Kuwait media guide

Media freedom is limited in Kuwait

The authorities put limits on media freedom, and the law criminalises criticism of the emir and the government, or content that is deemed to insult Islam, says Freedom House.

State TV and radio operate alongside private broadcasters. Pan-Arab satellite stations are widely watched.

The press is relatively open, but newspapers must be licensed by the information ministry.

BBC World Service broadcasts on FM in Kuwait City (in Arabic on 90.1, English on 100.1).

Internet use is very high. There were 4.3 million internet users by July 2022, comprising 99% of the population (Internetworldstats.com).

Reporters Without Borders says a vaguely-worded cyber-crime law that took effect in 2016 poses a threat to internet users who post critical content.

Certain websites that are deemed to be immoral or politically sensitive are blocked, says Freedom House.

• Media guides by BBC Monitoring

Press

• Al-Qabas - private, daily

• Al-Rai al-Amm - private, daily

• Kuwait Times - English-language

• Arab Times - English-language

• Al-Anba - private, daily

• Al-Jarida - private, daily

• Al-Nahar - private, daily

Television

• Kuwaiti TV - state-run, operates four networks and satellite channel

• Al-Rai - first private TV, via satellite

• Al-Sabah - private

Radio

• Radio Kuwait - state-run, programmes in English and Arabic

• Marina FM - first private radio station, music-based

News agency

• Kuwait News Agency (Kuna) - in Arabic and English