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Ministry of Information
Kuwait’s official media, supervised by the Ministry of
Information, follows an open and flexible policy, both
domestically and abroad. It is based on mutual
cooperation and respect for and non-interference in the
affairs of other countries. The policy is planned
collectively with emphasis on intellectual, social,
political and economic development.The Ministry spares
no efforts in developing its institutions, whether oral
(radio), visual (television), or written (publications
and newspapers), as well as the Information Centers
abroad. Radio and television fall under the authority of
the Ministry of Information.
Radio
Radio in Kuwait has come a long way since its first
transmission on May 12, 1951. Use of sophisticated and
state-of-the-art equipment at the Al-Maqwa, Kabid and
Al-Jeewan stations has contributed to its growth, which
both in terms of quality and quantity of transmission
has been phenomenal.
Television
Television transmission in Kuwait began in 1957 through
a very small transmitter. With the Ministry of
Information assuming charge in 1961, the process of
development got accelerated. Presently, apart from the
four state-owned channels, Cable and Satellite
transmission is available throughout the country. Kuwait
imposes no restrictions on the installation and use of
satellite dishes or receivers. Many Kuwaitis own a
satellite dish or own receivers that they use to watch
channels from all over the world. There are no
regulations and none of the signals are blocked or
censored. The Failaka station that had suffered major
damages during the Iraqi aggression has been restored
and has resumed telecast.
Publications
The press in Kuwait enjoys a high degree of freedom and
is supported extensively by the Ministry of Information.
Kuwait takes pride in its free and vibrant press, which
it regards as a democratic form of freedom of
expression.
However, the Ministry of Information censors all books,
films, videotapes, periodicals, and other imported
publications deemed morally offensive. The Ministry
censors for political content as well and does not grant
licenses to magazines with a political focus.
The Ministry of Information brings out a number of
specialised publications - books, periodicals and other
informative items. Some of these are Facts & Figures,
the Annual Yearbook, the Official Gazette, Kuwait Today,
the Al-Arabi etc. The Ministry also publishes a variety
of print collateral - posters, folders, stickers,
calendars, brochures, cards and postcards - on special
occasions.
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