A new generation of FM radio stations is entering the Saudi market soon with the announcement of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the qualified 11 media alliances and companies which will submit their financial bids for the five new FM radio licenses in the Kingdom. Four media companies have failed to provide the minimum financial guarantees from Saudi banks to make it to the second round, according to Riyadh Najim, assistant deputy minister for engineering affairs and supervisor of audiovisual media. The qualified alliances and companies included the alliance of Alf Alf, the alliance of Arabia Advertisement and Public Services, and Arab Radio and Television (ART); the alliance of Jazirah for Press and Publication; Rotana Audi Visual Company; the alliance of Noor Telecommunications; the alliance of Al-Mawarid Electronics Limited Company; Media Gates Limited Company; the alliance of Saudi Specialized Publishing Company and the alliance of Saudi Fal Company; the alliance of Al-Watania for Advertisement and Publication; Shams Union; and Ghaya Innovation Holding Company. The winner of the first new FM radio license will be announced on Jan. 30 and the last date for submitting a bid for this first license is Jan. 27. The winners bidding for the remaining four licenses will be announced every two weeks until March 22. Over 73 percent of people in Saudi Arabia listen to radio programs, with over half of them tuning into radio on a daily basis, mostly while driving, according to a new study by the Arab Advisers Group.
