Doha: Qatar News Agency (QNA) is commemorating its 51st anniversary by reinforcing its role as a pivotal player in the global media landscape, particularly in the digital age.
According to Qatar News Agency, the agency is keen on equipping its media professionals with the necessary skills to navigate the rapidly evolving digital environment, combining journalistic and technical expertise to stay ahead in the sector.
The Director of Al Jazeera Media Institute, Eman Al Amri, highlighted the importance of a well-established national news agency as a cornerstone of an integrated media ecosystem. She emphasized the agency's commitment to training journalists and editors through various courses and development programs to keep up with technological advancements and the changing media landscape.
Ph.D. Abdulrahman Al-Shami from Qatar University stated that training is crucial for transferring skills between generations of journalists, with QNA playing a significant role in bridging the gap between theoretical study and practical application for students.
Dr. Walid Al-Saqaf, a media technology expert, pointed out that modern journalism requires skills beyond traditional writing and editing, including cybersecurity, fact-checking, and data analysis. He stressed the need for academic and media institutions to collaborate in preparing journalists for the digital era.
Dr. Seeta Naqadan Al Athba from Qatar University emphasized the importance of cooperation between the university and national media institutions like QNA, highlighting the role of languages and translation in projecting a country's image internationally.
QNA is poised to expand its regional and international presence by developing multilingual content and digital storytelling formats. The agency aims to leverage its capabilities in areas where Qatar has a strong influence, such as diplomacy and culture, to strengthen its global standing.
Dr. Walid Al-Saqaf believes QNA has the potential to become a global model in information integrity and multilingual communication, especially amidst challenges related to misinformation. He noted the agency's ability to communicate directly and simultaneously in multiple languages to convey Qatar's voice globally.
Eman Al Amri concluded that QNA has significant opportunities to broaden its influence by developing digital content and strengthening partnerships with international media institutions, thereby enhancing its regional and international standing.