RIYADH, 21 February — The Information Ministry has set out the executive bylaws for the press allowing Saudi journalists for the first time to form associations to promote their interests. The association will defend the journalists’ interests.
“Association members are called upon to strive for the progress (of the country) and urge citizens to cooperate with the government to safeguard the nation’s unity and stability,” a ministry circular said.
The association will be controlled by the ministry, which will be represented on its general assembly and entitled to veto its decisions, it said.
The ministry will also audit the accounts of the syndicate, which will be banned from receiving any foreign assistance or gifts. Foreign journalists based in the Kingdom will be allowed to join the association.
The new law supersedes the one in force for more than 40 years and which banned journalists from banding together in an association.
The Council of Ministers approved the new press law last July in the light of a proposal made by Interior Minister Prince Naif, who is chairman of the Supreme Information Council. The new law has 30 articles, includes rules and conditions for licensing publishing organizations in the Kingdom.
According to Article 27 of 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.
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.
It also regulates the print media, stating that no press establishment will be licensed to operate unless it groups at least 30 Saudis and its editor-in-chief is at least 30 years old.
The Kingdom has seven Arabic and three English newspapers and a business daily. Saudi-owned Al-Hayat and Asharq Al-Awsat newspapers publish from London but have a wide circulation in the Kingdom.
