“With the team that produces the program not receiving their salaries for two months, it is possible that the program may come off air very soon,” said a source.
The daily program consists of news bulletins, weather updates and discussions on political, economic, cultural and social issues. The team that prepares and presents the program comprises five producers, two presenters, photographers, decor specialists and a large number of part time employees located around the country.
“The team is frustrated. Some of them have hinted that they will stop work because of the delay in receiving their salaries in addition to not being given social and medical insurance,” said the source. The program is produced by a private company, which in its defense said it has not been able to pay workers because it has not received payment from Saudi Television.
Members of the program team, however, refused to accept this saying senior staff, including top Saudi media personalities, and part time employees are receiving their salaries. The team also said most of the equipment used in the production and airing of the program belongs to Saudi Television.
The program is popular among Saudis and foreigners.
Arab News called the official in charge of the private company for his view on the matter. He promised to respond but no reply was forthcoming when this report went to print.
