The CEO of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA) and the chairman of the Saudi Media Forum, Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthy, announced the date for the upcoming forum, set to be held in Riyadh from February 19 to 21, 2025.
The announcement was made during a meeting organized by the forum as part of the Co-Production Salon at the MIPCOM CANNES 2024, France, attended by officials from major international production companies and media specialists.
Al-Harthy indicated that the forum’s international aspect is one of the key reasons for its announcement during attendance at specialized international events such as MIPCOM.
He also noted the forum’s participation this year in the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) for media production and digital broadcasting in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He emphasized that the forum’s organizing committee is making extra efforts this year to deliver a better edition than before, considering every success a challenge for achieving even greater success.
Moreover, Al-Harthy str
essed the importance of enhancing the media outreach of the forum and its accompanying exhibition, the Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX), to reach the largest possible audience while attracting international media production companies.
He also noted that the exhibition, the largest of its kind in the region, brings together over 200 companies from 30 countries and serves as an interactive platform showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in the media field.
‘The Kingdom is witnessing continuous progress across various sectors as part of the Saudi Vision 2030, creating greater opportunities for media growth and investment in media technology. These aspects are the focus of the event, which provides a platform for companies and individuals to develop their media capabilities and explore the latest advancements in this ever-evolving industry,’ the SBA’s CEO said.
He indicated that the forum would also offer several initiatives aimed at activating local and international partnerships through various
developmental tracks, including funding for start-ups and career and development tracks for young talents and media professionals. This reflects the forum’s commitment to supporting and developing human capital.
Al-Harthy highlighted the importance of collaborating with active partners to achieve the forum’s goals and shared objectives, affirming that the forum’s partnerships are not limited to major media institutions but encompass a diversity that reflects its role as a media platform across all fields.
He added that this year’s Saudi Media Forum Award includes a new track on tolerance, created in collaboration with the KAICIID International Dialogue Centre. This track aims to support human values and promote understanding and openness to different cultures.
The SBA’s CEO noted that the award seeks to encourage media professionals, both individuals and companies, to produce outstanding media works that contribute to enhancing the Kingdom’s image as a global media platform.
The award also includes 15 cat
egories designed to enhance the spirit of competition and elevate the media industry among content creators and media institutions, as well as to honor outstanding individuals in the field.
Al-Harthy stated that the development stages, which are witnessed by the forum and its accompanying events, align with the Year of Media Transformation and the ongoing movement in the Saudi media landscape, led by Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary.
He noted that this reflects the minister’s continuous commitment to keeping pace with the Saudi media’s developments in light of global changes and anticipating the future of the media industry. He also ensures that the Saudi media, through all its institutions and outputs, aligns with national development efforts and the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
