Kuwait’s TV legacy turns 65

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 15: Kuwait Television marked on Sunday the 65th anniversary of its official launch on November 15, 1961, recalling more than six decades of documenting the country’s history and reflecting its political, economic, social and cultural development. The station began broadcasting from Sharq in black and white, with four hours of daily programming and limited technical capabilities. Its gradual development included the introduction of color broadcasting in 1974 using the PAL system and the opening of the Media Complex in Kuwait City in 1979.

Director General of the Ministry of Information’s Television Department Bader Al-Da’ei told KUNA that the anniversary was an occasion to celebrate the pioneers who laid the foundations of Kuwait’s television industry and the generations of media professionals who developed it. He said Kuwait Television had become an integral part of the country’s national memory through its news coverage, drama, cultural and social programs, and documentation of major national events. Al-Da’ei stressed the need to modernize production and broadcasting tools, expand the station’s presence on digital platforms and social media, and invest in young national talent to keep pace with changes in the media landscape.

He also praised the support of Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Information and Culture Omar Al-Omar, Ministry Undersecretary Dr. Nasser Muhaisen and Assistant Undersecretary for Radio and Television Turki Al-Mutairi. Over the decades, Kuwait Television has played a key role in covering national occasions and preserving the country’s cultural heritage. During the 1990 Iraqi invasion, Kuwaiti media continued broadcasting from abroad, conveying the country’s position to regional and international audiences until liberation and the resumption of official transmission from Kuwait. (KUNA)