The tightly regulated media in Saudi Arabia consistently downplays critical coverage of the kingdom and consistently backs Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and King Salman.
Major outlets' ownership status is unknown as a result of reports that important media owners turned over sizable assets to the government during MBS's alleged anti-corruption initiative in 2017.
Media freedom organizations continue to report a decline in freedoms even though outlets are adopting a more "modern" approach and more women are working in the media both on and off camera.
With the relocation of important outlets from abroad and a diversification into digital platforms, steps are being taken to transform the kingdom into a global media hub.
Social media is heavily used by Saudis, and YouTube is reportedly the most popular video platform in the world.
Despite being marginalized by MBS in his efforts to limit the influence of hardline Salafi clerics and those connected to the Muslim Brotherhood, religious figures are among the most popular social media personalities.
The use of influencers, imposter behavior, and false information are frequently used in campaigns to defend the monarchy and counter criticism.
By July 2022, there were 35 million internet users, or 98 percent of the population (Worldinternetstats.com).
- Associated with the well-known financial platform Argaam is the news-focused website Akhbaar24.
- Elaph is a London-based, Saudi-owned pan-Arab news website.
- Saudi news website Sabq is pro-government.
- Al-Watan, a newspaper based in Abha.
- Riyadh-based daily called Al-Riyadh.
- Jeddah-based daily Okaz.
- Al-Jazirah is a daily with a Riyadh base.
- English-language website for the London-based Saudi pan-Arab newspaper Al-Sharq al-Awsat.
- Al-Iqtisadiyah is a financial daily that specializes in local economic news.
- English-language daily with a Jeddah base called Arab News.
- The English-language daily Saudi Gazette is based in Jeddah.
- MBC's flagship 24-hour news channel in Saudi Arabia is Al Arabiya TV.
- Al-Hadath TV, a sister channel of Al Arabiya, offers in-depth follow-ups on the news coverage it carries.
- The royal family-affiliated conglomerate SRMG owns the news channel Asharq News.
- News network Al-Ikhbariya is a part of Saudi TV, which is state-run.
- Government-run Saudi radio.
- MBC FM—private.
- Private Mix FM.
- State-run, English-language pages can be found at Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
