The Ministry of Education has warned its employees about talking to the media without proper authorization, Al-Watan reported Thursday.
The newspaper said it obtained a copy of a circular issued by the ministry calling on all officials to seek approval from the ministry's press office before talking to any journalists.
The newspaper reported that some employees are unhappy about the directive and have complained that it will result in less transparency and is a form of media censorship. They feel it is their right to talk about both successes and failures in the education sector. They also feel that the circular ignores the importance of the media's watchdog role.
The ministry, on the other hand, has stressed that the move is only aimed at preventing incorrect information and rumors to spread in the media, which could undermine its work.
The circular states that the ministry has seen some administrations and schools sending out press releases and inviting journalists to cover certain events.
This was the responsibility of the ministry's media department, the circular added.
Education Ministry circular warns employees: Don’t talk to media
