Majed Al-Ansari, adviser to the Prime Minister and spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Monday urged graduates of Northwestern University in Qatar to uphold truth in journalism and honour reporters killed while covering conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan. He delivered the remarks during the university’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony in Doha.
The address comes at a time of growing concern over press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide. Al-Ansari framed the profession as a responsibility tied to public trust, warning that the pursuit of accuracy is increasingly challenged by fast-moving and agenda-driven media environments.
Truth in journalism and sacrifice
Al-Ansari told graduates that journalism carries a deeper obligation beyond professional success. He pointed to the deaths of journalists in conflict zones as evidence of the risks associated with reporting.
“Journalism is not just a profession. For many, it is a sacred duty that led to the ultimate sacrifice,” he said, adding that many of those killed were young reporters working in difficult conditions.
He urged the graduates to recognise that their work may shape public understanding during times of crisis. Therefore, he said, commitment to truth in journalism remains essential.
Lessons from the 2017 blockade
Al-Ansari also reflected on his own experience during the 2017 blockade on Qatar. At the time, he frequently appeared in international media to present the country’s position.
He described the challenge of navigating competing narratives and what he called agenda-based journalism. “I made a lot of mistakes,” he said, noting that the experience reshaped his understanding of communication.
According to Al-Ansari, stepping into a public-facing role changed his responsibilities. He told graduates that official communication requires representing national interests rather than personal views.
Role of a spokesperson
Al-Ansari said that since his appointment in 2022, he has played a central role in communicating Qatar’s foreign policy. His work has included media briefings, diplomatic outreach and academic engagement, according to information published by the university.
He emphasised that public messaging in government positions requires discipline and clarity. As a result, he said, personal narratives often give way to broader national messaging.
Changing media landscape
Al-Ansari warned that the media industry is shifting toward speed and visibility. He said competition for attention can undermine accuracy if not carefully managed.
“Serious journalism… is now often pulled into a different race, one driven by controversy and visibility,” he said. He added that the focus has shifted from who gets the facts right to who publishes first.
However, he urged graduates to resist that trend and prioritise truth in journalism. He said credibility remains the foundation of the profession despite evolving technologies and platforms.
Call to defend press integrity
In his closing remarks, Al-Ansari encouraged graduates to stand firm against attempts to suppress information. He said journalists play a critical role in holding institutions accountable and informing the public.
Northwestern University in Qatar, a branch campus of Northwestern University based in the United States, offers undergraduate programmes in journalism, communication and liberal arts. The graduation ceremony included faculty, families and university leadership, and opened with the national anthems of Qatar and the United States.
As graduates enter the media industry, Al-Ansari said their choices will shape how truth is reported and understood. He stressed that maintaining integrity will be essential as global challenges continue to test the role of journalism.
The remarks highlight ongoing debates about media responsibility, safety of journalists and the balance between speed and accuracy in reporting. As conflicts persist in multiple regions, the risks faced by journalists remain a central concern for the industry.
