US presidential election, where fake news campaigns targeted Hillary Clinton and contributed to Trump’s victory.
Mudahka also highlighted the involvement of cyber armies in attempts to separate Catalonia from Spain by spreading false information.
In Qatar, he noted their role during the blockade, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the FIFA World Cup, where online campaigns sought to distort Qatar’s image internationally.
To counter these challenges, Mudahka called for a systematic strategy to analyse such campaigns and develop effective responses.
He stressed the importance of empowering Qatar’s digital media sector to combat misinformation and protect national interests.
Ambassador Mohammed Ali Al Malki, a former media professional, criticised the rise of unregulated social media influencers who claim to be journalists but harm the reputation of professional journalism. He called for stricter regulations to protect the credibility of the profession and highlighted the need for greater efforts to showcase Qatar’s social and economic advancements on the global stage.
Faleh bin Hussein Al Hajri, editor-in-chief of Al-Arab Newspaper, echoed concerns about the negative impact of social media on traditional journalism.While acknowledging the influence of social media, he noted its decline in credibility due to the enforcement of cybercrime laws.
Hajri emphasised that journalism is a specialised profession that requires expertise and accountability. He called for stronger collaboration between government entities and the press to ensure accurate and reliable information reaches the public.
“When critical issues arise, people turn to professional journalists for clarity,” he said, highlighting the enduring importance of traditional media.
Jaber Salem Al Harami, editor-in-chief of Al-Sharq, stressed the need to nurture Qatari professionals in journalism, particularly in opinion writing. He dismissed claims of censorship, pointing out that many Qatari writers continue to contribute valuable perspectives to the media landscape.
However, Harami expressed concern over the unregulated nature of social media, which he described as “chaotic.” He emphasised the importance of providing journalists with access to accurate information and fostering stronger collaboration between the press and institutions to ensure transparency and accountability.
The seminar highlighted the indispensable role of media in enhancing national security, from preserving public order and exposing corruption to countering misinformation and fostering societal cohesion.
The speakers agreed on the need for a free yet responsible press, robust digital media strategies, and stronger collaboration between journalists and government institutions.
