Middle East & North Africa

Oman

{This graph represents scores that have been modified by CIMA so that higher scores indicate a better media situation. It is intended to show trends over time; each index measures significantly different factors of press freedom. To see an explanation for how this graph was created, click here.}
 

IREX Description:

In October 2008, the Minister of Information announced that the Sultan of Oman ordered the training of all Omani print and broadcast journalists, both public and private. The announcement led Omani journalists to believe there was the political will to empower the media and give it more press freedom.

But other facets of Oman’s media structure remained the same: The government retained the right to close down any media outlet at any time, and Ministry of Information censors strictly enforced the Press and Publication Law, which authorized the government to censor all domestic and imported publications. Information and news are widely available in Oman, and foreign broadcasts are often accessed via satellite in urban areas.

However, there is a basic lack of coverage of local topics such as the economy, unemployment, or minority and migrant issues. Various media companies reportedly refused to publish articles by journalists who previously criticized the government. Some journalists alleged that the government maintained a “black list” of journalists and writers whose work could not be published in the country. The authorities tolerated a limited degree of criticism of policies, government officials, and agencies, particularly via the Internet; however, such criticism rarely appeared in the mass media. The government used libel laws and concerns for national security as grounds to suppress criticism of government figures and politically objectionable views.

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