Article 11 of the Saudi Audiovisual Media Law
المادة 11 من نظام الإعلام المرئي والمسموع
Before granting a broadcasting license that uses frequencies, the Communications and Information Technology Commission's frequency requirements must be met, and the Authority updates broadcasting equipment specifications and approves their import and clearance.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
1- يشترط قبل منح ترخيص البث الذي تستخدم فيه الترددات -وفقاً لأحكام النظام ولائحته- استيفاء المتطلبات المتعلقة بتخصيص الترددات وترخيصها من هيئة الاتصالات وتقنية المعلومات، وذلك وفقاً لنظام الاتصالات.
2- تتولى الهيئة -بالتنسيق مع هيئة الاتصالات وتقنية المعلومات وفقاً لاختصاصاتها المقررة نظاماً- تحديث المواصفات الفنية لأجهزة البث الإعلامي المرئي والمسموع، واصدار الموافقات الخاصة باستيراد تلك الأجهزة وفسحها بناء على ذلك.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 11 explained in plain English
This article regulates the relationship between the General Authority for Audiovisual Media and the Communications and Information Technology Commission on two matters:
Paragraph 1: frequencies
- It concerns a broadcasting license that uses frequencies.
- It is a condition that, before this license is granted, the requirements for allocating and licensing the frequencies from the Communications and Information Technology Commission are met, in accordance with the Telecommunications Law.
The order is clear: meeting the frequency requirements comes before granting the broadcasting license.
Paragraph 2: broadcasting equipment
- The Authority, in coordination with the Communications and Information Technology Commission within its statutory competences, updates the technical specifications for audiovisual media broadcasting equipment.
- On that basis it issues the approvals for importing and clearing that equipment.
A person importing broadcasting equipment therefore needs approval for import and clearance, based on the updated technical specifications.
This article is linked to Article 6, which requires the licensee to comply with the frequencies allocated for broadcasting and reception and the geographic coverage area, and to comply with the approved technical specifications for broadcasting, rebroadcasting and receiving equipment. The details of the frequency requirements are governed by the Telecommunications Law and are not stated in this Law. Those who work in radio or television broadcasting may consult a lawyer who specializes in media regulation and administrative matters.
Practical example
A company in Riyadh plans to launch an FM radio station. Before it obtains the broadcasting license, it must meet the requirements for allocating and licensing the frequency from the Communications and Information Technology Commission. When importing transmission equipment, it needs approval for import and clearance based on the approved technical specifications.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 11 of the Saudi Audiovisual Media Law
Does a broadcasting license need approval from the Communications and Information Technology Commission?
If the broadcasting uses frequencies, the requirements for allocating and licensing the frequencies from the Commission must be met before the license is granted, under the Telecommunications Law.
Does importing broadcasting equipment need approval?
Yes. The Authority issues the approvals for importing and clearing broadcasting equipment based on the updated technical specifications.
More articles on Frequencies, Competition and Beneficiaries' Rights
- Article 12
The Authority protects the rights of beneficiaries and licensees and settles their disputes, unless one party is a telecommunications service provider, in which case the Communications and Information Technology Commission is competent.
1- تتولى الهيئة توفير الحماية لحقوق المستفيدين والمرخص لهم؛ وفقاً لضوابط تحددها اللائحة. 2- تعمل الهيئة على تسوية الخلافات بين المرخص لهم، أو بينهم وبين المستفي
- Article 14
Licensees may not harm the broadcasting, rebroadcasting or media production market, subject to the Competition Law, and encrypting content of national occasions that the Authority specifies is prohibited.
1- مع مراعاة ما قضى به نظام المنافسة، يحظر على المرخص لهم القيام بما يؤثر سلباً على سوق البث، وإعادة البث، أو الإنتاج الإعلامي المرئي أو المسموع، أو أي أمر يتصل
- Article 21
If a broadcasting or rebroadcasting license is canceled, suspended or not renewed, the Authority must take what is necessary to prevent harm to workers' interests and preserve their rights.
في حال إلغاء الترخيص الخاص بمجال البث أو إعادة البث، أو تعليقه، أو عدم تجديده؛ فتتخذ الهيئة ما يلزم لضمان عدم الإضرار بمصالح العاملين وحفظ حقوقهم وفقاً للقواعد
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.