Egypt
Freedom of Press |
Unknown |
| There is constitutional provision for freedom of the press with restrictions (Freedom House). |
Diversity of Media |
Diverse |
| Egypt has two state-run national TV channels and six regional channels. It is a key player in satellite TV; the Egyptian Space Channels are widely-watched across the Arab-speaking world. The channels enjoy the support of the country's huge programme-making industry and have access to a large archive of Egyptian films and TV programmes. Egypt was the first Arab nation to have its own satellite, Nilesat 101. The country's first private TV stations - Dream 1, Dream 2 and Al-Mihwar TV - came on air in 2001, broadcasting via satellite. The state monopoly on radio broadcasting was broken with the arrival of private, commercial music stations in 2003. (BBC) In terms of print media, the most popular newspapers are completely government controlled. (RSF), and, despite facilitating a greater diversity of media outlets, numerous magazines have been refused a license in recent years (Freedom House). |
Press Laws |
Severely Limited |
| Banned: criticism of the president, members of government, and foreign heads of state. According to the 1995 Press Law, written after the opposition newspaper Al-Sha'ab published articles on corrupt practices, the government can impose fines and prison terms for journalists convicted of slander. (Freedom House). The press shy away from articles relating to relations with the United States, nuclear matters, Islam, religion, morals and dissident mullahs. (RSF) |
Punishments |
Severe |
| Fines, imprisonment, (Freedom House) physical violence, harrasment and foreign journalists are expelled (Freedom House).
At the end of 2004, 1 journalist was in prison, 1 was given a prison sentence, several others were physically attacked and 1 expelled from the country. (RSF) |
Access for Foreign media |
Yes |
| Egypt set up a "Free Media Zone” 2000, including use of its media infrastructure and economic support in a bid to encourage foreign press (BBC). However, opposition and foreign media have little room for manoeuvre as printing and distribution is done by government-controlled firms. (RSF) |
Censorship |
Yes |
| Pro-government editors behave like regime officials and ensure self-censorship. Regardless, all newspapers - pro-government, opposition or independent - censor themselves on matters involving the president and his family, the judiciary, the army and religion. In recent times, even films, television and the remaining written press have either been subject to censor or have self-censored themselves. (RSF) |
Government Criticism |
Increasing |
| Even with all these restrictions, there are more and more editorials, even in the main pro-government daily Al-Ahram, that openly criticise the ruling party's monopoly of power and the regime's corruption (RSF) and the opposition media regularly attack the government (RSF). |
Other |
Bribes and corruption |
| The government also uses the press’s poor financial situation to exert influence and bring papers into line. There is also significant corruption with authorities and firms buying advertising or giving bribes in return for silence on issues. One must also take into account, that with only 45% illiteracy, the print media is not as directly influential as the broadcast media. (Freedom House) |
Iran
Freedom of Press |
|
| There is constitutional provision for freedom of the press with restrictions (Freedom House). |
Diversity of Media |
Yes |
| There are around 20 major national dailies, however, as only under a quarter of the population read a daily newspaper, it is not the main source of information. The state runs the only national and provincial television and radio channels. There are no private channels. (BBC) |
Press Laws |
Extremely Limited |
| Banned: defamation of Islam, the leader, the republic, national security, libel against officials or institutions or ‘deviant press, parties or groups that oppose islam’. In respect to these laws, there is rarely any legal proceedings before a ban is imposed. (Freedom House) The press shy away from articles relating to relations with the United States, nuclear matters, Islam, religion, morals and dissident mullahs. (RSF) |
Punishments |
Extreme |
| Arrest, detention, harrasment, prison, exorbitant fines, floggings and the death penalty. (Freedom House). Journalists are regularly threatened or summoned to the Intelligence Ministry officially or unofficially. They must buy their freedom by paying enormous bail, incurring debts or selling belongings to manage this. (RSF) Nearly 100 reformist newspapers have been closed down. 1 journalist was wounded, 13 imprisoned, 4 arrested, at least 60 summoned, 5 threatened, about 20 media outlets suspended or censored and 2 foreign journalists deported. One journalist died while being tortured by the state. (RSF) |
Access for Foreign media |
Extremely Limited |
| Foreign journalists must state what they intend to report and from where before they are allowed into the country. Once allowed in, official surveillance restricts their activities. (RSF) |
Free Internet |
No |
| In this harsh environment, news outlets turned to the internet which is increasingly censored by the government. Internet journalists have been arrested tortured and coerced. (Freedom House) |
Censorship |
Yes |
| Self-censorship is a common practice due to the vague and unpredictable nature of the law. (RSF) |
Government Criticism |
Unknown |
| |
Iraq
Diversity of Media |
Unknown |
| |
Press Laws |
Minor Limitations |
| The interim government has requested that the media to impartially cover the current situation and present the government's position. |
Punishments |
Moderate |
| Journalists face a number of threats from the insurgents, the government and the US ground forces. Over the Iraq war, 19 journalists were killed, 12 media assistants were killed, 5 imprisoned, 79 arrested and 3 media outlets physically attacked (RSF). |
Access to Foreign Media |
Unknown |
| |
Access for Foreign media |
Extremely limited |
| Due to the massive safety concerns, foreign reporters are incredibly hampered in their work, not least from insurgent hostage takers. Moving around requires bullet proof vehicles and additional security personnel thus, many have turned to the ‘safer’ option of embedding with US forces. However, the troop’s attitudes have been dubious and there is a lack of consideration towards journalists in the field. The government has also been hostile to the media, particularly Arab media outlets.(RSF) |
Government Criticism |
Unknown |
| |
Israel
Diversity of Media |
Diverse |
| The Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA), set up along the lines of the BBC, operates public radio and TV services and is funded mainly by licence fees on TV sets. All Israeli newspapers are privately-owned and several are available on the internet. Press and broadcasters are many and varied, and account for differences in language, political viewpoint and religious outlook. (BBC) |
Punishments |
None |
| There have been no reported cases of journalists being punished. |
Access to Foreign Media |
Available |
| Foreign Arab and Western press is freely and readily available without censor. |
Access for Foreign media |
Yes |
| Two foreign journalists have been expelled, one for conducting an interview with Mordechi Vanunu, subject to a gagging order and not running it past the military censors, and one for expiry of visa. |
Free Internet |
Yes |
| There are no limits on internet access |
Censorship |
Yes (Miliatary) |
| Articles on military security matters are censored but the censors have only a narrow scope of judgement and there is a robust system of appeal. Arabic newspapers are censored more often than Hebrew ones and Arab-Israeli journalists can be subjected to greater restrictions (Freedom House). |
Government Criticism |
Free |
| All Israeli newspapers freely criticise the government (Freedom House) and the media are very bold and even "cruel" according to some politicians and other figures whose private lives are exposed. Due to high media competition, the government, political parties and even the army cannot hush up scandals. Reporters Sans Frontiers consider the Israeli press the only truly independent one in the region. (RSF) |
Other |
|
| Tensions in Israeli society also complicated the job of Israeli reporters, who are sometimes set upon by extremist groups. (RSF) |
Palestine
Diversity of Media |
Diverse |
| There are 3 dailies, several weekly and monthly publications, 30 independent TV stations and 9 radio stations. The PA runs 2 TV stations and 1 radio station (Freedom House). Local radio stations, particularly in Gaza, specialise in warning regarding Israeli military operations. (RSF) |
Press Laws |
Minor Limitations |
| Banned: inciting people to attack Israelis and other ‘hate-filled propaganda’(RSF) publishing secret information on the Palestinian security forces, damaging national unity or inciting violence (Freedom House). Under a 1995 law, Palestinian intelligence services cannot interrogate, detain or arrest journalists for their work, but under another, journalists may be fined, jailed and newpapers closed (Freedom House). |
Punishments |
Moderate/ Severe |
| There have been threats, vandalism, physical attacks and even killings caused by political score-settling, lawlessness and power-struggles among factions (RSF). Security services have regularly shut down media outlets, banned publications, harassed or detained journalists (BBC) as well as physically attacking them and seizing their equipment (RSF). Reporters have been killed and injured whist covering events in the occupied territories. Israel strongly denies targeting them. (Freedom House) |
Access to Foreign Media |
Available |
| Foreign satellite TV stations are widely available (RSF). |
Access for Foreign media |
Limited access |
| Entry to the territories is controlled by the Israel Army. Parts of the Palestinian Territories were declared "closed military zones" since 2004 and since then, Israeli journalists have only been able to go to Gaza after signing a promise not to hold the army responsible for their safety. Conditions and entry procedures intensified for all journalists, including having to give reasons for their trip (RSF). Internally, Palestinian officials have ‘warned’ Israeli journalists to stay away (Freedom House). |
Free Internet |
Yes |
| Internet use is unrestricted (RSF) . |
Censorship |
Yes |
| Self censorship is widespread (Freedom House) (BBC), for example, newspaper editors, some of whom are party politicians, fear reprisals and prefer not to cover topics seen as anti-patriotic (RSF). The opposition media, mostly supporting the Hamas militants, is censored or has been shut down. (Freedom House). In addition, there is often pressure (in some cases death threats) to provide favourable coverage of the PA (Freedom House). |
Government Criticism |
No |
| Those who criticise the PA are routinely arrested, threatened and phsyically abused. (Freedom House) |
Jordan
Freedom of Press |
Extremely Limited |
| |
Diversity of Media |
Very Limited |
| The government still holds a monopoly over broadcasting despite licenses being available in theory (Freedom House).There are privately-owned music-based radio stations (BBC). The government controls most major newspapers and sets the tone for the main dailies.The government closely monitors content of the privately owned print media. (Freedom House) |
Press Laws |
Extremely Limited |
| Banned: harming the image of the king and queen, incited people to commit crimes, go on strike or take part in "illegal" gatherings (RSF). Restricted: criticism of the national assembly and public officials, harming the interests of state. |
Punishments |
Severe |
| Media outlet shut down, prison terms of between one and three years (RSF) and arbitrary detention (Freedom House). |
Access to Foreign Media |
Available |
| Access to regional TV channels is increasing and (Freedom House) the BBC Arabic Service and Radio Monte Carlo Middle East are available on FM in Amman and northern Jordan. (BBC) |
Access for Foreign media |
Yes |
| Jordan is trying to persuade Arab satellite broadcasters to relocate to its media free zone, though investors remain concerned about censorship (BBC). Additionally, during the Iraq war, many restrictions were placed on journalists wishing to cross into Iraq from Jordan. (RSF) |
Censorship |
Yes |
| Official censorship (RSF) and significant media self-censorship (Freedom House) exists. Reportedly the government plants informants to alert them to objectionable articles and there are official warnings not to publish certain articles. |
Government Criticism |
Unknown |
| |
Lebanon
Diversity of Media |
Diverse |
| Lebanon was the first Arab country to permit private radio and television stations, regardless, the government has a say over who may operate stations and whether or not they can broadcast news and several stations are owned by leading politicians (BBC). All newspapers are privately owned. (Freedom House) |
Punishments |
Minimal |
| Criticism of officials and their policies has been widely covered in the written press without punishment (BBC). |
Access to Foreign Media |
Available |
| Access is increasing for regional and international satellite channels. Lebanon also happens to be the headquarters for two such channels. (Freedom House) |
Access for Foreign media |
Unknown |
| |
Censorship |
Yes |
| State security is authorised to censor all foreign magazines, books and films before distribution (Freedom House). |
Government Criticism |
Free |
| Criticism of officials and policies is widely covered in the written press. (BBC) (Freedom House) |
Oman
Freedom of Press |
Free |
| The basic charter provides for freedom of the press (Freedom House). |
Diversity of Media |
Limited |
| Although private TV and radio companies have now been authorised, the most popular broadcast media is still owned by the government. (Freedom House) |
Press Laws |
Limited |
| Banned: Criticism of the ruler. |
Access for Foreign media |
Unknown |
| |
Free Internet |
No |
| Internet is accessible but only though the national telecommunications company that blocks certain sites (Freedom House). |
Censorship |
Yes |
| The press is censored for material regarded as politically, culturally or sexually offensive and there is a significant level of self-censorship (Freedom House). |
Government Criticism |
Unknown |
| |
Qatar
Freedom of Press |
Free |
| Press Freedom is enshrined the new constitution. (Freedom House) |
Diversity of Media |
Limited |
| The five dailies, although private, are closely connected with the royal family and other notables who significantly influence content. All broadcast media, except Al-Jazeera, are state run. Al-Jazeera is the most popular TV station in the region and is run from Qatar. It tries not to cover local issues but remains highly controversial. Although the government pays some operating costs, the station and government attest to editorial independence. (Freedom House) |
Access to Foreign Media |
Unknown |
| |
Access for Foreign media |
Unknown |
| |
Free Internet |
Limited |
| Internet access is controlled by a state monolopy that blocks certain sites. (Freedom House) |
Censorship |
No |
| Self censorship is common particularly when reporting on government, policies, the ruling family and neighbouring countries. Foreign media is officially censored (Freedom House) . |
Government Criticism |
Yes |
| Direct criticism of the government is very rare (Freedom House). |
Saudia Arabia
Diversity of Media |
Limited |
| A dozen privately-owned daily papers and several magazines operate. All media outlets require a royal decree and their publishers and editors must be approved by the government. (RSF) The state-run Broadcasting Service of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (BSKSA) is responsible for all broadcasting in the kingdom. It operates four TV networks, including the news channel al-Ikhbariya. All TV and radio operations are officially overseen (BBC). There is no privately run radio or TV. (Freedom House) |
Press Laws |
Extensive |
| Banned: criticism of Islam, government or ruling family. Required: journalists must uphold Islam, oppose atheism, promote Arab interests and preserve culture (Freedom House). |
Punishments |
Extreme |
| Offending journalists can be officially banned (Freedom House) killed, physically attacked, arrested, threatened and censored. At the end of 2004, 1 journalist was killed 1 wounded 3 arrested 2 threatened and 2 media outlets censored (RSF). |
Access to Foreign Media |
Available |
| Although official banned, satellite receiver dishes widely used (RSF) and viewers in the country's east can pick up TV stations from more liberal Gulf neighbours (BBC). Foreign newspapers and magazines are censored before they go on sale and "illegal" articles or photos are either cut or blacked out including references to pigs, alcohol, sex and other religions (Freedom House)(RSF). |
Access for Foreign media |
Extremely Limited |
| Getting an entry visa to work as a journalist is a long and difficult process. Foreign journalists have a "minder" at all times (RSF) (Freedom House). |
Free Internet |
No |
| There has been significant state investment in blocking access to Internet websites considered undesirable, including religious, pornographic and western news sites. (RSF) |
Censorship |
Yes |
| The official Saudi Press Agency censors the media (RSF) and newspapers tend to follow its lead on whether or not to publish stories on sensitive subjects (BBC). All editors in chief are appointed by the Ministry of Information (Freedom House). This has led to a very high level of self-censorship.(RSF) (Freedom House) |
Government Criticism |
Rare exceptions |
| Despite all restrictions, risks have been taken on issues like crime, corruption, women’s rights, terrorism, religion and elections in neighbouring states. (Freedom House) |
Syria
Freedom of Press |
Free |
| The constitution provides for freedom of the press (Freedom House). |
Diversity of Media |
None |
| All TV stations and most radio stations are state owned (Freedom House). Private radio stations are only authorised to broadcast music and advertising (RSF). There are three party papers, two private papers and a satirical publication (BBC) . |
Press Laws |
Extensive |
| Banned: publishing information that damages the image of the state, opposition to the goals of the revolution, libel or falsehoods (Freedom House), any attempt to question Syrian principles, the interests of the Syrian people, the Baath Party, national unity, the armed forces and the policies of [the late] President Hafez al-Assad." (RSF) |
Punishments |
Extreme |
| Large fines (Freedom House), arrest, imprisonment of up to 3 years, suspension of publication. In 2004, 1 journalist was in prison, 5 were arrested and 2 media outlets were censored.(RSF) |
Access to Foreign Media |
Available |
| Satellite dishes are permitted and widely used (Freedom House), therefore, many viewers have access to foreign television broadcasts in addition to the three state-run networks. (BBC) |
Access for Foreign media |
Severly Limited |
| Foreign reporters are under constant surveillance and have difficulty getting their annual accreditation renewed. Al-Jazeera TV has never been allowed to open a permanent office. (RSF) |
Free Internet |
No |
| Although the State outward expresses the wish to censor internet material, this has proved impossible on a large scale, however, internet journalists have been prosecuted in the past (Freedom House). |
Censorship |
Yes |
| Private and party newspapers will cover only government approved material (Freedom House) and foreign press are censored for material deemed threatening or embarrassing to the government (BBC). |
Government Criticism |
None |
| The only newspaper critical of the government, Addomari, was forced to close only two years after its conception due to constant bureaucratic harassment.(RSF) |
UAE
Freedom of Press |
Free |
| The constitution provides for freedom of the press (Freedom House). |
Diversity of Media |
None |
| All broadcast media is state-owned and does not stray from the official line (Freedom House). |
Press Laws |
Extensive |
| Banned: criticism of government, ruling familes, friendly governments and statements considered a thread to social stability. All publications must be licensed and the appointment of editors approved (Freedom House). |
Access to Foreign Media |
Available |
| Satellite dishes are commonplace and international broadcasts are not explicitly censored. |
Access for Foreign media |
Yes |
| Dubai features a free media zone to attract regional and international media with low tax rates. Within the zone, minimal restrictions are imposed on print and broadcast for foreign audiences (Freedom House). |
Free Internet |
No |
| Internet is available but certain sites are censored including radical islamic sites and pornographic sites (Freedom House). |
Censorship |
Yes |
| Due to the high level of self-censorship, press laws are rarely enforced. Arab dailies are available in an uncensored form but other foreign press is censored as a matter of course. (Freedom House) |
Government Criticism |
None |
| Most private newspapers rely on the government’s news agency for a portion of their content and will publish government statements without criticism or comment (Freedom House) |
Yemen
Freedom of Press |
Free |
| Freedom of the press is enshrined in the constitution (Freedom House). |
|
Diversity of Media |
Unknown |
| |
Press Laws |
Extensive |
| Banned: personal criticism of the head of state, false information, statements that threaten public order or interest (Freedom House). |
Punishments |
Extreme |
| Media outlet closure, imprisonment, fines, death penalty, arbitrary arrest, violence etc. |
Access for Foreign media |
Unknown |
| |
Free Internet |
No |
| Internet access is not widespread and reportedly the government blocks websites it deems offensive (Freedom House). |
Censorship |
Yes |
| The vague nature of the press laws has lead to self-censorship (Freedom House). |
Government Criticism |
Some |
| The independent print media continues to provide varied and robust coverage of official policies and sensitive topics. Broadcasts do not generally contain criticism of the government. (Freedom House) |
Bahrain
Freedom of Press |
Free |
| Freedom of the press is enshrined in the constitution. (Freedom House) |
Diversity of Media |
None |
| Broadcasting remains a state monopoly (RSF) promoting only official views. The print media are privately owned (Freedom House). |
Press Laws |
Limited |
| Banned: undermining Islam, national unity or the king, stirring up division or strong religious feeling. (RSF) |
Punishments |
Severe |
| Jail sentences of between six months and five years (RSF) enforced at the government’s discretion. (Freedom House) |
Access to Foreign Media |
Available |
| Broadcasts from neighboring countries are allowed. |
Access for Foreign media |
Limited |
| Although most foreign journalists can freely enter the country, (RSF) some are banned, for example, Al Jazeera. (Freedom House). |
Free Internet |
No |
| While the internet is generally free there are reports of email monitoring and blocking websites promoting opposition factions (Freedom House). |
Censorship |
Yes |
| Foreign print press is censored before sale (RSF). The domestic, private print media is subject to significant self-censorship on sensitive subjects however, still remain subject to harrasment from the authorities. (Freedom House) |
Government Criticism |
None |
| Due to the government holding a monopoly over broadcast only official views are promoted, therefore there is no criticism of the government. (Freedom House) |
Kuwait
Freedom of Press |
Free |
| The Kuwaiti consitution provides for freedom of the press (Freedom House) |
Diversity of Media |
None |
| The state owns and controls most domestic television stations and there are no privately-owned radio broadcasters. (BBC) There are in total 5 TV and radio channels and 1 private satellite channel. (Freedom House) |
Press Laws |
Extensive |
| Banned: insulting references to God and the Prophet, (BBC) criticism of the Emir, harming relations between states, jepodising the value of the currency, offending morals, offending religion or constituting an incitement to hatred or violence. (Freedom House) |
Access to Foreign Media |
Available |
| Satellite dishes are widely used and enable viewers to watch popular pan-Arab broadcasters. The BBC World Service is available on FM in Kuwait City. (BBC) |
Access for Foreign media |
Unknown |
| |
Censorship |
Yes |
| The arbitrary enforcement of press laws leads to self censorship (Freedom House). |
Government Criticism |
Yes |
| Despite all the rules, Kuwait has some of the most outspoken newspapers in the Arab world, often aggressive in their coverage of politics and the government (BBC) (Freedom House). |
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