🇸🇦 Okaz

About Okaz

Okaz was founded in 1960 by Ahmed Abdul Ghafoor Attar. Following a 1964 Royal Decree that ended individual ownership of local media, it became owned by the Okaz Organization for Press and Publication, a civil society institution. While it is described as a private company with Saudi businessmen holding controlling shares, it functions as a government mouthpiece.

Reporters Without Borders and Freedom House consistently rank Saudi Arabia among the worst countries for press freedom, noting pervasive government control, censorship, and severe penalties for dissent. Okaz, despite being described as 'liberal' within a Saudi context, is known for promoting government propaganda and has been accused of 'fake news' and 'bombastic' reporting, particularly during regional disputes. The outlet's coverage, such as its portrayal of Jamal Khashoggi as a 'terrorist sympathizer,' aligns with official Saudi narratives. The provided headline sample, focusing on local events, government initiatives, and religious guidance, is consistent with the characteristics of state-aligned media.