Is Doha News Reliable? Full Review of Bias, Ownership, and Credibility
Doha News Overview and Political Bias
Observers suggest Doha News transitioned from an independent, sometimes critical outlet to one more aligned with Qatari state interests following its 2016 censorship and subsequent sale. While it provides local coverage, some critics argue it avoids sensitive domestic political issues while maintaining a pro-Palestinian and regional perspective.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center |
| Estimated number of readers | 1,500,000 |
| Israel support | Pro-Palestine |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Medium |
| Target Audience | Expatriates, English-speaking locals, and international observers |
Doha News History
Founded in 2011 by journalists Shabina Khatri and Omar Chatriwala, Doha News became Qatar’s first digital-only news platform. It gained international recognition for its reporting on the 2012 Villaggio Mall fire. After being blocked by Qatari authorities in 2016, it was sold and eventually relaunched in 2020.
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Who owns Doha News?
Initially founded as an independent venture by expatriate journalists, Doha News was acquired in 2020 by a Qatari-based digital media company. While it maintains an independent editorial stance, reports suggest the current ownership has closer ties to the local business and political establishment than the original founders.