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Saudi Television's Enduring Media Impact Across Six Decades
Saudi Television has played a pivotal role in the Kingdom's media journey, marking its first official broadcast on July 7, 1965, during the reign of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz. As the first official national channel, it established a direct link between the government and its citizens, as well as an influential voice on the global stage. From the outset, Saudi Television embodied the leadership's commitment to mass communication, promoting cultural values, strengthening national identity, and supporting national development.
Early broadcasts began in Riyadh and Jeddah in black and white, focusing on religious and cultural content. Notably, Quran recitations were a central feature, reflecting the spiritual and cultural foundation of Saudi media. In 1974, the introduction of color television marked a technological breakthrough, significantly enhancing the viewing experience and expanding reach across the Arab world.
Transformation Through Innovation, Specialization
The 1990s ushered in a new era for Saudi Television, driven by advancements in production technology and professional broadcasting standards. This period saw the emergence of more dynamic directing and news production methods, aligned with the Kingdom's growing ambitions for its media landscape.
Entering the 2000s, Saudi Television underwent significant specialization and digital growth. Moreover, the Saudi Broadcasting Authority introduced a variety of specialized channels to meet evolving viewer preferences. Among these were: Al-Ekhbariya Channel (2004), delivering local and global news;
The Holy Quran Channel (2009), offering continuous live broadcasts from the Grand Mosque;
The Sunnah Channel, which features live programming from the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.
These additions diversified content while maintaining a focus on religious, cultural, and national programming. Saudi Television also remained the official broadcaster of national events and speeches, reinforcing its central role in shaping public discourse.
Embracing Digital Evolution, Vision 2030
With the launch of SBC Channel in 2018, Saudi Television expanded its reach to younger audiences through contemporary entertainment. In 2020, Thikrayat Channel was introduced to revive and celebrate classic Saudi artistic and cultural productions, bringing them to a new generation.
As part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 strategy, the media sector has been prioritized for development and modernization. Saudi Television has embraced digital transformation by offering content on mobile apps and live streaming platforms, including Al-Oula and Saudi On Demand (SOD) in English. Additionally, these platforms ensure accessibility and broader engagement.
Moreover, local media talent is being cultivated across production, presentation, and editorial roles, aligning with national goals to localize the media industry and boost its creative capacity.
From its beginnings in 1965 to its current position as a multi-platform media network, Saudi Television has remained a trusted voice for the Kingdom. Blending tradition with innovation. Finally, it continues to play a central role in shaping national identity, informing the public, and supporting the country's ambitious path toward sustainable media development.
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