Hala Tashkandi

The forum will run between Nov. 27 and 29 under the slogan “Media industry: Opportunities and challenges”

The Saudi Journalists Association (SJA) announced the details of the first Saudi Media Forum at a press conference on Tuesday.

It also declared the formation of the Riyadh Press Club and revealed additional details for the Saudi Media Awards.

“In its first year, the Saudi Media Forum and awards will support discovering, celebrating and encouraging innovators. The forum is a chance to build an image that reflects the new Saudi Arabia with its spirit, vitality and ambitions,” said Mohammed Al-Harthi, member of the board of directors and chairman of the forum.

The association also announced the formation of the Riyadh Press Club, which will invite foreign correspondents to contribute to Saudi journalism by offering new perspectives and ideas.

Though he believes the decision is overdue, Al-Harthi said that this is a step in the right direction for the Kingdom’s media sector.

The forum will run between Nov. 27 and 29 under the slogan “Media industry: Opportunities and challenges.”

Al-Harthi said that Riyadh is the perfect place for the forum: “Riyadh is the most important media capital in the region.”

Details of the awards were also revealed at the event by Al-Harthi, who announced that nominations were being accepted on the forum’s website.

Journalists can nominate themselves in any of the following categories: Social, cultural, economic, political, sport, photojournalism, caricatures and columns.

There are separate categories for visual and audio production, as well as a media person of the year award.

Registration to the forum will open soon on their website.