Tuesday 30 / April / 2024
Muscat: On 21 February, Muscat Media Group marked the tenth death anniversary of its founder, Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali.
Considered as one of the pioneers of Oman journalism since the dawn of the blessed Renaissance, late Essa launched the first English newspaper Times of Oman in the Sultanate of Oman with in 1975 and followed it with the start of an Arabic newspaper, Al Shabiba.
Late Essa’s contribution to Oman journalism is unparalleled and his firm belief in upholding truth has left a strong legacy with the institution, Muscat Media Group, which has expanded its operations from print journalism to becoming market leaders in digital and electronic journalism.
Known for his visionary actions and respected for his humane values, the late founder chairman is still fondly remembered by senior journalists who worked closely with him.
Speaking to Al Shabiba radio, Al Shabiba’s Managing Editor Mohammed bin Ali Al Balushi said: “Our founder was a distinguished icon in the Oman media fraternity. He left an indelible mark in Oman’s journalism with his vision that played a big role in the development march of the Sultanate of Oman.
“It was not an easy journey in the early days when Times of Oman was launched in early seventies. But his strong conviction and passion led to the success of the English daily and was followed several years later by the start of Al Shabiba.”
Al Balushi, who regarded late Essa as his mentor, said the founder chairman was the owner of a ‘bold pen’. “He took upon himself to reflect the development march of Oman’s progress during the blessed renaissance, which began under late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimour in 1970,” said Al Balushi.
Issa Ahmed Al Masoudi, a former journalist with Al Shabiba, recalled his association with the late founder. Al Masoudi said: “Late Essa Al Zedjali’s contributed a lot to the media industry of Oman. He was a diplomat who led a simple life. His leadership skills were par excellence and didn’t fear from taking decisions. He had a unique personality and it was always great to interact with him. Personalities like him laid the foundation of a strong Omani media, in particular, with the launch of English newspaper Times of Oman in 1975.”
Mohammed Al-Mahjoub, a former photojournalist with Al Shabiba, said: “I had a close association with the late Essa during my days in Al Shabiba newspaper from 1992 to 2007. I will always remember him for his humility and caring approach.
Al Mahjoub said” “One incident I can never forget was when I travelled with late Essa Al Zedjali to China in April 2005 on a business trip. At the hotel, I was uncomfortable with the food that was offered. I went without a proper meal for a day and half. When late Essa got to know about it, he personally accompanied me to a nearby restaurant. In fact, he went into the kitchen and suggested the chef to prepare fresh fish in halal way. This was his kindness and greatness for his staff that I can never forget.”
Al Mahjoub added that “during the same trip, there was a malfunction with my digital camera”. “We couldn’t fix the problem and when the founder got to know about it, he assured me that he would get a new camera in Muscat. Such was his magnanimity,” said Al Mahjoub.
Al Balushi, who joined Al Shabiba in September 1999, said: “Late Essa was a man who was particular about small things. At one time, I went to his office without the headgear as I was in a hurry. When I reached, he advised me to go and wear the headgear and return for the meeting.”
Al Balushi added: “The founder laid a lot of emphasis on the quality of journalistic work, and one of the most important points he focused on was the accuracy of the news. He was like a teacher, father and mentor, to me and he used to treat the staff like his children. He wanted the team to be distinguished and strong. He introduced us to prominent personalities to get better access to stories. His column ‘Viewpoint’ reflected his views on many subjects and the popularity of the column underlined how he got to know the pulse of the people and how well he understood world matters.”
Well-known researcher in history, Dr Mohammad bin Saad Al Muqadam, said: “When we remember late Essa Al Zedjali, we are talking about the era of renaissance itself. He was an exceptional figure in Oman and is one of the pioneers in the media industry of the nation. I had met him many times. His decision to launch an English newspaper, Times of Oman, in 1975 was born out of his eagerness to enlighten the readers in the country with the latest news.”
Al Muqadam recommended that there should be a special media award instituted in late Essa Zedjali’s name. “This award will be an ideal way to introduce new generations to late Essa’s unique personality and his prominent role in Omani media. His contribution should be highlighted by ways of teaching his biography in media departments at various universities and colleges.”
