Freedom of the Press

I think your sentence "In a vibrant democracy (as he Egyptians seem to want) it is vital to have a free press where those in power are called to account." says it all...

You cannot have one without the other.

There is no need for a free press in Qatar! The ruling family does what they want anyway. And they cannot be removed legally. The constitution says so. So, what should they worry about?? And speaking about a leader in a negative tone is not common in all Arabic countries. They are too fixed on their "leaders." It's not in their mentality to attack a "leader." In Europe are "Representatives" of the people. I heard the word "leader" only after I came to the Middle East.

Egypt didn't even want honest press coverage during the protests even if it was to their benefit! Look at how reporters were attacked and driven out of the country. I doubt the press will see any more freedom even with a democracy.

Ha ha, Virgin has been stripped (excuse the pun) of anything that could be deemed offensive or interesting!!

I guess the internet is the great leveler. People buy Kindles or IPads now and just download whatever book they want without censorship.

As I said to my Qatari friends when Qatar won the WC. Its good in some ways, but for those that want the country to stay the same or become more conservative you have no chance now. The magnifying glass will be on Qatar for the next 11 years and the foreign press will not be as respectful when it comes to sensitive issues.

Some Locals wants more freedom of press to suppress freedom ;)

Yesterday , a local called a radio show demanding that more censoring must take place at virgin megastore's book section!!! As if there is any books left there

There is change happening online though through blogs, FB and Internet forums.

There is a difference between maligning and insulting people and freedom of speech. Yes those two can be included, because one persons insult is anothers construction debate.

As a very senior local said to me last year. Its ok for me I can go home and say whatever I want, but for him he cannot even tell his boss that he is wrong without having to suffer the consquences.

My view is that Qatar is moving in the right direction with programmes such as Doha Debates and other Arabic shows. However it will not changed from a closed, no questioning society to a soceity of free speech over night. It will take time for people to get used to new freedoms.

Well, not recently.

I would say that Qatar TV had more freedom in the 80's than now!

When there was many local tv anchors

Nowadays, none of the anchors would take the initiative of hosting such programs nor do I think will it appeal to local audience as most turned away from local media in general

Except for a QF sponsored TV show "the decision is yours" , where local official are questioned by the audience of college & school students

Www.lakom.qa

Still, it doesn't raise any eye brows nor does it answers many questions

By far, Kuwait has the strongest Freedom of press among GCC countries . That's after excluding Aljazeera of course.

how about you exiled, you have the courage only to malign and insult other people.lolz

you are an original COB.

just in case you dont know, COB means

Cranky Old astard.

and thats what your children are calling you.

I guess people are too afraid to comment on this one!

Obviously politics and religion are taboo but bashing the foreigners is fair game and is encouraged!

There is no equivalent of News Night on local TV. No one grills the ministers or complains. QF radio is a pretty good English-speaking example of how the interviews go.

If you want entertaining complaining, the local Arabic call-in shows are fantastic. People call in a rage to complain about local issues--traffic, schools, foreigners (a big complaint), etc. It's not political though.

That's an interesting question. I would like to know also. Are some subjects taboo?