In a panel discussion at the second National Consultation in Qatar on Media and Information Literacy (MIL), media experts addressed the challenges facing mainstream media practitioners in an age of misinformation and disinformation. With the rapid spread of information through technology, consumers are constantly bombarded with both genuine and fake news, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. The event, organized by Unesco in collaboration with the Qatar National Committee for Unesco and Al Jazeera Media Institute, aimed to enhance understanding of the MIL framework in Qatar and develop a plan of action to promote MIL in the country.
Dr. Ali Al Maarifi, the secretary general of the Qatar National Commission to Unesco, emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust in the media by combating misinformation and promoting responsible reporting. Panelists, including Jaber Al Harami, Editor-in-Chief of Al Sharq Newspaper, and Kamel Hamidou, Associate Professor at Qatar University, discussed the role of the media in promoting MIL and the need for media organizations to incorporate MIL principles into their operations. Al Harami highlighted the decline in trust in global media due to the prevalence of fake news and emphasized the importance of prioritizing accuracy and context over speed in reporting.
Al Harami also emphasized the need for media institutions to keep pace with the rapidly changing media landscape and to focus on providing balanced and objective coverage to combat misinformation. Hamidou echoed this sentiment, stressing the necessity for responsible journalism in light of the proliferation of fake news. He expressed optimism that the insights gained from the consultation would positively impact the media landscape in the region. Al Kaabi of the Qatar Media Center reiterated the organization’s commitment to promoting media and information literacy and fostering a safe digital environment in the country.
Overall, the event highlighted the challenges facing media practitioners in the digital age and emphasized the importance of promoting media and information literacy to combat misinformation. By incorporating MIL principles into their operations and prioritizing accuracy over speed, media organizations can play a key role in rebuilding trust in the media and educating the public. The insights gained from the consultation are expected to have a positive impact on the media landscape in Qatar and beyond, with a focus on responsible journalism and combating fake news.
