A profile of journalists in Qatar: traits, attitudes and values

Abstract

This study draws a portrait of media practitioners in Qatar in terms of educational background, working conditions, and professional orientations. The main research tool of this study is the survey method. An 88-item questionnaire was administered to journalists. The study covered the daily press (both Arabic and English), the radio and television networks, and the national news agency – QANA. The sample of the study consisted of 125 journalists from all the news organisations in the country. Findings of the study suggest that 90% of the journalists in Qatar are expatriates from Arab and Asian countries, 34% of them are female, 68.8% of them hold a bachelor's degree. Over three-fourths of the surveyed journalists were satisfied with their job and working conditions, however; 74.4% said it is very difficult to investigate corruption. Journalists in Qatar believe strongly that the media are very influential in shaping and forming public opinion. Findings from the interviews revealed that journalists are aware of some weaknesses and common criticisms of journalism in Qatar, such as lack of in-depth reporting and too often being viewed as a megaphone and a spokesperson for the government, concentrating too much on routine government activities.