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CNN has wrapped up the first CNN Academy Doha, delivered through its partnership with Media City Qatar. The two-week immersive program brought together 30+ students from three Qatar-based universities for hands-on training in journalism and storytelling, connecting local talent with industry expertise and practical skills.
Building on its previous support for local participants in CNN Academy across the region, CNN brought the program to Qatar for the first time, expanding opportunities for hands-on industry training and equipping local talent with the skills needed to contribute to the country’s growing media sector.
Students from Northwestern University in Qatar, Qatar University, and the University of Doha for Science and Technology took part in the training, led by CNN experts and focused on storytelling in the AI age. As part of the experience, they visited CNN’s Doha studio for a behind-the-scenes look at the production of CNN Creators, which follows digital-native storytellers exploring technology, art, culture, sport, and social trends.
The program also offered participants a special opportunity for a live conversation with Ellana Lee, Group Senior Vice President, General Manager APAC and Global Head of Productions at CNN, who shared insights into her experience leading teams across CNN and the network’s work in producing and delivering stories across platforms to audiences worldwide. The session was hosted by Jonathan Hawkins, Vice President of Communications, Global News at CNN.
“Preparing the next generation of media professionals means connecting education with the realities of the industry,” said Hamad Omar AlMannai, CEO of Media City Qatar. “Through initiatives such as CNN Academy Doha, we are helping young talent learn from international expertise and understand how to apply their skills in professional settings. Building these pathways is an investment in the people who will contribute to Qatar’s media sector over the long term.”
Ellana Lee said: “It was a privilege to spend time with this group of young storytellers and aspiring journalists, not only to share our experiences as professionals, but also to hear from them. It’s gratifying to know that there is a burgeoning passion for journalism in Qatar. I’m also incredibly proud that CNN is playing a role in providing the skills, training and insights to help them navigate through the modern media world at a time of rapid change.”
Among this year’s participants is Pakinam Elseehy, a journalism student at Northwestern University in Qatar. Reflecting on her participation, she highlighted the value of the practical skills and personalized guidance she received. “This course exceeded my expectations,” said Elseehy. “We got treated as respected journalists from people way above our rank which really helped inspire me.”
She added that the training reinforced her interest in journalism and introduced her to career possibilities she hadn't previously considered. “It’s helping us by giving us a concise week full of information and so much hands-on experience that reminds us [of] what our life will be like beyond university.”
For Hana Muneer, a journalism and mass communications student at Qatar University, the program offered a chance to gain first-hand insight into how an international news organization operates and to connect with industry professionals. “I was keen on meeting people, getting to know what it’s like in the industry and knowing how CNN does their things,” she said.
She went on to highlight the value of building connections beyond the university environment and learning how journalists develop their skills over time. “As an [aspiring] journalist, it’s good to know that it’s all a learning experience and people gained these skills with time.”
The program builds on Media City Qatar’s partnership with CNN, which also includes hosting CNN’s first-ever Global Perspectives event in the region and Doha being the base for CNN Creators. As part of CNN Global Perspectives: In Doha, nine students from universities in Qatar also took part in an internship program, in which they gained practical training working alongside the CNN production team.
Building a skilled pipeline of local media talent is a key part of the media ecosystem Media City Qatar is developing. Through initiatives such as CNN Academy, Media City Qatar is connecting students with industry professionals and practical training, helping them develop the expertise and experience needed to support the long-term growth of Qatar’s media sector.
