Doha: Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) has launched what it describes as a pioneering Arab media encyclopedia, unveiling the project on Monday at a ceremony attended by the corporation's CEO, HE Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulaziz bin Jassim Al-Thani, senior officials, media professionals, and cultural figures. The initiative forms part of QMC's efforts to enhance Arabic media knowledge and expand the availability of reliable, academically grounded content in digital libraries.
According to Qatar News Agency, the encyclopedia will document media concepts, theories, influential figures, and key institutions in both the Arab region and globally. It is designed to keep pace with rapid developments in the digital environment while promoting a more coherent and rigorous media vocabulary. The first volume is expected to be released at the 2026 Doha International Book Fair, with the next publication scheduled for May as part of a regular release plan intended to maintain momentum and allow for continued scholarly contributions.
The encyclopedia will be available in both written and audio formats via a dedicated online platform, supported by a continuous update policy to ensure the content reflects emerging trends in the media industry. Its main sections include traditional and digital media terminology, communication theories and applications, profiles of prominent media figures, and overviews of leading media institutions.
The launch event included a panel discussion, featuring Dr. Mohammed Al-Khatib of Al-Azhar University, Dr. Hanan Al Fayadh of Qatar University, and journalist Ahmed Al Sheikh, moderated by media presenter Abdulrahman Al Shammari. The session explored the evolution of media terminology and the need to reassess concepts in light of contemporary transformations.
Mohammed bin Sulaan Al Marri, supervisor of the project, said the encyclopedia seeks to restore clarity to media language and reaffirm the role of knowledge, adding that it is intended to serve as a bridge between experts and practitioners while bringing academic insight closer to real-world media practice. In remarks to QNA, Al Marri described the encyclopedia as the first of its kind in the Arab world due to its specialised focus on media terminology and its mandate to correct and standardise frequently used concepts. He noted that the region's media landscape has long suffered from inconsistencies and conceptual ambiguities, prompting the development of a comprehensive reference for researchers, professionals, and students.