Northwestern University in Qatar continues to lead with delivering world-class media and broadcast curriculum as it advances its broadcast infrastructure, implementing advanced technology designed to prepare students for media platforms of the future. This initiative reflects the University's commitment to adapting to the evolving landscape of digital media.
The production and broadcast facility at Northwestern Qatar was inaugurated in 2017 with the then-industry standard 3G-SDI technology. Since then, the facility has provided students with access to high-definition playback and recording capabilities, sophisticated studios, and advanced newsrooms.
“Northwestern Qatar is positioned as a pioneer in this technological transition, serving as a leading model for media schools around the world and setting a benchmark for industry practices,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar. “The University’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology not only enhances its educational offerings but also influences media production standards globally. The new sustainability features in this upgrade, such as reduced power consumption and minimized heat generation, align with our core values of responsible innovation and environmental stewardship, further demonstrating our dedication to a sustainable future.”
As part of its ongoing efforts to upgrade its facilities, the school has upgraded its broadcast and news infrastructure to 4K resolution. This upgrade utilizes the new industry standard SMPTE ST 2110 platform, which offers a more flexible and sustainable approach compared to the traditional Serial Digital Interface (SDI). While SDI has served as a reliable standard in the production industry for many years, it has limitations in terms of scalability and sustainability.
“This upgrade provides our students with an ultra-modern learning environment that reflects industry standards,” said Rami Al-Badry, director of production and digital media. “By integrating new technologies, we better prepare our students for the demands of the media industry while also ensuring that our infrastructure is sustainable and efficient.”
“The University’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology not only enhances its educational offerings but also influences media production standards globally. The new sustainability features in this upgrade, such as reduced power consumption and minimized heat generation, align with our core values of responsible innovation and environmental stewardship, further demonstrating our dedication to a sustainable future.”
The upgraded newsroom and broadcast facilities at Northwestern Qatar support an immersive curriculum with courses like broadcast and video production, and documentary-making for journalists. Through hands-on courses, students gain essential skills in live production, storytelling, and multi-platform editing. Working with industry-standard tools, they are calibrated with both technical expertise and real-world experience.
Ilhem Allagui, director of the Journalism and Strategic Communications Program at Northwestern Qatar, said, "Practical learning is a cornerstone of our journalism education. By engaging in real-world production and storytelling in our advanced facilities, students are not only mastering technical skills but also building the confidence and resilience required to thrive in a rapidly evolving media landscape. This mindset ensures our graduates are well-prepared to excel from their first day on the job."
The newly deployed system is designed to be future-proof, enabling capabilities not only for 4K but also for 8K and beyond, ensuring the school remains at the forefront of technological advancements in media production. The SMPTE ST 2110 platform allows for the transfer of digital media over IP networks, enabling the separation and synchronization of video, audio, and ancillary data. This transition reduces hardware needs and simplifies cabling and cooling requirements, resulting in lower operational costs.
The new upgraded system can deliver more than 500 4K channels, enhancing the University’s broadcast capabilities. The upgraded infrastructure is scheduled to go live in January 2025, marking a significant step forward for the University’s production capabilities.
This sustainable system consumes less power and generates less heat compared to traditional systems. This focus on efficiency aligns the University with global sustainability standards and Northwestern Qatar’s sustainability mandate.
