Spread over an area of 60,000 square meters, the new complex is located at quite a distance from the city center.
It is on the highway to Jubail and has already become a landmark for people in the Eastern Province. It cost SR99 million.
“It has all the advanced technologies that are available in the world of television including some of the most sophisticated art studios,” said Saeed Al-Yami, the director of the new complex. “All this will help in the effective dissemination of information.”
The new complex houses a number of art studios, graphic centers, digital mixing studios and editing centers.
“We have acquired the latest technology; the best cameras that are available in the world are all here,” said Al-Yami.
“You have everything to do with television, be it filming, shooting or editing, all at one place,” he said.
“Television serials and soap operas will be shot here at this complex. This will naturally provide a boost to those associated with television in this region.”
The complex was inaugurated by Eastern Province Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Fahd in the presence of Eastern Province Deputy Gov. Prince Jiluwi ibn Abdul Aziz ibn Musaed, Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja, Saudi Press Agency Director Gen. Abdullah bin Fahd Al-Hussein and other officials.
Khoja described the launching of the Dammam Television Complex as an important step and a significant achievement.
According to him, Saudi Television has attracted a large number of Arab and international viewers. “Saudi Arabia is now competing with other regional media channels quite admirably,” he said.
At a media seminar at the Asharqia Chamber later, Khoja said the great technological advancement in the information world should not dilute the media’s core mission: Becoming the mouthpiece of the masses who simply seek justice and equality.
Khoja stressed the importance of recognizing the value of the spoken and the printed word and the repercussions it can cause, recalling the address of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to the Shoura Council in which he cautioned against using the print or the spoken word to settle personal scores or to point fingers.
The minister said the media had become a significant watchdog and the profession of journalism had attained a remarkable degree of respectability.
