DOHA: Qatar’s media has played a vital role during the siege when it contributed to spreading stability and tranquillity contrary to the image the blockading countries’ media portrayed about Qatar.
“We are living in Qatar and not coming from another planet. The life was normal during the beginning of the siege and did not touch that level as was painted by the siege countries’ media,” said Professor Dr Noureddine Miladi, Head of Department of Mass Communication at Qatar University.
He said that Qatari media either radio, TV channels or newspapers played another big role after the imposition of siege and it was to spread the message how to overcome the effects of siege and rely on local products.
“This message penetrated into the spirit of companies and they started establishing firms and succeeded in producing many food items that we see on the market shelves nowadays. The market has now become full of Qatari food items carrying proud labels Made in Qatar,” Miladi said while talking to Qatar TV recently.
It is pertinent to mention here that a number of Qatari officials have confirmed that Qatar will become self-sufficient in dairy products within the next few months. The self-sufficiency in frozen chicken will reach 100 percent by the end of this year and plans are afoot to increase self-sufficiency in meat products and eggs at satisfactory level within next two years.
“Among media role is to defend community issues and without any doubt, Qatari media succeeded to rebut the siege countries’ lies against Qatar. Despite this, it also maintained its professionalism and objectivity.”
Miladi noted that unfortunately a number of famous media outlets of the siege countries had credibility and many followers from Arab countries but after siege of Qatar they “failed to maintain it” and began fabricating news stories against Qatar and lost their good reputation.
