Private channels to telecast programs from KSA

(MENAFN- Arab News) Tenders have been invited from potential investors to establish a media city with advanced satellite television channel transmission facilities. The move aims at encouraging private channels currently operating from overseas stations to telecast their programs from the Kingdom. "The new satellite TV platform will provide a suitable atmosphere for improving the standard of media industry in the country," said Riyad bin Kamal Najm, president of the General Authority for Audio and Visual Media. The new platform, which will be ready by the beginning of 2015, will help channels launch their own satellites. The authority has contracted with a consultancy firm to study the requirements of private television channels. The company, which won the contract, would be licensed to establish and manage the platform. "It will make necessary efforts to attract channels by offering advanced services and reasonable charges," Najm said. The new city will bring about qualitative improvement in the Kingdom's media industry, besides encouraging opening of more private channels. A number of specialized companies had expressed their desire to participate in the project. The authority has sent out invitations seeking information for their prequalification, he said, and urged companies interested to provide necessary information quickly.