Dailies to get licences to share news online

Manama : In a significant move, Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi issued Edict 68/2016 yesterday on regulating newspapers’ use of electronic media to disseminate news without prejudice to the intellectual property rights, and in accordance with Decree Law 47/2002 on organising press, printing and publishing.

The edict, which was published in the Official Gazette, includes provisions that allow licensed newspapers to use electronic media in disseminating news or printed content though the Internet or their social media network accounts after receiving renewable one-year licences from the Mass Media Directorate.

The edict allows newspapers to post audio-visual clips not exceeding 120 seconds that include necessarily the name of the newspaper or the source clearly to ensure that intellectual property rights and authors’ rights are not violated. Meanwhile, live streaming is not allowed. The ministerial edict stipulates that newspapers’ media content should be committed to the regulations set in the Press and Publication Law and Edict 1/2015 on media content standards. Newspapers shall also be committed to updating their data and the names of those supervising the media content.

It also stipulates that the electronic media should be part of the printed content or a reflection of it, and tackles the same topic. A copy of the content should be retained for one year as from the date of publication.

Under Edict 68/2016, newspapers are required to apply for a renewable one-year licence from the Mass Media Directorate.

The licensing applications, which are examined within 60 days, shall include a list of electronic media, web addresses and names of those in charge of them.