Muscat: The State Council discussed draft law on media on Tuesday. Shaikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, reviewed the session’s agenda, which included the media law draft referred by the Council of Ministers as per Article (49) of the Council of Oman Law, along with various topics related to the Council’s work.
In his speech, the chairman highlighted the relentless efforts to advance the Council’s work and fulfil its responsibilities with dedication and proficiency. He praised the significant contributions of the members through both permanent and special committees.
The proposed media law draft follows years of regulatory laws, such as the Press and Publishing Law, the Artistic Works Law, and the Private Radio and Television Establishments Law. These laws, coupled with advancements in media tools and methods, necessitated a new law to regulate and enhance media work in Oman. This new legislation aims to support journalists, media professionals and institutions, covering both traditional and modern media formats.
Dr Mohammed bin Saeed al Hajri, Chairman of the Council’s Social and Cultural Committee, emphasised the importance of the draft law in adapting to changes in media practices.
He noted that existing legislation needs updating to align with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. The Social and Cultural Committee formed a subcommittee to discuss the draft law, including input from various media institution leaders and Council members, ensuring valuable feedback was incorporated.
Dr Abdullah bin Khamis al Kindi, the committee’s rapporteur, provided a summary of the draft media law and the amendments introduced during its review. He stressed that the law focuses on media freedom and the guarantees provided for its exercise.
Key developments during the session included votes on several articles. The Council agreed not to add a new article proposed by the Majlis Ash’shura, voted to summarise twelve articles without amendments, and added three new articles.
Additionally, they voted to delete a clause from Article Four that would prohibit broadcasting and publishing certain information, citing it as prior censorship.
A majority vote approved a new article added by the Social and Cultural Committee, stipulating that complaints must be submitted to the minister, and any licence or media activity cancellation would be issued by the minister.
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