Many cynical people in our country believe that the media in Saudi Arabia, especially the broadcast media, lack the high level of expertise required to fight competition and attract a large segment of television viewers. The reason for this is that the huge number of satellite channels that were launched in the last decade or so seem to have adopted a policy of showing seductive and lewd programs.
By featuring scantily-clad young women, broadcasters aim to attract a large percentage of viewers. In fact when viewing such programs we tend to notice that the older the actress or singer, the greater the tendency for her to increase her body movements in order to gratify and grab the attention of viewers.
Returning to the original focus of this article, we really need to understand that the media in the Kingdom are more than capable of competing on the same level with the media in other countries. We have the necessary expertise and tools to participate in such a contest.
It is often remarked that a large number of channels rely on specific agendas, aim at specific targets and distinguish themselves with a unique slant. There are news channels, documentary channels and mostly music channels. However, official television channels include a mixture of different elements which are perhaps analogous to a dish with a mixture of ingredients.
Talk shows could develop and become something different from the style that a large number of people are witnessing. They rely solely on disagreements, fights and controversies that make them look like a cockfighting ring.
Often they are useless debates with no clear idea to revealing the truth. They are debates that are about who wins and who backs up his point with valid support. These programs are common in most Arab countries.
Another type of program is the cultural and contest ones. We can clearly see the process of duplicating weird ideas from Western programs; therefore, the inspiration for these cultural programs and contests comes from the West. Mentioning Arab and Islamic characters occasionally in these programs comes as part of filling the gaps or trying to satisfy a certain group in the audience. I’m not trying to deny the importance of the West and its peoples in providing civilized products that have contributed to entertainment and human elevation.
At the same time, I do believe that program materials must encompass planet earth regardless of different locations or long periods of time.
To achieve excellence and success in this competitive field, we have to build huge studios to film and produce talk shows and documentaries as well as interesting and educative cultural programs. We ought to make use of international production and directing skills instead of simply focusing on dramatic works.
