RIYADH, 28 April 2008 -- Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman formally inaugurated the world-class Prince Ahmed bin Salman Applied Media Institute, the first media training facility of its kind in the Arab world, here last night.

The institute, which has received major funding from Saudi Research and Marketing Group (SRMG), will open a new era in Saudi mass communication with its diverse international courses in print and broadcast media.

Speaking at the high-profile inaugural event, Prince Faisal bin Salman, SRMG chairman, said, "The institute has the mandate to promote a free flow of information, develop communication and stress the importance of capacity building for future practitioners in a concerted effort." He added, "The institute's objective is to prepare professional media persons, who can cope with the rapid developments and breakthroughs in the Arab and global media markets."

He also commended Saudi media organizations and the Technical & Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) for supporting the project.

While welcoming Prince Salman, the SRMG chief said, "The institute has been established in response to calls from the media sector for qualified and specialized professional human resources at the vanguard of rapidly developing Arab journalism."

The institute, Prince Faisal said, has been named after the late Prince Ahmed bin Salman, who is globally known for his charitable and social contributions.

He said that special training programs are necessary to meet the requirements of each media institution.

"The institute will not only reduce the training cost of these institutions but also provide them with quality programs that comply with their needs."

He added that the institute's training programs have been designed with the support of reputable international institutions and that deals have been struck with several reputable news organizations to provide tutors for training.

Prince Ahmed, who founded SRMG in 1987, is not only known for his charitable works but also for his PR acumen and his sporting interests, especially in the equestrian field. He is fondly remembered in sporting circles as the owner of a number of champion horses, the most famous being "War Emblem" -- the winner of the Kentucky Derby.

Princess Lamia bint Mishal ibn Saud, wife of the late Prince Ahmed, said: "The Prince Ahmed bin Salman Applied Media Institute is the first of its kind in the Kingdom. It is a beginning, and we are hoping that it will be acknowledged abroad."

She added, "The institute's mission is to provide training, including technical, for students, and more importantly, to provide jobs from them. So it is just right to encourage other newspapers and companies to aid us in this mission by offering jobs and providing positions for graduates."

The institute's founders include the family of the late Prince Ahmed, SRMG, Dar Al-Hayat Publishing Co., Dallah Media Production, MBC Group, Al-Jazirah Organization, Al-Madina Al-Munawwarh Organization for Press and Printing, Al-Yamamah Press Est., and Dar Alyaum Press and Printing House. Its eight-member board is headed by Prince Faisal.

Dr. Abdullah ibn Hamad Al-Dalaigan, managing director, said the institute would provide training in such vital areas as press and publication, audio and visual media, technology and administration and marketing. "We'll provide short-term training programs as well as qualifying and diploma programs," he added.

"The institute, in fact, represents a unique initiative in the field of training in the region, and aims to build the personnel that would raise levels of information contents in the region," said Dr. Ali Al-Ghafees, TVTC governor.

It was also announced that The Princess Hussa bint Salman Award for Saudi women journalists would be given under the direct supervision of the institute. This award, instituted in 2007, is given in the form of two fellowships covering the educational and living expenses of two selected women nominees and two companions.

By Ghazanfar Ali Khan

© Arab News 2008