Gmedia Unveils 36 Initiatives to Boost Saudi Media Sector

During a workshop titled ‘Media Regulation in an Hour’ at the 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair, Hassan Al-Sulami, Deputy CEO of the General Authority of Media Regulation (Gmedia), announced an ambitious plan to launch 36 initiatives over the next three years to stimulate growth in the media sector. The workshop, part of the cultural program organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission at King Saud University, highlighted the authority’s expanded role in shaping a dynamic and regulated media landscape in Saudi Arabia.

Context and Background

The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates its efforts to modernize the media sector under Vision 2030, a national blueprint to diversify the economy and enhance quality of life. The General Authority of Media Regulation, established to oversee visual, audio, and digital media, has been pivotal in creating a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding public interest. Al-Sulami’s presentation traced the evolution of media regulation before and after Gmedia’s inception, underscoring its growing influence in fostering a vibrant media ecosystem that aligns with international standards.

Key Details of the 36 Initiatives

Al-Sulami outlined a phased implementation plan: 18 initiatives in 2024, 7 in 2025, and 11 in 2026. These initiatives target four strategic objectives: developing a robust regulatory framework, enhancing operational efficiency, stimulating sector growth, and establishing effective compliance mechanisms. To refine the regulatory framework, Gmedia will support the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property in updating copyright and intellectual property regulations within the media sector. Additionally, the authority plans to facilitate access to information through annual reports on the state of the media and develop an AI-powered mechanism to monitor content quality on the internet and social media, ensuring a safe digital environment. The public will also gain tools to track content quality and submit reports or inquiries.

In 2024 alone, Gmedia has issued 15,000 professional licenses for media practitioners, over 9,000 licenses for social media advertisers, and registered approximately 200 podcast platforms. The authority organized eight workshops on content regulation in cinema, podcasting, and advertising, training 120 individuals. Furthermore, three workshops under the ‘Internet Heroes’ program, in collaboration with Google, engaged 400 trainees, while a Saudi-Japanese program trained 114 electronic game developers. Content clearance efforts include over 600 films, 700 games, and 26,400 books, with many titles from global best-seller lists.

Implications for Saudi Arabia’s Media Landscape

These initiatives are set to transform Saudi Arabia’s media sector by fostering a conducive environment for creativity, investment, and talent development. The focus on regulatory clarity and content quality is expected to attract international media partners and boost local production. The integration of AI for content monitoring demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging technology for public good, positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in media innovation. Moreover, the emphasis on intellectual property rights will encourage originality and protect creators, aligning with global best practices.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The 36 initiatives directly support Vision 2030‘s goals of diversifying the economy, empowering youth, and enhancing the Kingdom’s global standing. By nurturing a dynamic media sector, Saudi Arabia aims to create jobs, promote cultural exchange, and project a positive image internationally. The General Authority of Media Regulation’s efforts exemplify how strategic regulation can drive growth while preserving cultural values, ensuring that the media sector contributes significantly to the nation’s prosperity and global influence.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the General Authority of Media Regulation?

A1. The General Authority of Media Regulation (Gmedia) is a Saudi government body responsible for overseeing and regulating visual, audio, and digital media in the Kingdom. It aims to develop a robust media ecosystem that aligns with international standards and supports Vision 2030.

Q2. Who announced the 36 initiatives?

A2. Hassan Al-Sulami, Deputy CEO of the General Authority of Media Regulation, announced the 36 initiatives during a workshop titled ‘Media Regulation in an Hour’ at the 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair.

Q3. What is the timeline for implementing the initiatives?

A3. The initiatives will be rolled out over three years: 18 in 2024, 7 in 2025, and 11 in 2026. This phased approach ensures systematic development of the media sector.

Q4. What are the strategic objectives of these initiatives?

A4. The initiatives focus on developing a regulatory framework, enhancing operational efficiency, stimulating sector growth, and establishing effective compliance and oversight mechanisms. These objectives aim to create a thriving media environment in Saudi Arabia.

Q5. How will Gmedia support intellectual property rights?

A5. Gmedia will collaborate with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property to update copyright and intellectual property regulations within the media sector, setting a benchmark for best practices and protecting creators’ rights.

Q6. What role will artificial intelligence play in content monitoring?

A6. AI will be used to develop a mechanism that monitors the quality of content on the internet and social media, ensuring content safety and enhancing the public’s experience with digital platforms.

Q7. How many professional licenses have been issued in 2024?

A7. Gmedia has issued 15,000 professional licenses for media practitioners in 2024. This reflects the growing number of individuals entering the media sector.

Q8. How many social media advertising licenses have been granted?

A8. Over 9,000 licenses have been granted to individuals providing advertising on social media platforms, indicating a vibrant digital advertising market in Saudi Arabia.

Q9. How many podcast platforms are registered in the Kingdom?

A9. Approximately 200 podcast platforms have been registered, showcasing the popularity of this medium and the Kingdom’s support for diverse content creation.

Q10. What workshops has Gmedia organized in 2024?

A10. Gmedia organized eight workshops focused on content regulation in cinema, podcasting, and advertising, benefiting 120 trainees. Additionally, three ‘Internet Heroes’ workshops with Google engaged 400 trainees.

Q11. What is the ‘Internet Heroes’ program?

A11. The ‘Internet Heroes’ program is a collaboration between Gmedia and Google to train individuals in different regions of Saudi Arabia on digital content regulation and safety, engaging 400 trainees.

Q12. What is the Saudi-Japanese program for game developers?

A12. It is a training program implemented by Gmedia in collaboration with Japan to develop electronic game developers, with participation from 114 trainees, fostering international cooperation and skill development.

Q13. How many films have been cleared by Gmedia?

A13. Over 600 films have been cleared, including 42 titles from the 50 best-selling films worldwide, ensuring that content meets regulatory standards while being accessible to the public.

Q14. How many games have been approved?

A14. More than 700 games have been approved, including 50 from the best-selling games list, supporting the gaming industry and ensuring compliance with content regulations.

Q15. How many books have been cleared?

A15. 26,400 books have been cleared, with 31 of these on the list of the 50 best-selling books globally, reflecting Gmedia’s commitment to promoting reading and cultural exchange.

Q16. How will the initiatives improve public engagement with digital platforms?

A16. The initiatives will allow the public to track content quality and submit reports or inquiries, enhancing transparency and accountability in digital communication platforms.

Q17. What are the annual reports on the state of media?

A17. These reports will provide detailed information on the media landscape in Saudi Arabia, facilitating access to information and promoting informed public discourse.

Q18. How does Gmedia plan to update the media system?

A18. Gmedia will update the media system to align with current developments, including regulatory updates and support for intellectual property rights, ensuring a modern and effective framework.

Q19. What is the significance of the Riyadh International Book Fair for this announcement?

A19. The fair serves as a cultural platform that brings together diverse stakeholders, making it an ideal venue to announce initiatives that will shape the future of media and culture in Saudi Arabia.

Q20. How do these initiatives align with Vision 2030?

A20. The initiatives support Vision 2030 by diversifying the economy, empowering youth, and enhancing global standing. They aim to create jobs, promote cultural exchange, and project a positive image of Saudi Arabia internationally.

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