RIYADH, 3 December — The proposed journalists’ union under the new press law is likely to be formed by early next year as the Information Ministry is giving final touches to its rules and regulations.
The Council of Ministers approved the new press law last July in light of a proposal made by Interior Minister Prince Naif, who is chairman of the Supreme Information Council.
High-level sources told Arab News that the ministry was putting final touches on its organizational and administrative regulations.
The new press law has 30 articles, includes rules and conditions for licensing publishing organizations in the Kingdom. Article 27 refers to the association.
According to the law, the association will be an independent body, which will deal with matters related to journalists. The union’s executive bylaw determines its mission and powers.
The union will protect the rights and interests of journalists in the country and settle disputes that may arise between its members and the press establishments.
“The association will play the same role as journalist unions and societies in other countries within the framework of the rules and responsibilities set by the ministry,” an informed source said.
Only Saudi journalists over 20 are entitled to be members of the union. They should have been in the profession for at least one year.
The association will have an elected chairman, vice chairman and secretary-general. “They will be elected by the journalists for a specified term,” the source said, adding that the association would bring together all those who work for media organizations.
Membership is open to editors in chief and their deputies, managing editors and their deputies, editors, reporters, producers, photographers, translators, cartoonists, columnists, proofreaders, artists and press information staff.
The source said Saudi journalists would be classified into three groups: A, B and C. “The association will acknowledge their membership by issuing cards, which will allow them to work as journalists,” he added.
Information Minister Dr. Fuad Al-Farsi has said that the new press law will 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 also seek the help of the association in case of a dispute with a newspaper,” he clarified.
The new press law defines employers’ relationship with the employees on the one hand and with the government on the other. It simplifies ownership procedures, allowing for free expansion and growth.
