Qatar Media Corporation begins broadcasting World Cup programmes

Doha: All media outlets of Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) have started broadcasting programmes dedicated to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, said QMC CEO H E Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Thani Al Thani yesterday.

The media outlets run by the QMC include Qatar TV, Al Kass TV, Qatar Radio, QBS Radio, Urdu Radio, Oryx Radio, Holy Quran Radio and Sowt Al Khaleej Radio.

QMC CEO Sheikh Abdulaziz also launched QMC’s new media outlet, ‘Hola Qatar Radio’, the first Spanish radio in Qatar during a press conference organised by the QMC at its headquarters yesterday, while launching audio and visual contents related to the mega sporting event for its media outlets. The QMC media outlets revealed their preparations and programmes for the World Cup.

Addressing the press conference, Sheikh Abdulaziz said, “QMC represented by its TVs and radios is prepared to make viewers and audience enjoy the World Cup despite differences in their culture and language backgrounds.”

He said that news related to sports, tourism, culture, heritage and musical programmes will be presented in a cultural format, demonstrating an international Arabic Qatari identity, matching to the exceptional edition of World Cup in a way to make Qatar echoing memory of the world for a long time.

“QMC media outlets covered the readiness of all state institutions for the mega sporting event. They build bridges of communications among all and highlight identity of our country, Arab and Islamic affiliation for all,” said Sheikh Abdulaziz.

He said that the QMC also carry messages promoting peace and coexistence among peoples following the state policy in this regard. 

“Qatar has been preparing since last 12 years to get ready from all aspects to host the World Cup to make Qatar and other Arab countries proud,” said Sheikh Abdulaziz.

Highlighting the readiness of Qatar TV for World Cup, the person-in-charge of the business of Qatar TV, Ali Saleh Bader Alsada, said that the channel will broadcast a number of programmes hosting over 300 guests from Qatar and outside of the country. 

He said that Qatar TV will run 19 hours a day during the World Cup.

“Since the beginning of October, we have launched a number of programmes related to the World Cup such as ‘Ala Al Tayer’, a quiz competition educating viewers about the mega event during the weekend,” said Alsada.

He said that a social sport programme Hala Fik has been also launched to host the families of players of Qatar football team, participating in the World Cup.

“There is a programme Kharij Al Malab (out of the stadium), an hour before the match, introducing two teams participating in the match, the stadium where the match will be held, and how to reach it, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior. We show the public the proper access of the stadium,” said Alsada. 

He said that many programmes are dedicated for children.

Khamis Al Kuwari, Assistant General Programme Observer at Qatar Radio, said that the Radio prepared a number of programmes for all listeners, including citizens and expatriates with special focus on the World Cup.

Mabrouk Al Zayani, in charge of Hola Qatar Radio said that the new outlet’s name was inspired by ‘We welcome everyone, to everyone’s Doha’, welcoming fans from all over the world.

“Spanish language is spreading fast in the country. About 20,000 people living in Qatar speak the language,” said Al Zayani, adding that the Radio will keep informing people about the Qatari culture, especially during the World Cup. 

Supervisor of Urdu Radio, Kholoud Al Hamidi said that the Radio with its huge number of listeners, is broadcasting a number of programmes to promote the World Cup. 

She said that Let’s Go Qatar is among the most important sports programmes introducing the history of sports in Qatar.