Doha, Qatar -- Northwestern University launched its first executive media training events in Qatar in May, which was attended by over 60 local media professionals. Launched in connection with the Qatar Foundation's Management Education and Research Center (MERC) and taught by professors from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, Kellogg School of Management, Media Management Center, and Northwestern University in Qatar, the sessions focused on the global media transformation. The workshop was a Qatar Foundation initiative to encourage local journalists and editors to benefit from its newest university, Northwestern University in Qatar, which offers world-class academic programs in journalism and communication as well as its new center focused on executive education and research.

Explaining the objective of this event, Dr. Fathy Saoud, President of Qatar Foundation stated: "One of our major objectives has been to introduce executive quality education programs in order to leverage local capabilities in all fields. Today, we are delighted to be working with our newest university partner, Northwestern University to provide world-class training in journalism, marketing and communication."

Dr. Ahmed Hasnah, Associate VP for Higher Education at Qatar Foundation, noted, "as part of the successful implementation of Qatar Foundation's mission in education, research, and community development, as well as to meet the needs of the country and region, not only undergraduate degrees will be offered but an increasing number of graduate programs and training events are beginning to be offered under the auspices of Qatar Foundation."

Sessions were taught by Michael P. Smith, the Executive Director of Northwestern's Media Management Center, John Lavine, the dean of Medill School of Journalism, and Richard J. Roth, Senior Associate Dean for Journalism at Northwestern University in Qatar. Training sessions at the workshop highlighted the following areas: trends reshaping media, global best practice in media growth and how to increase revenue through advertising.

John Lavine noted that this event was an opportunity to test the demand for training sessions the university is considering having in the future: "Media management executive and continuing education expands on Northwestern's efforts to partner with media organizations in Qatar to create educational and professional opportunities for its workforce. This event shared Northwestern University's research, and knowledge of the changing global media field. We feel we learned a lot about the needs of media leaders and professionals over these two days that will help us shape potential executive and professional education programs for the future."

The event was attended by senior leaders, editors and marketing executives from the Peninsula newspaper, Qatar Tribune, Al Jazeera television, Qatar Foundation, as well as other government agencies and corporations.