Riyadh, October 17, 2024 – Minister of Media and Chairman of the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) Board of Directors Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossary inaugurated the SPA Academy for News Training at the agency’s headquarters in Riyadh, marking a significant step in advancing professional journalism standards in the Kingdom. The event was attended by the Minister of Education, Yousef Al-Benyan, and the President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, alongside university presidents and government officials.
Context and Background
The launch of the SPA Academy for News Training aligns with the Kingdom’s broader efforts under Vision 2030 to enhance human capital development and media professionalism. As a non-profit training institution, the academy will leverage SPA’s extensive resources and international partnerships to share global best practices with media professionals.
Key Details
During the ceremony, the Deputy Governor for Training at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), Dr. Adel Alzenedy, officially handed over the academy’s license to the Acting President of SPA and Chairman of the Academy’s Board of Trustees, Ali Alzaid. Several memoranda of understanding were exchanged with key institutions, including TVTC, Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, SDAIA, the Institute of Public Administration, King Abdulaziz University, the Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf), the National eLearning Center, the Saudi Accreditation Center, and Microsoft.
Minister Al-Dossary emphasized that the academy will draw on over fifty years of expertise from SPA personnel to share global experiences and build capacity in the news industry. SPA Acting President Alzaid described the academy as a strategic initiative in SPA’s recent development plan, designed to equip media professionals through practical programs in collaboration with leading international and local partners, all within a framework of professionalism and accuracy.
Implications and Impact
The academy’s Executive Director, Tariq Al-Sheikh, announced that the first edition of the training calendar, focusing on programs for government trainees, will be released by the end of 2024. He also indicated that training programs for graduates are being developed in collaboration with the Human Capability Development Program and the private sector, set to launch in 2025-2026, along with specialized journalism programs to be announced through the academy’s digital platform and social media channels.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The establishment of the SPA Academy for News Training represents a forward-looking investment in Saudi Arabia’s media sector, directly supporting Vision 2030’s goals of building a vibrant society and a thriving economy. By fostering professional excellence and ethical journalism, the academy will position the Kingdom as a regional hub for media training, enhancing its global communication capabilities and reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable development.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the SPA Academy for News Training?
A1. The SPA Academy for News Training is a non-profit institution launched by the Saudi Press Agency to enhance the skills of media professionals in the news industry through specialized training programs.
Q2. Who inaugurated the academy?
A2. The academy was inaugurated by Minister of Media and Chairman of the SPA Board of Directors Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossary at SPA headquarters in Riyadh on October 17, 2024.
Q3. Who attended the inauguration ceremony?
A3. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan, SDAIA President Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, university presidents, government officials, and other stakeholders.
Q4. What is the academy’s main mission?
A4. The academy aims to support the news industry and equip media professionals through practical, professional training programs in collaboration with leading international and local partners.
Q5. Who received the academy’s license?
A5. The license was handed over from TVTC Deputy Governor Dr. Adel Alzenedy to Acting SPA President and Chairman of the Academy’s Board of Trustees Ali Alzaid.
Q6. Which organizations signed MOUs with the academy?
A6. MOUs were signed with TVTC, Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, SDAIA, the Institute of Public Administration, King Abdulaziz University, Hadaf, the National eLearning Center, the Saudi Accreditation Center, and Microsoft.
Q7. What expertise will the academy leverage?
A7. The academy will leverage over fifty years of expertise from SPA personnel and its international partnerships to share global best practices.
Q8. Is the academy a for-profit or non-profit institution?
A8. The SPA Academy for News Training is a non-profit training institution.
Q9. When will the first training calendar be released?
A9. The first edition of the training calendar, focusing on programs for government trainees, will be released by the end of 2024.
Q10. What training programs are planned for graduates?
A10. Training programs for graduates are being developed in collaboration with the Human Capability Development Program and the private sector, set to launch in 2025-2026.
Q11. Will there be specialized programs for journalists?
A11. Yes, specialized programs for journalists will be announced through the academy’s digital platform and social media channels.
Q12. How does the academy align with Vision 2030?
A12. The academy supports Vision 2030 by enhancing human capital, fostering professional journalism, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for media training.
Q13. What is the role of the Board of Trustees?
A13. The Board of Trustees, chaired by Ali Alzaid, oversees the academy’s strategic direction and ensures alignment with SPA’s development goals.
Q14. Who is the Executive Director of the academy?
A14. The Executive Director of the academy is Tariq Al-Sheikh.
Q15. Will the academy collaborate with international partners?
A15. Yes, the academy will collaborate with leading international and local partners to share global experiences and best practices.
Q16. What is the significance of the academy for Saudi media?
A16. The academy represents a strategic initiative to modernize Saudi media, improve journalistic standards, and build a skilled workforce for the news industry.
Q17. Does the academy offer programs for government employees?
A17. Yes, the initial training calendar will focus on programs tailored specifically for government trainees.
Q18. How will the academy announce new programs?
A18. New programs will be announced through the academy’s digital platform and social media channels.
Q19. What is the expected impact on the news industry?
A19. The academy is expected to raise professional standards, enhance accuracy, and strengthen the credibility of news reporting in Saudi Arabia.
Q20. Is the academy part of a broader SPA development plan?
A20. Yes, the academy is a strategic initiative within SPA’s recent development plan to modernize its operations and services.
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