The newspapers and magazines available in the country can be broadly classified into two categories: local and foreign publications. The first is hundred percent Qatari-owned, and comprises the bevy of Arabic and English newspapers and magazines published in Qatar, which are read both by citizens and expatriates. The second comprises foreign newspapers and magazines available here, which together run into thousands of titles, which we see displayed on newsstands at supermarkets and libraries. Some foreign newspapers have launched Doha editions and the rest are brought here and distributed by leading dealers.
In the past few years, the foreign publication segment has undergone sweeping changes, though all of it has not been completely positive. The main driving force behind growth is the economic boom and increase in population. The surge in the inflow of expatriates into the country has created a huge demand for foreign publications — especially for titles from their home countries. Also, new magazines are published every year worldwide and owners are keen to distribute them in Qatar. Some existing, widely-read publications abroad, which haven’t entered the Qatar market until now, are eager to exploit the new opportunities available in the country. Then, there is the multitude of specialised publications catering to various segments of industries and professions.
Perhaps the most seminal development of all has been the launch of Doha editions of some foreign newspapers to cater to the exaptriate population. Eleven foreign newspapers, from the International Herald Tribune to Tamil Times, have started Doha editions, which come out in eight languages, and are distributed early morning with other newspapers. (See table on the next page).
It hasn’t been a story of shining success. Sources at the big distribution companies say the newspaper segment of their business has suffered severely under the onslaught of the Internet and is unlikely to recover. They have discontinued the distribution of several foreign newspapers in the past couple of years due to lack of readers, and these include Indian and British newspapers. At the same time, the circulation of almost all existing foreign newspapers has plummeted. The impact on the magazine segment has been limited, though there are fears that it may also be hit. While some expect an uptick in future sales, others see a flatlining of growth, and even a decrease.
