03-07-2025
Evolution of News Media in Oman
News media in Oman has undergone an interesting journey, whether in terms of news gathering or distribution.
Before we understand the evolution of media in Oman, we need to consider the process of information dissemination prior to Oman's modern renaissance.
According to the Ministry of Information publication Oman 94, at the time of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos's accession in 1970, no form of news media was available.
Even the few transistor radios that existed had to tune into international AM stations.
The book states that until 1970, instructions from the Sultan in Salalah were relayed via radiotelephone to the Army headquarters in Bait Al Falaj and posted on the walls in Muscat.
Within a week of the accession, for all practical purposes, the first broadcasting station was established. It was small, with just one kW, and based at Bait Al Falaj in Ruwi. From this point, people in Muscat and the surrounding areas could tune into Oman's national radio station. It was from here that His Majesty Sultan Qaboos made his initial broadcast to the nation, outlining his vision for Oman's development.
Transmission in Salalah commenced while a new medium wave radio station of 10 kW was inaugurated in 1972 in Muscat, with broadcasting hours of 14 hours a day, increasing to 18 hours during holidays. In 1975, a new radio station was inaugurated in Salalah. By 1979, satellite space technology connected Muscat and Salalah studios. By 1985, the Muscat medium wave transmitter power was increased to 20 kW, and additional VHF FM stations were established in Saham, Buraimi, Nizwa, and Sur to strengthen national broadcast relay.
Interestingly, Oman did not experience the era of black-and-white television as such. Instead, colour television was introduced in November 1974.
In the early 1970s, there was only one newspaper, but print media expanded through newspapers, magazines, and journals in specialised fields. The official news agency, Oman News Agency, was established in 1986.
Fast forward to the millennium, on 11 October 2023, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik stated in a speech to the Council of Ministers, 'In line with the rapid growth seen in all segments of the media sector, notably upgrades to modern media platforms, the Council emphasised the importance of developing this sector and devising active plans to capitalise on developments in a manner that contributes to achieving the national objectives of Omani media.'
The Ministry of Information develops media legislation. Over the years, the number of private radio stations has increased, as has the number of newspapers and television channels.
The emphasis remains on free and responsible media. The English Service of Radio Oman commenced on 15 December 1975; by 2015, it was providing a 24-hour service.
Today, Sultanate of Oman Television operates four channels: the General Channel, the Sports Channel, the Oman Live Channel, and the Oman Cultural Channel.
In the digital era, social media platforms have become integral to the media landscape, although they are distinct from traditional media.
The Ministry of Information's Ayn platform has become the largest digital content space in Oman.
English-language newspapers include Oman Daily Observer, Times of Oman, and Muscat Daily. The Observer has expanded into online media, making its content accessible globally through audio and video production, including podcasts on topics such as personalities, business, and mental health. Times of Oman launched its radio service, TFM.
The Private Radio and Television Establishments Law, enacted in 2004, allowed the private sector to own and manage radio and TV channels in Oman.
Hala FM and Hi FM are owned by the Media Entertainment Network, Muscat FM is owned by Muttrah Media Services Company, Al Shabiba FM and TFM are affiliated with Muscat Space Media Company, while Al Wisal and Virgin Radio Oman are owned by Sabco Media Corporation. Majan TV is the sole private satellite TV channel in Oman, broadcasting 24 hours since 2008.
So, how was information conveyed in the past?
Abdullah Al Amry, former news editor at Sultanate of Oman Television (English news), recalls, 'People used to travel from one village to another to convey news. In earlier days, the Sheikh of the area would send a messenger to deliver his oral or written message. Similarly, the Wali would send someone to deliver his messages or instructions. Often, the Wali would send the guard (Haris) to summon or invite Shaikhs to the Wali's office to communicate decisions or issues passing down from the Sultan.
Then came wireless technology such as radio and telegraph, leading up to where we are today — with mobile phones, where pictures and news are transmitted within seconds, sometimes live.'
If outdoor broadcasting was once the highlight with live coverage, today drone technology provides 360-degree coverage.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already impacting media, enabling content creation, distribution, and consumption within the media and entertainment industries.
This includes automating tasks, personalising user experiences, and even generating content itself. Many believe that AI is transforming media to be more efficient, personalised, and engaging for audiences.
For example, AI assists in content creation and production by helping to write scripts, analyse existing scripts for audience reception, and generate new ideas. AI also plays a significant role in visual effects (VFX), generating realistic visuals and simulating complex effects, thus reducing the need for manual work, as explained by experts.
Content optimisation is another promising area; AI analyses audience behaviour and feedback to refine content and enhance engagement.
The Ministry of Information is actively exploring the full potential of AI, which is poised to be the next major transformation in news media.
For traditional journalists, the rise of social media and influencers has necessitated adaptation. Most news organisations have incorporated social media platforms as extended channels for reaching audiences.
Suha al Ruqaishi, a broadcaster at Shabab FM and Sultanate of Oman Television, expressed excitement about the advent of podcasts, noting she is the first female journalist in Oman's Arabic media to have her own podcast.
She observes that media is evolving rapidly with technological advances: 'But we need to work harder. Technology might make our work easier, but it also presents challenges. We must be more creative and focus on content. Time is not on our side. We need to integrate AI.'
She questioned, 'Why could we reach audiences so quickly in the past?'
The answer, she suggests, is originality in content.
She added, 'We must work hard and uphold our ethics. Media ethics such as fact-checking and credibility are paramount. Experienced journalists can revisit their core principles and roots.'
She also pointed out, 'It's good to be well-known, but we must respect the audience—listeners, viewers, and readers. Media isn't just about bloggers and influencers, although they are part of the spectrum. Every element has its importance.'
Finally, she emphasised that news media isn't just about opinions but about maintaining objectivity and integrity.
