Saudi Arabia Satellite Dish Ban
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]]