Qatar imposes ‘chilling’ restrictions on broadcasters at World Cup, with likes of BBC and ITV ‘not permitted to film near government buildings while people can’t be interviewed in their own homes’
- Qatar has imposed significant restrictions on broadcasters ahead of World Cup
- Broadcasters will not be permitted to film at accommodation sites in Qatar
- They will also be prevented from filming near of within government buildings
Broadcasters will be banned from interviewing people in their own homes at the World Cup in Qatar as part of reporting restrictions.
As reported by The Guardian, the likes of BBC and ITV will also be prevented from filming at accommodation sites, including those housing migrant workers.
They will only be allowed to film in public places in three locations in Doha – the Corniche waterfront promenade, the West Bay area and the Towers area.
Broadcasters will be banned from interviewing people in their own homes at the World Cup in Qatar
Broadcasters are also not allowed to film near of within government buildings, universities, places of worship and hospitals, or on property that is privately owned.
It is said that the restrictions could have a ‘severe chilling effect’ on media coverage at the tournament, which begins next month.
Outlets must agree to the list of conditions when applying to the Qatari authorities for a filming permit.
The likes of BBC and ITV will also be prevented from filming at accommodation sites
It is also stressed that outlets must acknowledge that they cannot produce reports that are ‘inappropriate or offensive to the Qatari culture’
It is also stressed that outlets must acknowledge that they cannot produce reports that are ‘inappropriate or offensive to the Qatari culture, Islamic principles’ or ‘may arouse ethnic or religious disturbances’.
The restrictions could make it difficult for broadcasters to investigate issues such as the way in which migrant workers have been treated and LGBTQ+ rights.
According to The Guardian, Fifa said it was ‘working with the supreme committee and relevant organisations in Qatar to ensure the best possible working conditions for media attending the tournament, as well as ensuring that broadcasters continue to report freely without any restrictions’.
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