JEDDAH, 27 July — The association of Saudi journalists to be formed under the new press law will protect the rights of journalists in the Kingdom, an official source at the Information Ministry said.
“The association will play the same role of journalist unions and societies as in other countries within the framework of the rules and responsibilities set by the ministry,” the source told Okaz Arabic daily. He said Saudi journalists would be classified into three groups, A, B and C.
“The association will give them membership by issuing cards which will allow them to work as journalists,” he added. The association will have an elected chairman, vice chairman and secretary-general. “They will be elected by the journalists for a specific period,” the source said, adding that the association would bring together all those who work for media organizations.
The Cabinet, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd, approved the new law on July 16. According to the law, which was earlier endorsed by the consultative Shoura Council, only Saudis are entitled to join the organization.
Information Minister Dr. Fuad Al-Farsi has said that the press law would help media organizations achieve greater success by improving standards. “It will stimulate greater competition (among our newspapers and magazines) in tune with speedy global changes in the field in terms of content and presentation,” he said. The source said no journalist registered with the association could be sacked without prior consultations with it. “Members can seek the help of the association in case of a dispute with a newspaper,” he added.
The association will look after the welfare of journalists and oversee the introduction of a minimum wage, job security and other benefits. The source hinted at the possibility of establishing similar organizations for Saudi printers, publishers and writers. “Owners of Saudi printing presses have already presented a proposal to the ministry to establish an association for them,” he pointed out.
The press law, which has 30 articles, covers issues related to administration and finance and defines the responsibilities of chief editors and editors. It has brought major changes into the country’s old press law issued in 1964, to keep abreast with the Kingdom’s cultural and economic developments.
According to the law, the information minister will issue licenses for press establishments with the approval of the prime minister. An application for a press license should be presented jointly by at least 30 Saudis. The law defines the employers’ relationship with the employees on the one hand and with the government on the other. It has simplified the ownership procedures, allowing free expansion and growth.
“The new regulations have apparently ignored the online publications or electronic newspapers, a significant section in the media not only in the Kingdom but also throughout the Arab world,” Abdul-Rahman Al-Rashid, editor in chief of Asharq Al-Awsat said. “Online newspapers are not hampered by the Information Ministry’s insistence on the license to run a newspaper,” he added.
