KUWAIT – All views on unified media law ‘welcome’ in Kuwait

Information Minister and State Minister for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al- Sabah 

INFORMATION Minister and State Minister for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al- Sabah has stated that all views on the “unified media” law are welcome as part of efforts to support the information mission. In response to rumours that the proposal will be withdrawn, he said, “The proposed law has already been tabled and will now be discussed between the government and the National Assembly.” Al-Sabah pointed out that the ministry presented its views on dealing with the latest developments in the media world, such as the emergence of electronic media, with clarity and transparency. 

He said the objective of the new law would remain the same regardless of the differing views on it. The minister also spoke about his meeting with editors-in-chief of local papers. He said such meetings will continue, adding that the law made in 2006 still exists and the amendments to it in 2010 were introduced keeping in mind the media community. “That is why we did not introduce anything new that would have implications on journalism,” he explained. 

However, Al-Sabah said regulating information was the responsibility of the information ministry, and the ministry’s views were developed in consultation with specialists in the field, after which they were presented through the proposed law. He stated the new law would help organise “unorganized information issues, most notable of which is the e-media”.