Brunei Darussalam
Media Environment | News Gathering | Practical Tips
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Media Environment
In this Islamic state the media are neither prolific nor free. The print media are largely controlled by the royal family and all tend to practice self-censorship in matters of politics and religion. A somewhat Draconian law mandates prison sentences of up to three years for reporting what it vaguely terms ‘false news’.
Media Permata is a Malay-language newspaper and Borneo Bulletin (http://www.brunei-online.com/bb) is an English-language daily published by the privately owned Brunei Press, which itself is controlled by the sultan’s family. Brunei Times (http://www.bt.com.bn/en) is the country’s leading business-oriented paper.
All local broadcast media are government run. The state-controlled Radio Television Brunei (RTB) (http://www.rtb.gov.bn) runs a television service in Malay and English, and broadcasts radio programmes in Malay, English, Mandarin Chinese and Gurkhali.
Foreign programming is available via cable and satellite, however, and at present internet access is unrestricted.
News Gathering
The greatest obstacle to newsgathering for outside journalists is said to be the reluctance of locals, including members of the country’s only registered opposition party, to talk to reporters — even off the record. The government, however, claims that it makes every effort to assist journalists visiting the country to cover regional events such as meetings of ASEAN and APEC.
New Zealand passport holders are eligible for 30-day visa-free entry.
Practical Tips
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Although Brunei is small (5765 sq km), public transport beyond the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is limited. The easiest way to travel off the main routes is by rental car, though at around $US40 a day this is not a cheap option.
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If you arrive with Singapore dollars, these can be used in Brunei alongside the official currency.
Contributor: Vaughan Yarwood
Latest update September 2008
