Middle East Media: Press Freedom in Kuwait

Abstract

A good profession is prone to having rules that govern its practice. The same applies to journalism. Many countries have, at least, a semblance of press freedom guarantees articulated in their respective constitutions. This indicates that even countries with authoritarian, totalitarian, or communist regimes are not totally defiant of the merits of the concept. Rather, restricting press freedom serves self-interest or desire to have the status quo in place, thereby assuring continuity by virtue of the fact that opposition would be checked or simply quashed. Notwithstanding, journalists experience numerous man-made hurdles in the course of performing their duties. In Kuwait, however, practitioners of the craft are blessed to do so in a country that guarantees press freedom and is described as the most liberal press in the Arab World and North Africa. Despite certain restrictions to exempt the Amir (nation’s ruler) or God from criticism, even journalists admit they enjoy the rights associated with press freedom. Then again, all is not rosy. Journalists find themselves fighting charges, revocation of reporting rights, or closure of media operations.
After all is said and done, there is one buoyant reason for optimism. The government of Kuwait does not shy away from handling tough, contentious issues pertaining to press law. And the players in the legal system, the government, parliament, journalists and journalism associations, as well as the public, are all on the same wavelength when it comes to addressing press freedom issues.