2017

The History of Media in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Islamic identity constitutes one of the most important foundations of media in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This study examines the Islamic identity within Saudi media outlets from the establishment of the Kingdom under the late King Abdulaziz Al Saud—may God bless his soul—up to the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd bin Abdulaziz.

To explore this identity, the research analyzes four major media forms in chronological order: the press, books, radio, and television.

The study also addresses the question of the upper and lower boundaries of freedom of expression within Saudi media policy. It further aims to examine the impact of local and global changes on the Islamic identity of Saudi media, as well as the role of Islamic media in reinforcing security, stability, and achieving the highest levels of development and nation‑building.

A descriptive and historical methodology has been employed to analyze the performance of Saudi media in an attempt to identify the Islamic identity and its effective influence in shaping Saudi media and its instruments.

We ask God Almighty for guidance and success.

Chapter One

Section One: The History and Definition of Media

The history of media appears to be closely linked to the history of civilizations. In ancient Egypt, media went beyond simple communication to include political, social, military, and sports news.

The tools of media in those eras were, of course, different from those of today. They included inscriptions on stone and wood, and later on papyrus in Egypt. Posters in Rome and the oral traditions of ancient Arabs were also among the most important media tools of their time. Later developments included public announcements in streets, from hilltops, or on horseback. Eventually, media expanded to include minarets, beacons, posters, letters, and postal systems—each representing a more advanced method of communication.

With the advent of Islam, Islamic media marked a monumental turning point in the evolution of communication. The invention of the printing press followed, leading to the rise of newspapers, and eventually to modern media such as radio, television, and satellite broadcasting—ushering in an era of comprehensive communication.

This section examines media among the Arabs during the pre‑Islamic era and the early Islamic period, in an effort to arrive at a definition of media and to describe its evolution, functions, and influence on the realities of the modern age.

Media Among the Arabs in the Pre‑Islamic and Islamic Eras

Media tools among the Arabs in the pre‑Islamic period reflected the nature of that era. Trade was central to Arab life, serving both as a source of livelihood and as a means of gathering news. Successive trade expeditions across the Arabian Peninsula helped transmit the ideas and beliefs of neighboring civilizations.

Poetry, oratory, public announcements, festivals, signal fires on mountaintops, and the famous Arab markets—such as ʿUkāẓ, Majanna, and Dhū al‑Majāz—were all common media channels.

With the rise of Islam, oratory gained great significance as a key medium of communication. The Qur’an itself became a powerful instrument of guidance and communication, unmatched in its eloquence and impact. For this reason, the Prophet ﷺ was angered when he saw ʿUmar ibn al‑Khattāb holding a page from the scriptures of the People of the Book. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Are you in doubt, O son of al‑Khattāb? By Him in whose hand is my soul, I have brought it to you pure and clear. Do not ask them about anything, for they may tell you the truth and you reject it, or falsehood and you believe it. By Him in whose hand is my soul, if Moses were alive, he would have no choice but to follow me.”

Islam also established a sound method for verifying news and distinguishing truth from falsehood. God Almighty says:

“When there comes to them news of security or fear, they spread it. But if they had referred it to the Messenger and to those in authority among them, those who can draw correct conclusions from it would have known the truth.”

Revelation continued, and the Qur’an—both a book of guidance and a miracle—took on a powerful communicative character through its content, style, structure, and meaning. It is a message to humanity, a clear proclamation, and a source of profound news and wisdom.

Definition of Media

Based on the brief overview of the historical stages of media, we may derive the following definition:

Linguistically, the Arabic term for media (iʿlām) is derived from ʿilm (knowledge), meaning to know something as it truly is. Media thus signifies informing, conveying, or announcing—terms that all refer to the transmission of information among individuals through a person or group, enabling shared understanding and communication.

Technically, media is defined as:

A set of tools aimed at achieving communication and transmitting information and knowledge objectively, for the purposes of informing, guiding, and shaping public opinion regarding issues of concern.

One of the most important functions of media is to provide people with accurate news, reliable information, and established facts that help them form sound opinions about issues or problems—opinions that reflect the true attitudes and inclinations of society.

In Islamic media, persuasion must rely on objective truth. It is impermissible to sway people through falsehood, exaggeration, or fabrication.

Media in the Modern Era

Modern media plays a major role in nation‑building and in guiding society toward enlightenment and progress. It expresses the identity of the community and its stance on current issues. Yet media can also have negative effects if misused—for example, when narratives are crafted to win a political battle, elevate a leader, undermine a minister, or promote a service.

With the tremendous advances in communication, media has become central to global affairs. It is no longer mere chatter or empty propaganda. Scientific, documented media studies have become essential sources of information for major decision‑making. Rarely is a significant public decision made without relying on a documented media‑based study.

Technological progress has merged with intellectual development, addressing human concerns not only within nations but across the entire globe. The world has become, through the communication revolution, satellite broadcasting, and the internet, a “global village.”

Many scholars refer to our era as the Age of the Communications and Information Revolution. This revolution has made the world seem remarkably small, eliminating distances and enabling people to see, hear, and be influenced by events everywhere simply by turning on a radio, television, or computer, or by reading a newspaper.

The rise of the internet has confirmed the reality of globalization, enabling humanity to communicate, exchange information, and interact across all aspects of life as though living in a single village.

Section Two: The Establishment of Saudi Media Institutions

The idea of building Saudi media structures and institutions began in 1361 AH / 1941 CE, when news of World War II became crucial to Saudi decision‑making.

Minister Abdullah Balghunaim recounts that King Abdulaziz—may God bless his soul—assigned him the responsibility of establishing the first media structures in the Kingdom. He writes:

“After the fall of Paris in 1361 AH / 1941 CE during the Second World War, the Saudi government recalled all students studying abroad. Upon my return, I worked as secretary in the office of the Minister of Finance, Sheikh Abdullah Al‑Sulayman—may God have mercy on him—for six months. I then joined the Royal Court in Riyadh, working in what was known as the Political Bureau, responsible for monitoring all broadcasts from foreign radio stations during the war, as well as reviewing selected foreign press materials to present them to King Abdulaziz three or four times daily.”

During those days, recording devices did not yet exist. Each of us was responsible for a specific section of the radio broadcasts, and we would write by hand directly from the radio. We remained constantly tuned in—day and night—during news bulletin hours. With practice, we became capable of capturing nearly 90% of what was broadcast. I continued in this position, overseeing a translation section through which I translated for the late King Abdulaziz—may God have mercy on him.

In its early stages, radio broadcasting fell under the administration and authority of the Ministry of Finance, while the press and publishing were under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, operating under the name “The Publications Bureau.”

During this period, several newspapers were issued:

Umm al‑Qura, as previously mentioned
Sawt al‑Hijaz, published in Mecca in 1350 AH / 1932 CE, later renamed Al‑Bilad al‑Saudiyya
Al‑Madinah al‑Munawwarah, published in Riyadh in 1372 AH / 1953 CE
Al‑Riyadh Magazine, published in Jeddah in 1373 AH / 1953 CE

However, the true milestone in establishing an independent media structure came in 1374 AH / 1953 CE, when King Saud bin Abdulaziz—may God have mercy on him—issued a royal decree establishing the General Directorate of Radio, Press, and Publishing, appointing Abdullah Balghunaim as its director.

The royal decree summarized the mission of the Directorate as follows:
to organize, coordinate, and supervise all means of publication in the Kingdom; to provide information and facts about the nation’s progress and development; and to contribute to defending the Kingdom’s policies, which are grounded in the principles of the upright Islamic faith.
This represented a clear affirmation of the Islamic identity of Saudi media.

This also explains an important point in the history of Saudi media: although no formal, independent document outlining media policy existed at the time of the Kingdom’s founding, media policy was nonetheless firmly established in practice—even before the creation of independent media institutions or the issuance of an official media policy document.

In other words, Islamic identity functioned as a stable, foundational policy, aligned with the political framework laid down by King Abdulaziz during the establishment of the young Saudi state, and it became a guiding principle across all state institutions.

The first media body—the General Directorate of Radio, Press, and Publishing—was housed in a rented building in the Al‑Nazlah district of Jeddah. It was later moved to dedicated premises on Airport Road. The Directorate implemented several projects to expand radio transmission coverage, encouraged the publication of additional newspapers and magazines—especially in regions that previously lacked them—and approved numerous scientific and informational books through the Publications Department.

In 1381 AH / 1961 CE, King Saud—may God have mercy on him—reorganized Saudi media by issuing a royal decree placing the Directorate directly under the Royal Court. The decree stated:

Royal Decree (No. 4, dated 4 Safar 1381 AH)

With the help of God Almighty,
We, Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,

Based on the public interest and the necessity of organizing and coordinating the affairs of radio, press, and publishing in a manner that ensures the fulfillment of their objectives in the best possible way,
and based on the recommendation of the Prime Minister,
We hereby order the following:

Article One:
The General Directorate of Radio, Press, and Publishing is assigned to the Chief of the Royal Court, Prince Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, who shall be responsible before us for managing its affairs.

Article Two:
All previous regulations are hereby annulled.

Article Three:
The Prime Minister shall implement this decree from the date of its publication, and the Chief of the Royal Court shall prepare the necessary regulations to achieve the objectives of radio, press, and publishing.

Signed:
Saud

Following the decree, King Saud—may God have mercy on him—held, for the first time, a press conference with Saudi journalists at the Royal Court on 7 Safar 1381 AH. He delivered an extemporaneous address outlining the foundations of Saudi media policy. Among his statements:

“You are the lens through which the nation sees. The press is either a messenger of good or otherwise. We hope you will be messengers of good, united in purpose, guiding the public with integrity.
Our direction is a religious one; we are servants of the Two Holy Mosques, the source of Islamic guidance. The press must devote its efforts to calling to Islam and its principles, for in them lies our honor and strength.”

He warned against writings influenced by foreign ideologies, stressed the necessity of truthful reporting, and emphasized that freedom of the press exists within the bounds of reason and wisdom. He added:

“I do not forbid criticism, but I ask that it be sincere, free of personal motives, and aimed at the public good.”

He also instructed journalists to respect foreign heads of state and avoid personal attacks.

These statements—delivered nearly twenty years before the issuance of the formal Media Policy Document—contain the core principles that would later appear in that document, confirming that Islamic identity was embedded in Saudi media long before it was codified.

Saudi media institutions underwent a major transformation on 4 Dhul‑Qa‘dah 1381 AH / 1962 CE, when King Faisal—may God have mercy on him—issued a royal decree establishing the Ministry of Information, replacing the General Directorate. Jamil Al‑Hujailan became the first Minister of Information, followed by Ibrahim Al‑Anqari, Dr. Muhammad Abdu Yamani, Lt. Gen. Ali Hassan Al‑Shaer, and Dr. Fouad Al‑Farsi. Despite changes in leadership, the Islamic‑rooted media policy remained the guiding strategy.

Within two years of the Ministry’s establishment, radio transmission capacity increased nearly tenfold. The Ministry introduced the Press Institutions Law in 1383 AH / 1963 CE, launched the national television network, and advanced rapidly in adopting modern communication technologies. Saudi television broadcasts eventually reached all continents, and Saudi international newspapers were distributed worldwide, while local newspapers achieved significant technical and editorial progress.

The Ministry of Information became the government body responsible for safeguarding Islamic identity across all printed, audio, and visual media. It oversaw all content reaching the public and directly managed radio stations, television networks, and the Saudi Press Agency.

The Supreme Council for Information

Since the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia adopted the principle of comprehensive planning and issued its first development plan in 1390 AH / 1970 CE, successive development plans have emphasized the importance of planning and outlining strategic directions for all state institutions. Media, as one of the modern and influential activities of contemporary societies, has gained significant importance due to its strong connection with and impact on all sectors of society.

Saudi Arabia adopted the principle of media planning in 1390 AH / 1970 CE, and later prepared to define the broad outlines of its media mission when the Royal Approval was issued in Safar 1397 AH / January 1977 CE to establish the Supreme Council for Information, chaired by the Minister of Information, Dr. Muhammad Abdu Yamani. Its members included:

Sheikh Muhammad ibn Jubair (President of the Board of Grievances)
Dr. Abdullah Al‑Turki (President of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University)
Dr. Ibrahim Al‑Awaji (Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior)
Abdulrahman Mansouri (Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs)
Dr. Mahmoud Safar (Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education)
Dr. Ahmed Al‑Dhubayb (King Saud University)
Dr. Hassan Abu Rukbah (King Abdulaziz University)
Abdulaziz Al‑Rifai and Abdullah bin Khamis (two of the Kingdom’s leading intellectuals)

The Council reports directly to the Prime Minister.

On 12 Ramadan 1400 AH, Royal Decree No. 2022/8 was issued to reconstitute the Supreme Council for Information under the chairmanship of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, with the following members:

Prince Saud Al‑Faisal
Prince Turki Al‑Faisal
Minister of Information Ali Hassan Al‑Shaer
Sheikh Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ibn Jubair
Dr. Abdullah ibn Abdulmohsin Al‑Turki
Abdulaziz ibn Ahmed Al‑Rifai
Abdulrahman Amin Mansouri
Dr. Fouad Abdul‑Salam Al‑Farsi
Dr. Abdulrahman Al‑Shubaili
Dr. Rashid ibn Abdulaziz Al‑Mubarak

Functions of the Council

The Supreme Council for Information is responsible for the following:

Formulating a media policy that fulfills the general objectives of the Kingdom and is derived from Islamic law.
Monitoring the implementation of the media policy and proposing amendments when necessary.
Supervising all content broadcast on radio and television, as well as all books, magazines, newspapers, films, recordings, advertisements, and all forms of governmental or private media and public communication.
Requesting any information, studies, or data from any government body for review or use in fulfilling its duties.
Contracting with universities, institutes, institutions, or individuals to conduct field studies or media research.
Holding regular monthly meetings, with extraordinary sessions convened by the chairman or upon written request by three members. Decisions are made by absolute majority; in case of a tie, the chairman’s side prevails.
Requiring a two‑thirds majority to propose or amend media policy.
Appointing a full‑time Secretary‑General (grade 13 or higher), supported by technical and administrative units funded through a dedicated budget.

Additional responsibilities include:

Setting media development policies and supervising their implementation
Studying and proposing media regulations
Approving regulatory bylaws
Approving public awareness guidelines
Developing media literacy programs
Approving radio and television content policies
Evaluating the media feasibility of exhibitions and information pavilions
Setting foreign media policies and supervising their execution
Studying the Kingdom’s positions in international media conferences
Reviewing cultural and media symposiums related to the Kingdom
Approving nominations for media leadership positions abroad
Addressing obstacles to media development
Reviewing issues referred by the King

The Complementary Relationship Between the Council and the Ministry

Although it may appear that there is overlap between the functions of the Supreme Council for Information and the Ministry of Information, their roles are in fact complementary. Both aim to reinforce the Islamic identity across all Saudi media platforms.

As the Council’s Secretary‑General, Abdulrahman Al‑Abdan, explains:

“The Council is concerned with planning, supervision, follow‑up, and addressing issues that hinder media progress or weaken its positive impact.”

The Ministry of Information participates in planning through the presence of the Minister and the Undersecretary for Media Affairs, and is responsible for implementing the Council’s programs.

Thus, the Council and the Ministry share responsibility for guiding Saudi media—its content, programs, and direction—within the framework of Islamic identity. The Council ensures sound planning and regulation, while the Ministry ensures proper execution and content quality.

The Council crowned its efforts by issuing the “Media Policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, a document that strongly reflects the mechanisms of Islamic identity in Saudi media. The Ministry’s regulations further reinforce this direction.

Part Two: Islamic Identity in Saudi Media

A study of the history of Saudi media reveals the identity from which the Kingdom’s media policy emerged—an identity rooted in the Kingdom’s Islamic foundations.

Saudi media history began with the press, followed by books, then the establishment of technical and administrative structures that developed the press and its regulations. From these structures emerged radio, then television, followed by a series of achievements that carried significant implications for the evolution of Saudi media.

Chapter One: The Press

The Hijaz region (present‑day Makkah Province) witnessed the publication of several newspapers during the Ottoman and Hashemite periods. Most of these newspapers did not survive long due to financial constraints.

Ottoman Period (1326–1328 AH)

More than five newspapers were published in Mecca, Jeddah, and Medina, including:

Hijaz (the first printed newspaper in the region)
Shams al‑Haqiqah
Al‑Islah
Safā’ al‑Hijaz
Al‑Madinah al‑Munawwarah

Hashemite Period

Four publications appeared, most notably:

Al‑Qiblah, issued and co‑edited by Sharif Husayn ibn Ali
Jarwal Agricultural Magazine
Al‑Fallāḥ
Barīd al‑Hijaz

Al‑Qiblah continued for nearly nine years—the duration of Sharif Husayn’s rule.

Umm al‑Qura Newspaper

With the beginning of the Saudi era, the press entered a new phase characterized by continuity. However, it remained primarily a press of opinion rather than news, due to limited technical capabilities and the scarcity of trained Saudi journalists.

Umm al‑Qura, founded in 1343 AH / 1924 CE, was the first newspaper established by the Saudi government in Mecca. It served as the official gazette and played a major role in stimulating the Kingdom’s literary movement.

The Rise of Private Newspapers

In 1350 AH / 1932 CE, Umm al‑Qura was no longer the only newspaper in the Hijaz. The first private newspaper, Sawt al‑Hijaz, was launched in Mecca. It later ceased publication during World War II due to the inability to import paper through Jeddah Port.

In 1364 AH / 1946 CE, it resumed publication under a new name: Al‑Bilad al‑Saudiyya, becoming a daily newspaper in 1372 AH / 1952 CE—the first Saudi daily.

Among the earliest Saudi magazines was Al‑Manhal, founded in 1355 AH / 1937 CE by the Saudi intellectual Abd al‑Quddus Al‑Ansari. It began in Medina, later moved to Jeddah, and continues to be published by his son and grandson.

In 1356 AH / 1937 CE, the Al‑Madinah newspaper was founded by Ali and Othman Hafiz, whose sons later established one of the most influential Arab media institutions in London, publishing Asharq Al‑Awsat, Al‑Iqtisadiyya, Arriyadiyya, Al‑Majalla, Sayidaty, and others.

Both Al‑Madinah and Al‑Bilad later moved to Jeddah, where they continue to be published.

The post‑World War II period saw the emergence of numerous newspapers in the Hijaz, focusing on religion, homeland, literature, politics, and history.

Although early Saudi journalism was dominated by opinion pieces, it played a vital role in culture and knowledge.

After nearly 28 years from the founding of Umm al‑Qura, newspapers began appearing in other regions. In 1372 AH / 1953 CE, the first publication in Riyadh—Al‑Yamamah Magazine—was launched.

The Emergence of Al‑Yamamah Magazine and the Evolution of Saudi Press

Hamad Al‑Jasser, founder of Al‑Yamamah magazine, recounts the story of its establishment:

“I had a close relationship with King Saud—may God have mercy on him. He was a man who loved goodness and righteousness, and who desired the advancement of the country. Any beneficial project presented to him, he would immediately support and hasten to implement. He possessed a noble spirit and a sincere wish to see his nation reach the highest levels of progress among the nations of the world.”

On one occasion, Al‑Jasser said to the King:

“The city of Riyadh ought to have its own newspaper.”

The King welcomed the idea and replied:

“I am ready.”

He then issued a written order granting Hamad Al‑Jasser permission to publish a newspaper in Riyadh under the name “Al‑Riyadh.”

Al‑Jasser responded that it would be more practical to begin with a magazine, since the country lacked the necessary printing equipment. He therefore printed the first issue in Egypt in 1352 AH, with the help of Saudi students studying there, including Nasser Al‑Manqoor (later Saudi ambassador to London) and Ibrahim Al‑Anqari (later special advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques).

Ten copies of the first issue were sent from Cairo. Al‑Jasser took five of them and went to the office of Crown Prince Saud, submitting a request to ship around 50 kilograms of the first issue to Saudi Arabia via Saudi Airlines.

Shortly afterward, he received an unexpected letter from Abdulrahman Al‑Humaydi, Chief of the Crown Prince’s Office (letters usually came directly signed by the Crown Prince). The letter stated:

You are not permitted to use the name “Al‑Riyadh” for your publication, as this name has been granted to Sheikh Abdullah Balghunaim (then Director‑General of Radio, Press, and Publishing).
Distribution of the magazine “Al‑Riyadh” inside Saudi Arabia is not permitted.
You must bear the cost of transporting the magazine yourself.

Al‑Jasser continues:

“I went back to Egypt and changed the name from Al‑Riyadh to Al‑Yamamah, because replacing only the cover was cheaper than reprinting all 48 pages. I removed the original cover and replaced it with a new one bearing the name Al‑Yamamah. The publications law at the time was simple: anyone granted permission to publish a newspaper could change its name at will, provided the new name was not already in use or had not been used by a newspaper that ceased publication less than ten years earlier.”

He wrote to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jeddah—since publications were under its jurisdiction at the time—and obtained approval for the new name. Thus, the issue was released under the title Al‑Yamamah, even though the articles inside still welcomed the “first issue of Al‑Riyadh,” prompting a writer in Bahrain Magazine to publish a critique about the discrepancy between the cover and the internal content.

Later, businessman Hassan Sharbati established the Printing, Press, and Publishing Company in Jeddah and issued a magazine titled Al‑Riyadh, edited by Ahmad Ubayd. It eventually ceased publication. When Abdullah Balghunaim was asked about it, he said:

“Yes, I granted them the name.”

Some time later, after the newspaper Al‑Riyadh had ceased, Al‑Jasser was sitting with Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh. He said to him:

“What do you think if we publish a daily newspaper called Al‑Riyadh?”

Prince Salman replied:

“Submit a request to the King; I will support you.”

Al‑Jasser wrote the request on the spot. Soon afterward, he was summoned to the Riyadh Governorate, where he was informed that a telegram had arrived from King Saud approving his request to publish a daily newspaper named Al‑Riyadh. He was asked to sign the required undertaking.

He did so, and Prince Salman signed the approval letter, which stated:

“Based on Royal Telegram No. 22658 dated 17/11/1376 AH, approving Sheikh Hamad Al‑Jasser’s request to publish a weekly newspaper in Riyadh under the name Al‑Riyadh, we hope that it will serve the government and the country with integrity and sincerity.”

Al‑Jasser then published a large announcement in Al‑Yamamah about the upcoming launch of Al‑Riyadh. Shortly afterward, he received a telegram from Abdullah Balghunaim, Director‑General of Radio, Press, and Publishing:

“We have seen your announcement regarding the imminent publication of a newspaper named Al‑Riyadh. You know that I have been granted this name. I warn you, as I will publish a newspaper under this name.”

Al‑Jasser took the telegram to Prince Salman and asked for his opinion. The Prince replied:

“No—if you have received an objection from the responsible authority, then do not publish it.”

Expansion of the Press Beyond Riyadh

Two years after the first newspapers appeared in Riyadh, the Eastern Province began publishing its own newspapers. In 1374 AH / 1954 CE, Akhbar Al‑Dhahran was launched.

The 1950s (1370s AH) witnessed the emergence of widely circulated newspapers such as:

Al‑Nadwah (Ahmed Al‑Subai’i, Mecca)
Okaz (Ahmed Abdul‑Ghafour Attar, Taif, later Jeddah)
In addition to Umm al‑Qura, Al‑Madinah, and Al‑Bilad

Reorganization of the Saudi Press

In 1378 AH / 1958 CE, several newspapers were merged so that each major city would have only one newspaper. The aim was to raise journalistic standards by consolidating talent and simplifying oversight by the Ministry of Information.

Examples:

Arafat, Al‑Adhwa’, and Al‑Bilad Al‑Saudiyya merged into Al‑Bilad (Jeddah)
Al‑Nadwah and Hira’ merged into Al‑Nadwah (Mecca)
Al‑Yamamah remained in Riyadh
Al‑Qassim remained in the Qassim region

The Era of Press Institutions

The 1960s (1380s AH) marked one of the most dynamic periods in Saudi journalism. The Press Institutions Law of 1383 AH / 1963 CE transformed newspapers from individual ownership to collective institutional ownership. New editors‑in‑chief and general managers were elected.

Major newspapers and magazines founded under this system include:

Al‑Jazirah
Al‑Yaum
Al‑Riyadh
Al‑Yamamah Magazine
Iqra’ Magazine
Al‑Sharq Magazine

Alongside the major dailies: Okaz, Al‑Nadwah, Al‑Bilad, Al‑Madinah.

Later, in 1419 AH / 1998 CE, Al‑Watan newspaper was established by the Asir Press and Publishing Company.

New Developments in Saudi Journalism

Three major trends emerged in the 1970s (1390s AH):

1. English‑Language Saudi Newspapers

Saudi Gazette (Okaz Group, 1396 AH / 1976 CE)
Riyadh Daily (Al‑Yamamah Press, 1406 AH / 1986 CE)
Arab News (Saudi Research & Marketing, London, 1395 AH / 1975 CE)

2. International Saudi Publications

Saudi‑owned newspapers and magazines published from Cairo, Beirut, and London, including:

Asharq Al‑Awsat
Al‑Majalla
Sayidaty
Al‑Jadeedah
Arriyadiyya
Al‑Iqtisadiyya
Al‑Furusiyya
Alam Al‑Riyadah

These were issued by the Saudi Research and Marketing Company (UK), some printed in the Kingdom but without local institutional licenses.

3. Rise of Sports Journalists to Leadership

Several editors‑in‑chief began their careers in sports journalism:

Khalid Al‑Malik (Al‑Jazirah)
Dr. Hashim Abdu Hashim (Okaz)
Turki Al‑Sudairi (Al‑Riyadh)
Othman Al‑Omeir (Al‑Yaum, later Asharq Al‑Awsat)

Others became managing editors, including:

Muhammad Al‑Jahlan (Al‑Riyadh)
Fawzi Khayyat (Al‑Nadwah)
Idris Al‑Drees (Al‑Yamamah)
Hamid Abbas (Okaz)
Dr. Amin Sa’ati (Okaz)

Islamic Identity in Saudi Journalism

The Islamic identity is a defining characteristic of Saudi journalism. Although newspapers are privately owned institutions, they operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Information, which ensures:

Defense of Islam
Protection of national unity
Preservation of Arab and Islamic values
Upholding public morals
Promoting scientific and cultural awareness

For more than seventy years, no Saudi newspaper has ever published an article undermining Islamic identity. On the contrary, Saudi newspapers consistently refute attacks on Islam originating from outside the Kingdom.

Even though newspapers dedicate specific Islamic pages, the Islamic identity permeates every page, every line, and every word.