Media and Arts

Qatar Foundation and Bloomsbury Publishing launch ambitious new scientific publishing house

Qatar Foundation and Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing have announced a plan to establish a high quality scientific publishing house in Doha. The aim of this unique collaboration is to become the publisher of choice in the MENA region and beyond and to help communicate the mission of Qatar Foundation and the achievements of its researchers as widely as possible to the global research community. Dr. Mohamed Fathy Saoud, President Qatar Foundation, said "This is another unique initiative led by Qatar Foundation. The establishment of a world class scientific journal for publication of high quality research will provide the platform that can support the dissemination of research results in the MENA region and across the world." He added "BQFJ will convey Qatar Foundation mission as a hub of excellence for the generation of knowledge through research, education, innovation and creativity." Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing was established in 2008 in Doha to publish books in English and Arabic. The unique relationship between Qatar Foundation and Bloomsbury has now been extended to a new publishing house called Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Journals (BQFJ). BQFJ will publish scientific research developed to the highest international peer-review standards in order to connect the international research community to Doha, one of the fastest growing research and development centers in the world. BQFJ will be an integral part of Qatar Foundation and the establishment of a high quality scientific publishing house in Doha will play a significant role in communicating Qatar Foundation's mission to make Qatar a world leader in research within the region and beyond.

Eleven bids for 5 new FM radio licenses

A new generation of FM radio stations is entering the Saudi market soon with the announcement of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the qualified 11 media alliances and companies which will submit their financial bids for the five new FM radio licenses in the Kingdom. Four media companies have failed to provide the minimum financial guarantees from Saudi banks to make it to the second round, according to Riyadh Najim, assistant deputy minister for engineering affairs and supervisor of audiovisual media. The qualified alliances and companies included the alliance of Alf Alf, the alliance of Arabia Advertisement and Public Services, and Arab Radio and Television (ART); the alliance of Jazirah for Press and Publication; Rotana Audi Visual Company; the alliance of Noor Telecommunications; the alliance of Al-Mawarid Electronics Limited Company; Media Gates Limited Company; the alliance of Saudi Specialized Publishing Company and the alliance of Saudi Fal Company; the alliance of Al-Watania for Advertisement and Publication; Shams Union; and Ghaya Innovation Holding Company.

Qatar forum to discuss digital media literacy

The significance and benefits of digital media literacy across social, cultural and economic objectives will be discussed at a forum in Qatar next month. The Digital Communications Literacy Forum on February 9 will examine the role that digital literacy can play in the development of the new communications environment in the Middle East and will explore ways in which it can be addressed to create both economic and social advantages, organizers said. The one-day forum will also look across a spectrum of issues from industry initiatives, to the development of social and cultural aims, the protection of minors and others from inappropriate material, the International Institute of Communications (IIC), and ictQATAR said. Speakers include experts from the European Union, the World Internet Project, and broadcasters BBC and Al Jazeera.