1999 World Press Freedom Review
There were no press freedom violations reported from Oman for 1999, however
this can be attributed to the lack of information emanating from the state.
Freedom of expression is tightly restricted in this Sultanate.
During a state visit to Egypt the Minister of information of the Sultanate of
Oman denied the existence of any restrictions to freedom of opinion in his
country, according to Al Ahram. When asked about government ownership of the
media he explained that the private sector avoided investing in the media
because it is too expensive and profit margins are not enticing enough to
attract interest. Moreover, he said that the nature of Omani society, where
officials communicate directly with their population, ensures that decision
taken by the state mirror their needs.
The Minister said that the Sultanate was prepared to have newspapers as long
as they are the property of Omanis and they comply with the Press and
Publications Law. The 1984 Law permits the Information Ministry to censor both
foreign and domestic media freely.
In December, 20-year old Tariq bin Hilal Al Barwani set up Oman’s first portal
website. The site is intended to serve the area and indeed the region with the
most up-to-date news on Information Technology incorporating free web-based
e-mail.
Regarding broadcasting, Quest economics database states that Oman radio
broadcasts 19.5 hours a day in Arabic and 15 hours in English. Whereas 11
hours a day are broadcast in Arabic on television.