Well, what can I say, having read through all the comments I'm actually quite disappointed that QBS taken a massive downtown since I was on. Spent 3 great years working for the station back in the late 80s and early 90s, had the time of my life and started what has been a very enjoyable career in broadcasting. Most recently I spent 3 years working for Channel 4 in Dubai and took a couple of trips across to Doha and was surprised at how bad QBS had become, especially when you consider it's proximity to Al Jazeerah!
While I won't name any presenters in particular, the output is very poor and it's obvious that it needs a massive shake up, though from what I understand, it's just not a priority for the Ministry of Information and the Qatari government at the moment. Global satellite news obviously takes precedence and I fear that's the way it will stay.
However, if Qatar follows the example set by Dubai and lets new, independent stations set up then I believe that someone could make a heck of a lot of money! A new station catering for an expat market, run professionally with experienced presenters would be a massive hit and finally give listeners a decent alternative. I hope that it's only a matter of time. (And, yes, I'd jump at the chance of being involved!)
Incidentally, someone earlier mentioned Team Trivia Teaser which we ran way back when. Undoubtedly it was a massive hit and saw hoards of people head back home on a Friday afternoon from diving weekends or day trips to the offshore island in order to take part. Community radio it its finest - and I say that not just as one of its presenters, but as a participant in it's early years under the excellent Stan Howard! However, in this internet age I fear it just wouldn't work, information is so readlily available and the format we used just wouldn't be viable any more. That doesn't mean to say that I haven't got other ideas....!
Well, what can I say, having read through all the comments I'm actually quite disappointed that QBS taken a massive downtown since I was on. Spent 3 great years working for the station back in the late 80s and early 90s, had the time of my life and started what has been a very enjoyable career in broadcasting. Most recently I spent 3 years working for Channel 4 in Dubai and took a couple of trips across to Doha and was surprised at how bad QBS had become, especially when you consider it's proximity to Al Jazeerah!
While I won't name any presenters in particular, the output is very poor and it's obvious that it needs a massive shake up, though from what I understand, it's just not a priority for the Ministry of Information and the Qatari government at the moment. Global satellite news obviously takes precedence and I fear that's the way it will stay.
However, if Qatar follows the example set by Dubai and lets new, independent stations set up then I believe that someone could make a heck of a lot of money! A new station catering for an expat market, run professionally with experienced presenters would be a massive hit and finally give listeners a decent alternative. I hope that it's only a matter of time. (And, yes, I'd jump at the chance of being involved!)
Incidentally, someone earlier mentioned Team Trivia Teaser which we ran way back when. Undoubtedly it was a massive hit and saw hoards of people head back home on a Friday afternoon from diving weekends or day trips to the offshore island in order to take part. Community radio it its finest - and I say that not just as one of its presenters, but as a participant in it's early years under the excellent Stan Howard! However, in this internet age I fear it just wouldn't work, information is so readlily available and the format we used just wouldn't be viable any more. That doesn't mean to say that I haven't got other ideas....!
Peace!