Qatari students are put off from becoming journalists due to low pay and long hours, a panel of prominent Qatari journalists and writers has concluded, reports the Peninsula.

The discussion, which was held at the Cultural Creativity Centre, focused on young Qataris’ reluctance to work in the media.

The panel, which included representatives from local newspapers, universities and the government, also concluded that many young Qataris are not educated about “the vital role the media plays in society,” says the Peninsula.

The panel suggested ways to increase interest in the sector, including raising salaries and broadening opportunities for journalism training in Qatar. 

The newspaper also reports that the panel emphasised the need for students to “be prepared psychologically for the demands of the profession.”

The panel’s conclusions come just days after the launch of two separate studies which are aiming to find out how free Qatar’s growing media sector really is.

One of the studies will be done by at the request of Sheikha Mayassa by Northwestern University in Qatar, which celebrated its first graduation ceremony for its journalism students earlier this year. 

How do you think the media scene will change if more Qatari nationals become reporters? 

Credit: Photo by NS Newsflash