The choice of the Middle East for the first time to host the World Media Summit (WMS) Doha 2016 in its third round reflects the growing importance of the region as a major global focus point due to the fundamental transformations and changes it has undergone, Al Jazeera Media Network chairman Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer al-Thani has said.
“The choice of the topic ‘The Future of news and news organisations’ for this prestigious summit reflects the common challenges facing the media and media persons, especially the risks facing journalists in many countries around the world. Many of them have lost their lives for the freedom of speech and truth,” he told the opening session of the two-day event  in Doha last night.
Sheikh Thamer affirmed that such a situation demanded close co-operation among all media organisations to make the protection of journalists a global issue.
“The rapidly advancing digital technology for the means of communication and social media provide another field of co-operation to make our channels continue to be a main source of documented and true information and free opinion.”
Sheikh Thamer recalled that ever since it was founded 20 years ago, Al Jazeera Media Network had been seeking to present a distinguished media service that respects the intellect of the viewer and provides information honestly with professionalism.
“Through its various media platforms and screens, Al Jazeera Media Network has provided the opportunity for the expression of opinions, supporting the just causes of the common man. The main objective of Al Jazeera since its beginning has been to reach the truth wherever it could be and convey the image of the event and the reality as it is with complete objectivity and integrity.”
Sheikh Thamer stated that as Al Jazeera Media Network worked at the heart of this region, it would continue to carry its message and assume its professional responsibility. As an important part of the media scene, it would also continue positive co-operation with media organisations on different levels, including the World Media Summit, while striving to achieve the highest levels of excellence.
At the third WMS being hosted by Al Jazeera Media Network, around 350 delegates from 100 countries will explore the major challenges media organisations are facing, from the decade-old giants, to the start-ups pushing the boundaries of content and distribution.
The WMS serves as an efficient platform for media organisations to communicate and pool collective wisdom for their survival and development, convening every two to three years. The summit was jointly initiated by Xinhua News Agency and other leading media organisations.