KUWAIT: Kuwait Journalists Association held a panel discussion on Thursday with Saudi Minister of Information Salman bin Yousif Al-Dossary and local media at the National Library. During the discussion, the Saudi Minister revealed he signed an agreement between Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) to enhance content. “We believe in official news agencies’ ability, objectivity and importance, as they serve as the cornerstone for verifying news. Their role as a reliable source is paramount, providing a solid foundation upon which individuals can rely when seeking confirmation of information,” Dossary said.

“I had a meeting with the Kuwaiti minister of information, followed by a significant discussion with the Prime Minister. Throughout these discussions, our dialogue centered on pressing media issues, and I’m pleased to report that consensus was reached on all topics discussed. These interactions underscore our commitment to fostering strong partnerships and collaboration in addressing pertinent matters within the media landscape,” he said.

Dossary emphasized the robust political relations between the two nations, which are mirrored in the media landscape. “Recognizing the vital role media plays in reflecting and shaping diplomatic ties, it was imperative to engage with Kuwaiti media representatives to reinforce the positive trajectory of our bilateral relations. Any attempts to distort or undermine these strong ties are swiftly addressed to maintain the integrity and stability of the relationship. These meetings serve as a platform to elucidate the genuine nature of our partnership and dispel any misconceptions. Despite occasional negative voices on social media, our focus remains steadfast on nurturing and preserving the flourishing relationship between our countries,” he stressed.

“Media understanding and direct communication are more important than official meetings. We are keen to transfer successful experiences from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and vice versa to address challenges in order to confront them together,” Dossary added.

The Saudi minister said he launched the strategy and identity of the General Authority of Media Regulation, seeking to focus on the economics of media. “Our efforts are geared towards enhancing the media’s contribution to the economy, with a specific focus on job creation. In 2023, we successfully generated 56,000 jobs within the sector, and our aim for 2024 is to further elevate this number to approximately 67,000. We firmly believe that the media industry possesses the potential to attract a significant number of employment opportunities,” Dossary said.

“The Saudi media has undergone positive transformations, and we believe that the private sector is a major contributor to development in the sector. The Saudi ministry of information has an enabling and supportive role for the private sector to play its role, and the next stage is a major stage of transformation. Any media outlet that adds to the system, we support it. Our standard is to promote positive content,” he explained, adding that with the presence of social media, there are challenges, but there are many opportunities too, where social media is faster than traditional media.

“It is possible to combine the power of traditional media and social communication to accelerate its spread, benefit from it and reduce risks as much as possible,” Dossary pointed out. Regarding youth empowerment, he said: “Young people are the pillar in shaping Saudi media. All our current projects and media outlets depend on Saudi youth, and they have become creative in it. They have ideas that we are unable to pursue, and we must focus on this category.”

Regarding the disappearance of print newspapers, the minister said: “In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, adaptation to technological and technical advancements is imperative. The press faces significant challenges, with no clear global media model to guide its evolution. Success hinges on embracing fresh perspectives, staying agile amidst change and mitigating risks along the way. Those who navigate this transformation will emerge stronger from the challenging stage ahead.”