Saturday 22 / February / 2025
As I look back on my years as a broadcaster, I can’t help but reflect on the role that print journalism - particularly Times of Oman - has played in shaping not just my career but the entire landscape of news and storytelling in Oman.
When I first stepped into the world of radio broadcasting, trained in radio production with the BBC, there was no manual or guidebook to rely on. It was a time when resources were scarce, and information was not as readily accessible as it is today. However, amidst this challenge, we always had the support of Times of Oman.
Times of Oman, the Sultanate of Oman’s first English-language broadsheet newspaper, made its debut in 1975, long before other English newspapers hit the stands.
At the time, I was just a child, but as I grew into my twenties and became a broadcast journalist, Times of Oman became the go-to source for credible news and engaging stories.
It also holds a special place in my heart because it was the very first newspaper to interview me as a radio journalist.
The interview was conducted by a talented and ambitious young journalist, Adarsh Madhavan, who was a familiar name in Oman’s media circles.
His career at Times of Oman spanned many years, and I still remember how his sharp storytelling brought a unique charm to the pages of the paper.
One of the most exciting additions to Times of Oman during his tenure was the launch of a weekend magazine - a groundbreaking move at the time.
The magazine’s last page always featured an intriguing story by Madhavan, and one could never predict where his narratives would lead. It was the perfect mix of intellect and curiosity, making the weekend reading an absolute delight.
Times of Oman not only gave me exposure as a broadcaster, but it also continued its support for my family years later.
Recently, the paper played a role in introducing my son, Zehy Al Dhabari, to a wider audience as a jazz musician.
The renowned journalist Ashok Purohit conducted an in-depth interview with him, and it went viral. That kind of reach and impact is a testament to the paper’s enduring legacy in telling Oman’s most compelling stories.
Journalism, in many ways, runs in the veins of Oman’s Al Zedjali family.
They have long been a cornerstone of print media, and their contributions extend to radio and television broadcasting as well.
Through my journey as a journalist, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of them, witnessing their dedication to upholding the standards of journalism in Oman.
Fifty years of news, stories, and voices. Fifty years of documenting Oman’s progress. Times of Oman is not just a newspaper - it is a living archive of our nation’s journey, one that has informed, inspired, and shaped public discourse for half a century.
Here’s to the incredible legacy of Times of Oman. May it continue to thrive and tell the stories of the next generation, just as it has for mine! God bless Times of Oman .
(The writer is a former popular radio presenter)
