JEDDAH: ARAB NEWS
Saturday 23 February 2013

The Ministry of Culture and Information will block 1,400 unlicensed news websites, according to the ministry’s Assistant Undersecretary for Internal Media, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Aqeel.

Speaking at a symposium on the future of new media held by the commerce chamber in Al-Kharj, Al-Aqeel said that 600 news websites have already been licensed by the ministry.

“The ministry supports all media outlets and even facilitates the flow of information,” he said.

He added that the Kingdom promotes freedom of press so that all media houses can play an effective role locally and on the world stage. “Our aim is to spread the vision of the Kingdom that is based on Islamic and global principles.”

The symposium recommended that a list be compiled of licensed media providers. It also proposed that all media companies should appoint a language expert to oversee accuracy.