RIYADH, 17 October — Despite the extraordinary growth and influence of information technology, the print media continues to play a significant role in carrying information and advertisements to a large number of people, according to Abdullah Bahamdan, a member of the board of directors of the Saudi Research & Marketing Group.
"The print media remains an important arena for both readers and advertisers, despite the developments in information technology. This has been proved by the subscription and sales figures of SRPC publications," Bahamdan said while addressing a prize ceremony here recently.
On behalf of Prince Ahmad ibn Salman, chairman of SRMG’s board of directors, Bahamdan awarded the SR1 million top prize of the Saudi Research & Publishing Company’s subscription campaign to Muhammad Saad Al-Ghanoum during the function, attended by Abdullah Al-Qahtani, SRPC’s assistant director general.
"SRPC publications have become one of the best and most vital means to allow advertisers to reach their targeted clients. Readers can find all the goods and services they want, in addition to local information, through these publications," Bahamdan said, adding that the company has acquired the latest technology and employs the most modern production equipment, distribution facilities and advertising campaigns.
Bahamdan added that a subscription campaign had helped readers of SRPC publications — including Arab News, Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Eqtisadiah, Urdu News and Malayalam News — to receive important newspapers and magazines at discounted rates.
"The campaign also provided the readers with a variety of incentives, including a folder in which to keep publications, supply at homes or offices and inclusion of the name of the subscriber automatically in all the competitions being organized by the company’s 16 publications," he explained.
He attributed the increase in the number of subscribers during the campaign to the advertising success of the company’s publications, their high editorial standard, their vast circulation around the world — especially in Arab countries — and their offering a variety of products and services.
Bahamdan underscored the high standard achieved by SRPC publications and commended the role being played by Prince Ahmad in this regard. "SRPC, through its dailies, weeklies and monthlies, seeks to provide the best product in the information and advertising industry to its readers," he added.
Spelling out the objectives of the subscription campaign, he said it allows readers to subscribe the company’s publications and benefit from their information, knowledge and advertisements. It also provides a good opportunity to businessmen to carry out their marketing and advertisement plans effectively.
He underlined the effectiveness of SRPC publications in spreading knowledge and in providing wide coverage to major political, economic, cultural and sports events at the Arab and international levels.
