Since its roll-out on November 17, 1981, the Observer has kept its goal of keeping readers abreast with the news of the day. Started through a Royal Order, as an eight-page newspaper telling the stories in black and white, it has grown, diversified and matured with time.
The only English-language newspaper to be published on all seven days in the Sultanate of Oman, the Observer has become bolder and more inquisitive. No doubt, this iconic brand, with its uninterrupted journey has developed a unique style, making it an inseparable part of life in the Sultanate of Oman.
Even as the Covid-19 put extra strain on publications in an already tough, competitive industry, the Observer continued to provide important services, without interruption, thanks to the support of a committed government led by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
The Sultanate pays great attention to media legislation. The Print and Publishing Law was issued in 1984, in a framework of a State of institutions and laws under construction. Amendments were also performed later to some articles of the law in line with the upcoming era requirements.
The Sultanate was also one of the first Arab countries to regulate the visual and audio media sector and allow the establishment of private Radio and TV stations, especially following the issuance of the Law on Private Radio and TV facilities in 2004.
There was also a need to develop the Media legislation system, while updating the existing media laws for consolidation under one law entitled “Oman Media Law”.
A new law upgraded and developed to meet the new developments of the era. Oman’s basic statute especially articles 29 and 31, respectively state: “The freedom of opinion and expression thereof through speech, writing and other means of expression is guaranteed within the limits of the Law” ; “The freedom of the press, printing, and publishing is guaranteed according to the terms and conditions prescribed by the Law. Anything that leads to discord, affects the security of the State, or prejudices human dignity or rights, is prohibited”.
In the Sultanate of Oman, newspapers enjoy freedom of expression as granted by the constitution to access information, analyse it and make it public knowledge. So, in that regard, the responsibilities of newspapers are immense. The Editor-in-Chief, Abdullah al Shueili, said, “We firmly believe in the traditional role of newspapers that they stand and advocate for the good of the public. Newspapers that continue to stand for what is right in the social, environmental and cultural realms will be fulfilling their obligation and satisfying their purpose.”
This is what makes the Observer distinct. It gives the readers different storytelling experiences. It gives them what they want. It’s an educator, a monitor, a consultant and a household guide and vade mecum, too!
No doubt, it has been a growth par excellence for the Observer. What sets off the newspaper today from its nascent years is its ability to take on all topics, including social and economic changes in the Sultanate of Oman in particular and the region and the world in general.
Known for its objective reporting, Observer does not take sides in its opinions, columns or reportage. While it focuses on the rights and welfare of the Omani population, it does not forget to acknowledge its responsibility towards the well-being of the large number of expatriate population present in the country.
In an era where even conventional newspapers resort to sensationalism and activism for readership and social media followers, the Observer believes in the fact that the media’s primary role is to report news as it happens, without being judgmental.
“Amid online competition and deluge of social media posts, newspapers are nothing short of miracle when you consider how much happens in a day and turn it into a finished product for readers. Of course the newspaper is still a force to reckon with’’, says Al Shueili.
Although millions of readers still stick to the traditional news-reading experience, more and more, even the old-school readers, are shifting online as news is delivered in real-time through a dizzying variety of sources.
At the Observer, says Abdullah al Shueili, “We treat our print edition at par with that of online. While we use the online for breaking news, we ensure that all the news of the day whether international, national or regional are printed so as to reach them to our traditional readers”.
Social media are leading, supplementing and complementing what professional news organisations offer, providing fresh source material for reporters, but also competing with them for public attention. But print media is not obsolete yet, and may well never be so! A reader’s time spent flipping through pages could never be replaced by a digital screen!
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