The Minister of Information sponsors agreements to digitally develop media institutions
Minister of Media, Mr. Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossari, today presided over the signing ceremony for a package of strategic partnership agreements, marking the launch of the first phase of the National Program for Developing Media Institutions. The signing ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries and heads of government agencies, as well as leaders from media institutions and the private sector, in a move aimed at reshaping the media landscape in the Kingdom.
Digital transformation in line with Vision 2030
This program comes at a pivotal time for the media sector, both globally and locally. Its primary aim is to empower Saudi media institutions to modernize their traditional business models and enhance their readiness to keep pace with the rapid changes in the media industry. The program focuses on strengthening their presence in the digital sphere and building professional capabilities, aligning with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes the media sector as a key instrument of soft power and a vital platform through which the Kingdom engages with the world.
This step seeks to address the challenges that print journalism has faced in recent years, by creating solutions that ensure financial and operational sustainability, and turning digital challenges into opportunities for growth and expansion, thus enhancing the position of Saudi media regionally and internationally.
Quality partnerships to serve development and tourism
The ceremony witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding between the public and private sectors and media institutions, aimed at serving specific development goals. The Madinah Region Development Authority signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Madinah Press and Publishing Foundation, with the goal of developing specialized media content that serves visitors and residents of the region and enhances digital publishing tools.
In a related context, the Saudi Tourism Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with the Asir Foundation for Press and Publication (Al-Watan Newspaper) to enhance integration in tourism media, enrich content that highlights the Kingdom’s tourism assets, and ensure its access to wide segments of the public through modern digital platforms.
Developing human resources and building the future
Believing that human capital is the cornerstone of any development, the ceremony witnessed the signing of agreements between the Saudi Media Academy and the newspapers Al-Madina, Al-Watan, and Makkah. These agreements aim to enhance cooperation in the areas of training, development, and employment, to inject qualified young talent with the latest media skills into the job market, and to exchange scientific and practical expertise.
The agreements also included a partnership with Trend as a digital sponsor for the first phase, to provide strategic consulting and innovative technical solutions to the three newspapers, with the aim of developing revenue models and creating quality content that supports digital transformation.
Towards a sustainable regulatory environment
The ministry affirmed that the program for developing media institutions will be closely monitored by the General Authority for Media Regulation to ensure the achievement of its objectives. This phase marks the beginning of future regulatory and legislative steps, including the development of a new media law that will provide the necessary legal framework to enable media institutions to diversify their revenue streams and enhance their sustainability for years to come.
