The two selected Qatari newspapers are Al-Sharq and Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, both in their digital editions. Each outlet follows its own editorial approach, with differing stances on many international political issues. Al-Sharq is widely regarded as high parallelism, while Al-Araby Al-Jadeed maintains a more independent tone in its reporting (Al-Jaber, 2021). Ownership structures also differ: Al-Sharq is privately owned, while Al-Araby Al-Jadeed is published by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, a non-governmental organization.
Both platforms employ active, professional journalists who publish daily news, alongside reports, feature stories, and infographics. Funding sources further distinguish between the two. Al-Sharq receives financial support from Ezdan Holding Group, a publicly traded company on the Qatar Stock Exchange, whereas Al-Araby Al-Jadeed is funded directly by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies (Al-Shafi, 2023).
Editorial focus also varies. Al-Sharq offers broad coverage of local, international, African, and Asian affairs, positioning itself as a comprehensive news source. Meanwhile, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed places greater emphasis on the Arab Israeli conflict and related international dynamics, consistently voicing support for Palestinian political rights.
In summary, we select Alsharq newspaper because it tends to follow government-aligned positions on domestic matters, and international coverage, also as a model of official national media, or one closely affiliated with the government. Therefore, it represents the local government interest in most of its coverage.
On the other hand, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, which launched its first publication in London2011, is a model of national and international media that transcends borders and represents a state’s soft power without being tainted by its editorial policy, as is the case with Al-sharq newspaper.
The two selected newspapers reflect, to some extent, the relationship that governs the
media and politics in Qatar. This relationship reflects relative differences in editorial
policy, which can be further clarified considering the media’s coverage of local,
regional, and international issues, as well as through an analysis of each newspaper’s
agenda within the context of its respective editorial policies.
Qatar has become a major media center due to the political developments taking place in the Middle East. Qatar has witnessed remarkable developments in the performance of print, visual, and audio media, satellite channels, and new media platforms.
Qatar makes significant investments in the media industry, particularly in Al Jazeera, its flagship broadcaster and a regional powerhouse. The private sector, or individuals, own most media outlets. Most outlets support the government. (BBC, 2023)
The industry of media did, however, face difficulties after the trade embargo imposed by some Arab neighbors in 2017. However, the media segment is currently changing in step with the dynamic shifts in the global media landscape after hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which attracted international press coverage. (Group, 2023)
The Qatari Constitution contains three articles that directly and explicitly relates to the media and press. Article 46 stipulates that everyone has the freedom to address the public. Article 47 stipulates that freedom of opinion and scientific research is guaranteed in accordance with the law. Article 48 explicitly states that freedom of the press is guaranteed to all. The most significant shift occurred in 1995 when the government abolished media censorship and the Ministry of Information, making Qatar the only country in the Middle East to pave the way for media independence from the state and freedom from direct government oversight. At the same time, press institutions are no longer state-owned and are entirely owned by private sector companies. This feature is one of the most significant similarities between Qatari and American media. Newspaper circulation rates are limited compared to the United States, but the state of media integration has enabled Qatari newspapers to spread across social media platforms and gain more followers. (1)
The Qatari press relies extensively on international news agencies such as Reuters, France-Presse, and the German news agency. It also receives services from the New York Times, in addition to relying on correspondents, analysts, and press correspondents in major global capitals in America, Europe, Asia, the Arab world, and Africa. This makes media content more objective and neutral, with a noticeable bias toward crucial Arab issues, especially Palestine, and the aspirations of the Arab peoples for freedom and justice.
Qatari media is active in advocating for dialogue and the peaceful settlement of disputes, reflecting diverse viewpoints and fair representation of all political forces. This is a political stance like that of the American media. Additionally, Qatar has undergone a huge transformation in the realm of inclusive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) towards cultivating an ecosystem that promotes ICT accessibility and embraces diversity in line with the UN Convention. (AlMutawaa, 2023)
Although radio broadcasting began in 1968, the greatest transformation occurred after the launch of Al Jazeera in 1996, under the slogan “Opinion and Opinion.” Viewpoints regarding Al Jazeera varied, but it remained the most prominent news channel on the Arab political scene (2). Al Jazeera is the first news channel in the entire Arab region.
Qatari newspapers focus on global developments. Al-Sharq and Al- Aarabi Algadeed newspapers devote an average of five pages daily to global events. Al-Sharq has had an office in Washington, D.C., since 1997, and its correspondents have continued to focus on all activities related to Qatari American relations and matters of interest to both peoples.
Given the continuous development of Qatari American relations, the positive role played by Qatari newspapers in strengthening these relations is noteworthy. , Dar Al-Sharq Group, a major media group that owns four Arabic, English, and specialized economic newspapers, and a news website with the highest circulation, according to evaluations by neutral institutions, is considered a Qatari media platform that leads the Qatari media scene and influences public opinion in Qatar.
With the transformation of modern media technologies, the traditional media in Qatar are under considerable pressure to maintain their status among the public to compete with new media’s ability to report events instantly and facilitate direct audience interaction. New media now offers a broad range of ideas based on expression, dialogue, open discussion, the sharing of supportive and opposing views, and the dissemination of news and information. (Al-Jaber, 2020)
The Qatari media system is emerging rapidly to cater for the rapid socio-economic change and sustainable development the country is witnessing since its independence. (Kirat, 2016)
One of the newest media projects in Qatar is the launching of Media City Qatar (MCQ), which established by Decree No. (13) on 30 May 2019 as a cluster regulator, developer, and investor, with the aim of driving growth in the media industry and contributing to Qatar’s economic diversification. According to (MCQ), its strategy is based on attract International Media Companies, plays a pivotal role in positioning Qatar as a regional and global hub for media innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment. (Qatar, 2025)
Finally, Qatar utilizes media, as a key tool for soft power, enhancing its global influence and promoting national interests. (Vodyanov, 2023)
References
Al-Jaber, K. (2020). Media developments in Qatar. In N. Miladi, & N. Mellor, Routledge Handbook on Arab Media (p. 12 PAGES). London: Routledge.
AlMutawaa, A. (2023). Digital Accessibility Policy Landscape in the State of Qatar. Nafath, 1 – 5.
BBC. (2023, Feb 20). Qatar media guide. Retrieved from BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14702519
Group, O. B. (2023, February 20). Qatar media guide. Retrieved from BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14702519
Kirat, M. M. (2016). A Profile of Journalists in Qatar: Traits, Attitudes and Values. race: Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference Proceedings, (pp. 1 – 3). Doha: Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press).
Miladi, N. (2020). Al Jazeera network and the transformations in the global communication flow. In N. Mellor, & N. Miladi, Routledge handbook on Arab media (pp. 313-323). London: Routledge.
Qatar, M. C. (2025, June 4). When was Media City Qatar established? Doha, Doha, Qatar.
Vodyanov, I. N. (2023). Mass Media as the Main Component of Qatar’s Soft Power. The Association International Academy of Communicology, 13-27.
Alshafi, Qatari press, present challenges and prospects,34-38
1- Al-Jaber, Khaled, (2021) Media in Qatar: Origins and Development, Katara Publishing House, p. 231.
2- Ahmed Al-Yafei, (October 21, 2023), Al-Sharq Newspaper, 1.2 billion Viewers of Al Jazeera in 3 Months.
https://al-sharq.com/article/31/10/2023/