KUWAIT CITY, Oct 6: The Ministry of Information announced a remarkable decrease in the number of media outlets referred to the Public Prosecution – around 90 percent. The ministry made the announcement during a panel discussion it organized recently entitled, “National Media as an Action Serving Kuwait Vision 2035,” with the owners and managers of newspapers and electronic media outlets in attendance. Director of the General Department of Media Regulation at the ministry Lafi Al-Subaie confirmed that the ministry observed greater responsibility on the part of the media this year, with only nine cases referred to the prosecution, compared to 96 in 2024. Al-Subaie underscored the need to foster a sense of responsibility in media work.

He explained that the Media Regulation Law will contribute to establishing a mechanism to regulate advertising for advertisers and promoters. He said the publication of misleading advertisements or unlicensed products will be prohibited, and advertising companies and celebrities will be required to clarify that the content presented is a paid advertisement or a commercial collaboration. He added that the goal of these measures is not to impose restrictions, but to set professional boundaries to ensure responsible media work and quality content.

He revealed the ministry contacted all relevant authorities regarding the Media Regulation Law, which was discussed with the Legal Advice and Legislation Department. He stressed that the law repeals all previous laws related to visual, audio, print, publication and electronic media, putting everyone under the umbrella of one comprehensive law. He affirmed the commitment of the ministry to ensure that the law does not include any media warnings, only guiding principles for media content, while ensuring that everyone working in the field is aware of these principles and adheres to them Asked about some entities filing complaints against media outlets through the ministry, Al-Subaie clarified “we have no summons system now, but the Media Regulation Law arranged such matters so that they go through several stages, starting with a warning and then a summons, so as not to reach the stage of referral to the judiciary.”

He pointed out that the Media Regulation Law allows the establishment of licensed media companies and allows five or six people to obtain a license to establish a media institution or company. He stressed that the media companies and institutions system is the best in terms of legal and regulatory structure, and this will be done in cooperation with the ministries of Commerce and Industry and Public Authority for Manpower. He went on to say that “the rumors today originate from certain accounts, which publish information without verification. The current discussions aim to unify a mechanism for media coverage that is visible and clear to everyone, based on the media’s responsibility to produce reliable and appropriate content.” He added that previously, media outlets -- newspapers and others -- were subject to review of their content before publication out of a sense of responsibility. “Today, individual accounts are required to verify the accuracy of news before publishing it in order to maintain media credibility and professionalism,” he concluded. On the other hand, Dr. Saleh Al-Otaibi, Head of the strategy team at the ministry, revealed in a press statement that the panel discussion is part of the participatory approach of the ministry to develop its media strategy for the years 2026-2030, which aims to develop the national media system in line with the fourth development plan of the country. He said “the ministry is currently developing a comprehensive media strategy that enhances the role of national media and keeps pace with the rapid transformations in the global media.” He pointed out that “the media is a dangerous weapon. Some believe that television channels have ended and print journalism has disappeared.

However, we affirm that print newspapers remain a major source of news and information in the electronic media. Television channels also continue to provide visual content that is circulated through electronic platforms. All of these constitute an integrated media body, from which no media outlet can be dispensed. Therefore, we want a more responsible media.

By Mohammad Al-Enezi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff