The launching of the new sports channel on Monday is a welcome move, long awaited by the public. People have high hopes for this channel and want to see it contribute meaningfully to the development of sports in the Kingdom. Many see it as a powerful tool for development.
It is true that the new channel was in response to popular demand and it is also true that many attach great importance to it. It is equally true that in the present circumstances, the need for a cultural channel is more important and more urgent. What we mean is a cultural channel in the broadest sense of the word. Unfortunately, such a channel is not in demand but this does not mean it is unnecessary.
The public is not always able to identify its own needs or prioritize them. The public may not be in a position to suppress their desires and judge accurately what their real needs are. I know that launching a television channel is no easy job as it entails a great deal of planning, time, energy and resources. The least we can expect is for Channel One and Channel Two to give more time to cultural programs and talk shows now that the sports programs will be shifted to the new channel. The sheer number of Saudi viewers phoning foreign channels to express their opinions indicates a need for allowing them to express their views through a local medium. This would allow the public to debate local issues, whether social, cultural or others, with knowledge and understanding and in a responsible manner.
Some try to distort reality while others who claim to be experts in our affairs are in fact ignorant of our reality. There are some who focus on the negative side and others who simply tell lies. And most important, there are those who think we are unable and unqualified to debate our problems with either reason and persuasion.
Of course all of these are false. We have the qualified staff and the resources and also the courage to discuss our problems on air. Let us prove to those who think otherwise that we are worthy of the job. Let us silence the voices who spread such lies.
28 September 2002
