Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Sunday issued Royal Decree 58/2024 on the promulgation of the Media Law, after presenting it before the Council of Oman. The new law guarantees freedom of expression and guarantees the right of members of society to freedom of expression and exchange of opinions.

It will promote sustainable development and raise community awareness of important issues by emphasizing the effective role of media in community awareness and behavior change. The law ensures a safe environment for media work and avoids restrictions on the press and media.

It focuses on preventing the spread of false information and rumors that could harm the country’s reputation and harm society with inappropriate content that could incite hatred and violence. The law aims to promote transparency as a tool to combat rumors by providing information to the public and creating an informed media culture.

The law has a clear legal framework for all media platforms such as written, visual, audio or electronic media. It ensures raising the level of quality of media production through government communication by encouraging media professionals to adhere to professional ethical standards and ensuring compatibility of content with societal/religious values ​​and principles.

All previous laws, such as the Press and Publications Act, the Artistic Works Censorship Act, and the Private Radio and Television Acts, were repealed.

In a statement, Dr Abdullah bin Nasser al Harrasi, Minister of Information, highlighted that the law aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040, in response to changes and advancements in media and the impact of technologies modern digital technology. “The law strengthens the mission of Oman’s media by respecting the principles of objectivity, accuracy, complete neutrality and freedom of opinion and expression, within the framework of the country’s fundamental laws and by strongly emphasizing the “emphasis on the values ​​of citizenship and national pride,” he said.

License required

A media person would need a license to carry out the following activities, which include advertising, consultations, rebroadcast or recirculation of any activity, new agencies (including visual), websites and media accounts. media information, as well as media activity within the country.