RIYADH, 21 July 2005 — The Saudi Press Agency is to be converted into a public corporation, according to a veteran Saudi journalist.
The measure would bring in greater flexibility in its operation and enable SPA to function effectively in today’s competitive environment, Fouad Kamaki, adviser at SPA, told Arab News, quoting the minister of culture and information as the source.
Kamaki was not sure when the conversion would come about.
The measure has been conceived as part of the Kingdom’s move to bring in a greater degree of professionalism in operation of government news channels with its commitment to privatize Saudi TV and Radio Riyadh and convert SPA into a public corporation.
Kamaki said the involvement of the private sector in the professional management of the SPA would enable it to cope with the challenges looming ahead. “Also, it would lend an element of flexibility in its operation,” said Kamaki, who is the author of a book on SPA and its future vision.
He favored SPA continuing to function as a government agency in the interests of the authenticity of news. “I believe that for its effective functioning, the agency should have a degree of independence, especially in the coverage of news. One of the obstacles that we face is that news cannot be released without prior approval. The administrative regulation in this regard should be a bit flexible,” he observed.
Asked about foreign news agencies and satellite networks becoming the primary source of breaking news, Kamaki said SPA as a governmental agency “cannot report any rumors or unconfirmed news. In their haste to beat others, foreign news agencies can come out instantly with any story. However, there is always the risk that this speed is being achieved at the cost of accuracy. We at the SPA cannot sacrifice the authenticity of news for the sake of speed.”
In his book, Kamaki suggests that SPA should provide its news service to its customers on a subscription basis. Currently, the service is available free of charge. He also favors augmenting its network on a Kingdomwide basis in the interest of comprehensive news coverage.
He said the news agency should embark on human resources development program by setting up training programs for young Saudis. Although such programs were conducted by the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) in the past, more Saudis need to be trained and recruited if SPA is to expand its network on a national scale.
