Article 4 of the Saudi Audiovisual Media Law

المادة 4 من نظام الإعلام المرئي والمسموع

Those working in audiovisual media are subject to the Law, its regulations and the professional conduct rules set by the Authority.

Official text (Arabic)

This article has not been amended since the law was issued.

يخضع العاملون في مجال الإعلام المرئي والمسموع لأحكام النظام ولائحته، ولضوابط أداء المهنة للعاملين في هذا المجال، التي تضعها الهيئة.

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 4 explained in plain English

This article makes clear that the Law addresses not only establishments and channels but also those working in the field. It subjects those working in audiovisual media to three sources of rules:

The provisions of the Law.
Its Implementing Regulations.
The professional conduct rules for those working in this field, which the Authority sets.

The third source is important: the General Authority for Audiovisual Media is the body that sets the professional conduct rules. The article does not state what these rules contain, so their details should not be assumed without referring to what the Authority issues.

The practical effect is that an individual working in the field, such as a presenter, writer or camera operator, is personally responsible for complying with these rules, not only the body they work for. This is also clear from Article 5, which requires everyone who carries out an activity or profession in the field to comply with the media content controls. Among the penalties in Article 17 is suspension from practicing the profession for up to six months, a penalty that affects the worker personally.

A person working in the field who faces accountability over content they presented may need to consult a lawyer who specializes in media regulation and administrative matters.

Practical example

Noura works as a program presenter on a licensed channel in Riyadh. She herself, and not only the channel, is subject to the Law, its regulations and the professional conduct rules set by the Authority, so she should review these rules and comply with them.

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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