Saudi Arabia Satellite Dish Ban

From Censorpedia

Date: 1994

Region: Middle East

Subject: Political/Economic/Social Opinion , Religion

Medium: Television



Confronting Bodies: Saudi Arabian Ministry of Information

Dates of Action: March 1994

Location: Saudi Arabia

Focus of Opposition: Anything which can be picked up by a satellite dish.

The Incident: In response to Saudi press and religious leaders' condemnation of satellite programs as "a threat to traditional values," the Ministry of Information initiated a complete ban on import and manufacture of satellite dishes and all associated parts (e.g. decoders) with violaters being fined up to $133,000.

Results of Incident: The Interior Ministry gained control over choosing which satellite programs reflected and respected Saudi "religious and social values." These programs were subsequently aired on cable television.

Source: Rocky Mountain News (AP) March 12, 1994; [[1]]