Oman’s Shura Council Approves Draft Media Law for Legislative Round-Up

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: On Sunday, the Shura Council approved the draft media law and referred the bill to the State Council to conclude the legislative session.

The deliberations on the draft law encompassed extensive discussions, with the Committee on Media, Tourism, and Culture proposing amendments to the articles.

Abdullah Hamad Al Harthy, Chairman and Rapporteur of the Media Committee, presented the panel’s report, outlining the proposed amendments to the articles and the justifications behind such revisions.

These discussions unfolded within the framework of the 7th regular session of the council’s first annual convening during the 10th Term (2023-2027), held under the auspices of Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council.

Dr. Ahmed Ali Al Saadi, Chairman and Rapporteur of the Legal Committee, also shared the committee’s perspectives on the draft media law and the proposed amendments forwarded by the Media, Tourism, and Culture Committee.

The development of the new media law was prompted by rapid advancements in the media landscape since the issuance of existing laws governing media activities, necessitating the consolidation of statutes into a unified law.

Upon endorsement, the new law will supersede existing legislation governing media activities, including the “Printing and Publishing Law,” the “Law on Private Radio and Television Establishments,” and the “Law on Censorship of Artistic Works.”

The Shura Council is scheduled to convene its 8th regular session on Monday, April 22, 2024, to address the statement of the Minister of Information, Dr. Abdullah Nasser Al Harrasi, further advancing legislative proceedings related to media regulation and governance.