The General Authority of Media Regulation

The General Authority of Media Regulation is the entity responsible for regulating the audiovisual and written media sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It monitors and controls advertising activities for individuals, companies, and institutions. This includes all types of digital media content across various media outlets and social media platforms. Established under the name of the Authority for Audiovisual Media in the year 2012, the Council of Ministers approved changing the name to the General Authority of Media Regulation in 2023. 

The General Authority for Media Regulation has outlined several tasks, including supervising advertising activities for individuals, companies, and institutions. It monitors and regulates all types of digital media content across various media outlets and social media platforms. The authority manages the licensing process related to the sector, issuing licenses, and monitoring all broadcast service providers and visual and auditory media content to ensure the provision of high-quality media services and diverse content. Additionally, it works on developing various activities in the media sector, enhancing entertainment options for consumers, preserving the Kingdom's core values, and strengthening its pivotal role at regional and international levels. The authority also coordinates with the Communications, Space & Technology Commission regarding the frequency spectrum for various types of media broadcasting, technical specifications for broadcast devices, and issuing approvals for their import and release. Furthermore, it supports, conducts, and organizes research studies, conferences, and related seminars.

The authority aims to achieve several strategic objectives, including the development of infrastructure in the media sector, preserving national identity, localization of the media sector, raising the level of locally produced content, nurturing media talents, increasing the contribution of the media sector to job opportunities, adopting practices based on regional and global standards, establishing an investment-friendly environment to support national media companies, attracting direct investments, and stimulating economic activity in the media field. This aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The strategy aims to increase the contribution of the media sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to reach SAR47 billion by the year 2030. This goal is set to enhance the national economy, diversify its revenue streams, and elevate the non-oil GDP in the Kingdom.

The General Authority for Media Regulation operates in accordance with the Audiovisual Media System issued in the year 2017, and its executive regulations issued in 2018. These regulations define the guidelines and requirements for individuals working in the field of audiovisual media. Key points include adherence to the Kingdom's media policy, compliance with licensing conditions, procedures for granting, amending, suspending, canceling, or renewing licenses, and the protection of the rights of beneficiaries and licensees according to the authority's regulations. The regulations also emphasize safeguarding competition and specify penalties and fines in cases of proven violations. Additionally, specialized committees are designated to adjudicate violations of the provisions of the Press and Publication System, procedures for waiving licenses, and articles related to mergers.