Basic Law of Broadcasting in Saudi Arabia

The Basic Law of Broadcasting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a government law issued by Royal Decree on August 29, 1954. This decree is considered the foundational order for broadcasting in the Kingdom, canceling all previous orders related to it and clarifying the purposes of the earlier Royal Decree issued on July 18, 1949.

The law consists of twelve articles and includes several provisions, such as: defining the purposes of broadcasting, outlining the means to achieve them, specifying the languages used, prohibitions, and the duties of the Director General of Broadcasting.

Arabic is the official language of Saudi broadcasting, and other languages may be introduced as part of achieving the objectives of the law. The law designated Saudi Broadcasting as an independent entity under the name "The General Directorate of Broadcasting" (at the time), with its authority reporting to the Prime Minister.

The Basic Law of Broadcasting in the Kingdom outlined the duties of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, which include: contributing to the dissemination of cultural awareness to help eradicate illiteracy, promoting the teachings of Islam within and outside the Kingdom by spreading its culture domestically in ways that are understood by the general public, enhancing their knowledge, broadening the intellectual horizons of the educated, and meeting the needs of specialized audiences. Additionally, the law tasks the authority with promoting Islamic teachings worldwide by establishing broadcasts in various languages and using methods suited to the nature of each nation to which the broadcast is directed. It also aims to elevate social taste.

The duties of Saudi Broadcasting also include instilling noble morals in individuals and encouraging them, while warning against harmful customs and traditions. It seeks to elevate the various classes of society and meet their cultural and social needs through dedicated and general educational programs. Additionally, it aims to simplify Classical Arabic, promote its understanding and use among the public, encourage urban and economic development in the country, revive Arab literature and heritage, and broadcast global events and scientific advancements.

The duties of broadcasting also include conveying the facts about the social, cultural, urban, and economic realities of the Kingdom, fostering a sense of confidence among citizens regarding the present and future of their country, and providing an accurate image to listeners abroad. Additionally, it aims to achieve the unity of the Muslim world and promote cooperation in righteousness and piety, while strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between Arab countries, working to forge ties, unify the Arab voice, and bring them together for their collective benefit, both present and future. The duties also involve maintaining friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom and all Arab and Islamic countries, as well as with all nations of the world whenever possible.

The Basic Law of Broadcasting Law in the Kingdom employs several means to achieve its objectives, including: broadcasting a series of radio talks, establishing a scientific library, reading clubs, and lectures, creating major central stations, engaging in radio exchanges between Saudi Broadcasting and other radio stations, publishing a broadcasting magazine, and printing publications.

The Basic Law of Broadcasting in the Kingdom outlines several prohibitions, including: violating the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet, creating division among citizens or harming their interests, damaging the country's reputation, harming the interests and unity of Arabs, creating division in the Islamic world, weakening the fraternal bond among its people, favoring or confronting any international bloc in a way that harms the country's interests, and addressing personal matters through propaganda or defamation.