Media charter, adopted by Council of Ministers in 1982.
According to the guidelines in the information charter, the mass media in Saudi Arabia oppose destructive, trends, atheistic tendencies, materialistic philosophies and attempts to divert Muslims from their faith.
Freedom of expression is guaranteed within the framework of Islamic and national objectives and values.
Facts should be presented to the public objectively, without exaggeration or polemics. Likewise, pressmen should observe their code of ethics, work with honor and stay away from whatever may sow dissension or create, hatred and spite.
The Saudi information’s foreign policy adopts a humane attitude and fully respects the right of man to live in freedom on his national soil. It denounces every assault of whatever kind on the rights of peoples and individuals and combats expansionist designs. It also promotes right and justice, champions the cause of peace and stands against injustice and racial discrimination.
Other guidelines include the promotion of the idea of obedience to God, His Messenger, parents and guardians and the preservation of the established order. The media will also work to push forward the wheel of development by cooperating with specialized institutions in this field.
Saudi mass media will protect the higher interests of Arabs and Muslims, in general, and the country’s nationals in particular, backing facts with documentary evidence and reliable references.
They will highlight, at home and abroad, Saudi Arabia’s unique and characteristic personality and show that the security and stability enjoyed by the country’s citizens have no other reason but the adoption of Islam and Sharia as the Kingdom’s sole constitution. Equally highlighted will be the burden willingly shouldered by Saudi Arabia as the custodian and servant of the Islamic shrines.
The state, information policy also, aims at acquainting Saudis with their country and their brothers who live in this vast land to inject in thew a sense of cohesion and integration. Programs will have to be based on scientific and well-studied principles presented by specialists.
While recognizing that women are men’s sisters, the media will observe in their programs the nature of women and the role she is called to play in society without that role conflicting with such nature. Special attention will also be devoted to the youths, especiaIly during the precarious teenage period. Their problems will be dealt with in a way as to avoid their deviation from the right path.
The press, radio and television will also lay stress on the Kingdom’s rich heritage and, in cooperation, with educational and social institutions, promote the use of correct and pure literary Arabic language. Plays will have to be presented in literary Arabic and gradually popular programs will also be conducted in literary Arabic. Special care will be taken of the eradication of illiteracy and the teaching of Arabic to non-Arabic speaking people.