DOHA: Lack of awareness about the role of media in the society and low salaries prevent Qataris from entering to journalism profession, say panelists in an innovators’ salon recently organised by the Cultural Creativity Centre (CCC).

The discussion was participated by known local media personalities and columnists such as Salman Al Sulaiti, Ahmad Al Muhannadi and education sector representatives including Dr Batool Kalifa from Qatar University and Dr Amina Al Hail from the Supreme Education Council and centred on the issue of young Qataris’ reluctance to work in the media and how they can be encouraged to enter the profession.

Participants said one of the main reasons for their reluctance is lack of awareness among young Qataris on the vital role media plays in the development of the society.

The journalist’s low salary and long working hours and more efforts involved at work are among other reasons cited by the experts, making young Qataris view journalism a problematic profession.

Many of these young professionals instead aspire for posts in the government because of better salary and benefits and job security, the panel said.

Forum recommended that providing necessary encouragement among young people to pursue a career in media, increasing salaries of journalists and giving necessary facilities and training will attract Qataris to this profession.

Those who wish to enter the media should also be prepared psychologically for the demands of the profession and know how to communicate with the public, they said adding the negative attitude towards the media should be changed making young people understand media’s mission and its significance to the community.

Specifically, they suggested Qatar University to send journalism students to train in local newspaper as part of their course and give certificates after the training.

Hassan Al Sahi, director of CCC and Reem Al Harami, board member moderated the discussion which was attended by writers and poets among others.

The Peninsula