Saudi Arabia’s Al Watania Distribution company ordered that the printing of newspapers be stopped in various regions of the Kingdom.
It cited the high cost of printing and low returns, as well as competition from online news platforms for its decision.
The move created a stir among media circles with many deeming it an end to print newspapers. Others saw it as an opportunity for journalistic institutions to introduce radical changes into their work so that they remain up to date with modern media.
Media and telecommunications expert Dr. Mohammed al-Hizan said: “Journalism will remain journalism, but the means and tools change.”
Former editor-in-chief of al-Watan newspaper and current editor-in-chief of Anaween online newspaper Tareq Ibrahim said that the drop in sales of print media is part of the global crisis and repercussion of the revolution taking place in media and telecommunications.
“Newspapers used to generate high revenues, but these profits have never been invested,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Saudi journalistic institutions are late to join the shift from print to electronic media, he added.
