The biggest challenge facing society is controlling the deluge of satellite television channels broadcasting content that is either smut or interactive commercial programmes that encourage text message responses via cellphones, a top official said yesterday. "A plethora of satellite television channels are targeting impressionable youth purely for commercial gain," Maryam Al Khater, Deputy Director-General, Doha Centre For Media Freedom, told The Peninsula. Speaking on the sidelines of a press conference held at the premises of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, she said, "We are abusing our children by exposing them to satellite content that is damaging their minds. The younger generation should review its spending behaviour. Instead of spending money on intellectual pursuits and knowledge they are watching bad content and programmes." Qatar is hosting a regional symposium to probe the destructive effects of such content broadcast by some satellite channels and other modern communication modes that target youth, council officials announced at the press conference. Educational, legal and social experts will discuss ideas to control the influence of satellite channels at the two-day symposium to be held here on November 2 and 3. The assembly of thinkers is likely to recommend measures to counter the dangerous effects of certain television channels that are corrupting the minds of impressionable youth. "It is imperative we assess the ethics and morals of such content and take steps to prevent exposing our children to its damaging effects," said Al Khater. "We have to discuss, debate and take action on the dangers of bad content while balancing the rights of the media and its freedom. This is our greatest challenge now." Some officials have suggested promotional campaigns to counter the damage done to society by such channels. They see an urgent need to adopt a regional media strategy that complies with the media charter and respects media freedom. The Peninsula This is so funny! Someone trying to STOP the media and she's from the Doha Media Freedom center! WTF?! I think she's forgotten what she's there for. You ask me? Target the PARENTS to stop letting their children watch High School Musical Lol.

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