Dr. Maurice Odine

Department of Mass Communications, Gulf University for Science & Technology, Kuwaitmodine@gust.edu.kw

Journal of Advanced Social Research 1 (2011) 177-190

ISSN 2231-8275 © 2011 Design for Scientific Renaissance All rights reserve

ABSTRACT

A good profession is prone to having rules that govern its practice. The same applies to journalism.Many countries have, at least, a semblance of press freedom guarantees articulated in their respective constitutions. This indicates that even countries with authoritarian, totalitarian, or communist regimes are not totally defiant of the merits of the concept. Rather, restricting press freedom serves self-interest or desire to have the status quo in place, thereby assuring continuity by virtue of the fact that opposition would be checked or simply quashed. Not with standing, journalists experience numerous man-made hurdles in the course of performing their duties. In Kuwait, however, practitioners of the craft are blessed to do so in a country that guarantees press freedom and is described as the most liberal press in the Arab World and North Africa. Despite certain restrictions to exempt the Amir(nation’s ruler) or God from criticism, even journalists admit they enjoy the rights associated with press freedom. Then again, all is not rosy. Journalists find themselves fighting charges, revocation of reporting rights, or closure of media operations. After all is said and done, there is one buoyant reason for optimism. The government of Kuwait does not shy away from handling tough, contentious issues pertaining to press law. And the players in the legal system, the government, parliament, journalists and journalism associations, as well as the public, are all on the same wavelength when it comes to addressing press freedom issues.

In Kuwait, however, practitioners of the craft are blessed to do so in a country that guarantees press freedom and is described as the most liberal press in the Arab World and North Africa.

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Keywords: Press, freedom, protection, journalists, constitution

(PDF) Middle East Media: Press Freedom in Kuwait. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266871923_Middle_East_Media_Press_Freedom_in_Kuwait [accessed May 25 2023].

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266871923_Middle_East_Media_Press_Freedom_in_Kuwait

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Originally from Cameroon, Dr. Odine’s community involvement includes socializing periodically through the organization of ex-students of my alma mater-Presbyterian Secondary School-and sundry activities organized by African and international entities. In keeping with academic and professional contributions in various intercultural communities, Dr. Odine has directed literacy communications programs through grantsmanship to benefit disadvantaged students and enabled African professors to participate in exchange programs with universities in the US. Special interests include scholarly research for publications and presentations at conferences, discovery, and dissemination of new knowledge, plus serving as a mentor to learners. Versed in multiculturalism, he is fluent in five languages and has worked in Cameroon, Haiti, Botswana, Lesotho, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait as a professor and administrator.

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Education: Ph.D. in Radio-Television-Film at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; MA in Radio-Television at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana; BA in Communications at State University of New York at Geneseo

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Accomplishments: Professor of Radio, Television & Film and Dean of the School of Communication, Texas Southern University; Dean of Journalism & Graphic Communication at Florida A&M University; Chair of Communications at Tennessee State University; Chair of Mass Communications at Gulf University for Science & Technology; Chief United Nations Information Officer in Sierra Leone; United Nations Communications Specialist in Haiti; Chair of Mass Communications at Winston-Salem State University; Director of Broadcasting at Grambling State University; Associate Dean of Language & Communication at United Arab Emirates University.