The collaboration aims to launch specialised programmes to enhance the capabilities of local media professionals, journalists, and content creators
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media and Google have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at supporting the digital transformation of the media sector in the region.
The partnership, revealed during the third Saudi Media Forum in Riyadh, coincides with Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosary’s proclamation that 2024 is the year of media transformation in Saudi Arabia.
The collaboration intends to introduce specialised programmes to enhance the capabilities of local media professionals, journalists, and content creators while facilitating digital transformation in the media sector. It also aims to foster digital knowledge and bolster media economies to align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The alliance seeks to share global best practices in the media sector, with a particular emphasis on leveraging artificial intelligence tools, especially within newsrooms. Local media organisations will benefit from Google-led training sessions designed to equip journalists from various Saudi media outlets with digital skills and news organisation techniques.
Moreover, the collaboration includes the implementation of training programmes for executive editors and other relevant media professionals, support for talented young Saudi journalists and media personnel, and the enhancement of their innovative and digital skills to drive productivity and efficiency.
A critical component of the partnership involves fostering personal responsibility among users of media content of all ages in Saudi Arabia. This will be achieved through the expansion of Google’s digital literacy programme, “Internet Heroes,” aimed at teaching children aged seven to 12 methods for staying safe online, with the involvement of parents and educators. The initiative is set to reach 50,000 students under the age of 13, ensuring a safer online experience for children across the Kingdom.
Similarly, YouTube will provide training courses on video creation strategy for content and news creators, offering support to Saudi content creators. Additionally, Google will conduct training sessions for leading media professionals on enhancing advertising revenues, analysing audience segments, and improving website rankings on ‘Google Search,’ in collaboration with Upskill Digital.
