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20181440

InvestorGuide

Contents

1. IntroductionGCAM Overview

CEO’s Message

Definitions

2. General Provisions

3. Licensing Activities Guide

First Category: Media Activities and Accessories Licenses:

• License to import, distribute, sell and lease the audiovisual media content

• License to distribute or import cinematic movies, videos and TV shows

• License to produce audiovisual media content

• Licenses to operate a studio (Production)

• License for audiovisual advertising offices, marketing offices and advertising agencies

• Licenses to import, and distribute or sell in retail media content receivers and accessories

Second Category: Cinema Licenses:• Permanent cinema venue operating license:

A. License to practice operation of permanent cinema

B. License to practice operation of temporary cinema (pop-up) or specialized cinema

• Licenses to operate cinema venues: 1. License to operate permanent cinema

2. License to operate temporary cinema (pop-up)

3. License to operate Specialized cinemas

Third Category: Broadcasting and Distribution Activities Licenses:

• License for a distribution platform via satellite receivers

• License for terrestrial transmitting stations

• License for Satellite uplink station

• License for platforms assembly

• License for (linear) Scheduled Broadcast Services

• License for (non-linear) non-scheduled audiovisual broadcasting services

• License for rendering radio broadcasting service

• License for rendering radio broadcasting service through other means

• License for audiovisual content distribution platform, via IPTV and cable television

• License for Mass Media Measurement

4. Non-Objection Certificate

5. How to Apply for a License

6. Audiovisual Content Classification and Permission

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4 5Investor Guide 54 Investor Guide

Introduction

Proceeding from its efforts to promote and improve the audiovisual media sector, GCAM organizes and supervises this sector, within a regulatory framework that guarantees a clear methodology for all stakeholders including facilities and personnel in the field.

GCAM moves forward at a rapid pace in order to develop audiovisual media broadcasting and control its content, thereby guaranteeing provision of high-quality services and professional diversified media content in line with KSA’s media policy.

Content means all activities broadcasted via channels, radio stations, cinema theaters, e-games and all content viewed or listened to by the follower in all aspects of broadcasting, production and distribution.

Investor’s guide contributes to realization of KSA 2030 ambitious vision and supports facilitation of doing business through increased participation of media facilities in the Saudi market in addition to creation of job opportunities to promote national economy diversification.

6 7Investor Guide 76 Investor Guide

CEO’s Message

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the globally leading economies, thanks to diversity of its resources and richness of active elements enabling it to promote its competitiveness in all sectors, including media sector, coupled with the attractive environment made available to attract investments and contribute to National Transformation Plan aiming to diversify economic resources.

To that end, we have formulated investor’s guide, which provides clear details of steps to be followed for completion of licensing procedures necessary by the local or global investor, in order to practise all audiovisual media activities, in line with a methodological and flexible process ensuring easier fulfilment of all investor’s needs.

From the beginning, the key to our strategy success lies in achieving our objectives with regard to innovation of media system in order to provide a suitable atmosphere, that would promote economic sources of income, and attract more entrepreneurs to develop media and investment therein, to be a strategic revenue stream of national economy.

Our objective today is to secure tools necessary to upskill the national cadres in media establishments, thereby raising creative skills of personnel and delivering a unique media message, guaranteeing progression in home and media entertainment, in addition to supporting talents working in Saudi media establishments and refining youth skills to be able to advance the position of these establishments and play a greater role in promoting KSA’s position globally.

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Definitions

Media content to be commercially produced except for any media content produced by individuals for limited sharing on the social media or others for pure non-commercial or personal purposes.

Professional media content:

Context of media activities, saved contents to be broadcasted within times specified by the user.

Non-linear:

Audiovisual Media Law.

Executive Policy of Audiovisual Media Law.

General Commission for Audiovisual Media.

Minister of Media.

Law:

Regulations:

GCAM/Commission:

Minister:

GCAM’s Board of Directors.

Board:

Context of media activities, all contents to be broadcasted within specific times according to a published schedule.

Professional media content to be produced inside the Kingdom, co-produced by media content broadcaster residing in the Kingdom, whose texts to be composed or written by one or more of Saudi nationals and be processed by personnel primarily residing in the Kingdom, or conforming to another criterion specified by GCAM from one time to another.

Linear:

Local content:

Applicable controls to be fulfilled.

Required documents and papers.

The National Classification of Economic Activities.

Conditions:

Requirements:

ISIC:

GCAM’s Chief Executive Officer.

CEO:

Whoever engaging in the audiovisual media field.

Personnel:

Whoever dealing with the licensee to obtain a service or media content, in accordance with the provisions of this Audiovisual Media Law and its Executive Policy thereof, including subscribers, clients and consumers.

Beneficiaries:

Enrollment in GCAM’s audiovisual media personnel schedule.

Professional Registration:

Investor Guide

10 11Investor Guide

Subject to Article 7 of the Law and Articles 6 and 7 of the Executive Policy thereof, whoever wishing to practice any audio or visual media activity shall apply to GCAM for a license to such activity.

Subject to the terms and conditions of each type of license listed in Licensing Guide, the following terms and conditions shall be met in order to obtain licenses:

1

2

General Provisions

1110 Investor Guide

• The license applicant shall be a facility licensed by the competent authority to operate in KSA or under the Foreign Investment Law as per the type of license.

• Licensed companies outside KSA that provide audiovisual media services to beneficiaries within KSA shall have a main branch or representative office in KSA.

• The license applicant shall have the necessary competency and knowledge of

• The license applicant shall obtain the necessary licenses or requirements from the competent authorities.

• The license applicant shall pay fees for the required license, renewal fees in case of renewal, and any other charges, as per the following provisions:

• No fees for issuance or renewal of licenses or otherwise shall be refundable.

the activity to be licensed, in accordance with the provisions of Implementing Regulations.

• The license applicant shall have a specified address (National Address) and an electronic means of communication, provided that GCAM is informed of any updates thereto.

• The license applicant shall fill out the application for license to perform the activity required to be licensed, and attach all required papers and documents.

• Renewal fees shall be the same amount paid upon issuance of license, unless otherwise specified.

• Except for activities specified for licensing for a specified period, the term of licenses issued by GCAM shall be three renewable years.

• The license shall be renewed within the specified dates but within maximum of 15 days from its expiration date.

12 13Investor Guide

GCAM shall issue the license after all the terms, conditions and procedures required by the license, depending on its type, are met.

GCAM shall set out the conditions required to be met by the Chief Administrative Officer of the Licensee.

The license issued by GCAM shall be revoked in the following cases:

If the license is revoked for any reason, the licensee may not claim refund of license fees, whatever the remaining validity period is.

Subject to the Law, the license issued by GCAM shall be suspended in the following cases:

All licensing activities shall be governed by GCAM violations Schedule.

License will be granted within maximum 5 working days as of application completion date, with the exception of certain activities.

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Intro Message

• If the licensee applies for cancellation of its license, and its application is accepted by GCAM.

• If the licensee dies, and the heirs do not nominate one of them to replace the licensee,

• If a decision or judgment is issued to suspend the license.

within the period specified by GCAM, except for the licensed companies.

• If a judgment or decision is issued revoking or suspending the license.

• If the licensee fails to meet any of the conditions prescribed for granting the license.

14 15Investor Guide

Licenses for Media Activitiesand Accessories

1. License to import, distribute, sell and lease the audiovisual media content

2. License to distribute or import cinematic mov-ies, videos and TV shows

3. License to produce audiovisual media content

4. Licenses to operate a studio (Production)

5. License for audiovisual advertising offices, marketing offices and advertising agencies

6. Licenses to import, and distribute or sell in retail media content receivers and accessories

16 17Investor Guide

Licenses for Media Activities and Accessories

Description:

This license includes:

· Importing, selling and distributing an audio and/or visual content through portable mediums or hardware

· Licensing or purchasing, redistributing, and selling rights and facilities offering Arcade games service

· Online stores that practice this activity.

Conditions:

1. The license applicant shall provide a proof of consent of the producer or its authorized agent.

2. The license applicant shall print the license number on all media, and to distribute such media only to retail licensees, or distributors through licensed platforms.

3. If the licensee wishes to import and engage in retail activity, the licensee shall submit a separate application for such a license.

4. The license applicant undertakes to stop distributing any media content immediately and without objection upon GCAM request.

License to import, Distribute, Sell and Lease the Audiovisual Media Content.

Requirements:

· Commercial register conforming to the activity.

· Copy of the company’s MOA.

· Copies of National IDs/Passports (for non-Saudis) for all partners, managing director, and board members. If one of the partners is another company, copy of such company commercial register shall be attached.

· National ID/Passport (for non-Saudis) for all persons mentioned in the application form.

· SAR 20,000 for licensing the import and distribution of audiovisual content.

· SAR 2,000 for each retail or lease license of audio and visual content.

· SAR 1,000 for each location or POS or additional sale or distribution point relates to the same commercial register.

· SAR 2,000 for permission and classification of each content sample that is imported and distributed to the audience.

Activity

Licensing Term:

3 years

Investor’s Journey

2 31

Obtaining the License

Fees:

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License to Distribute or Import Cinematic Movies, Videos and TV Shows

Activity


Description:

Distribution or importing of cinematic movies from outside the kingdom shall require this license.

Conditions:

1. The license applicant undertakes to provide GCAM with a list of the media content.

2. The license applicant shall provide a proof of consent of the parent company or its authorized agent to import and distribute movies for cinematic purposes within the Kingdom.

3. The license applicant undertakes to stop distributing any media content immediately and without objection upon GCAM request.

Requirements:

· Commercial register conforming to the activity

· Copy of the company’s MOA



· SAR 30,000 for License to distribute or import cinematic movies, videos and TV shows.

· SAR 2,000 for permission and classification of each sample (Cinematic Movie).

Licensing Term:

3 years


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Fees:

20 21Investor Guide

Audiovisual Media Content Production License

Activity


Description:

This license includes:

· Production of TV shows, radio programs, movies

· Audiovisual media content

· Video games and cartoons, dubbing and subtitling

· Montage, charts and scripts for audiovisual media works.

Conditions:

The license applicant shall provide a proof of the applicant’s or the facility chief administrative officer’s competency to manage the activity.

Requirements:





· SAR 2,000, for audiovisual media content production license

Licensing Term:

3 years


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Fees:

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Licenses to Operate a Studio (Production)

Activity


Description:

This license is granted to establishments wishing to render audiovisual media services through studios. Studios are divided into two categories:

· Immovable studio: A location equipped to produce and/or record the professional media content, including the permanent supervision and control rooms.

· Movable studio: A movable or mobile vehicle contains the necessary equipment to produce and/or record the digital content.

Conditions:


Requirements:





· SAR 2,000 for License of immovable studio.

· SAR 2,000 for License of movable studio.

Licensing Term:

3 years

Investor’s Journey Obtaining the License

Fees:

24 25Investor Guide

License for Audiovisual Advertising Offices, Marketing Offices and Advertising Agencies

Activity


Description:

They are the establishments wishing to practise advertising and marketing activity, promote goods, commodities or services through audio and visual mediums. Including: supervising customers’ accounts on social media websites and other similar services.

Conditions:


Requirements:





· SAR 2,000 for License of audiovisual advertising offices, marketing offices and advertising agencies.

Licensing Term:

3 years


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Fees:

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Licenses to Import, and Distribute or Sell in Retail Media Content Receivers and Accessories

Activity


Description:

This license is required for the activity of importing devices that receive electronic signals and/or display the media content through any communication mean (Satellite or land communication or etc.) such as TVs (including smart TVs), Radio, relevant devices and accessories (Including satellite dishes, controllers, wires and parts for operating the device).

Conditions:

The licensee applicant undertakes that the devices to be imported are approved and permitted by GCAM.

Requirements:





Fees:

· SAR 20,000 for licensing for import and distribute media content receivers and accessories.

· SAR 2,000 for licensing for retail of media content receivers and accessories thereof.

· SAR 1,000 for each location or POS or additional sale or distribution point relates to the same commercial register.

Licensing Term:

3 years


28 29Investor Guide

Cinema Licenses

A) License to Engage in Cinema Venue Operation

1. Permanent Cinema Venue Operating License

2. Temporary and Specialized Venue Operating License

B) License to operate Cinema venues

1. License to Operate Permanent Cinema

2. License to Operate Temporary Cinema

3. License to Operate Specialized Cinema

*License conditions might vary with time based on GCAM’s updated laws & regulations

30 31Investor Guide

Conditions:

1. Permanent Cinema Venue Operating License

Requirements:

· SAR 210,000 for license to practice operation of permanent cinema1. Proof of experience and competency to operate permanent

cinema venues.

2. Submit a comprehensive operational plan to operate the permanent cinema venues.





· Academic and practical biography of the person in charge i.e. General Manger.

· Brief about license applicant.

Licensing Term:

3 years

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Cinema Licenses

A License to Practice Operation of Cinema Venue

Activity

Description:

This license is required for operation of permanent cinema venue/venues.


Fees:

32 33Investor Guide

Conditions:

2. Temporary or Specialized venue operating license

Requirements:

· SAR 105,000 for license to practice operation of temporary (pop-up) or specialized cinema theater/theaters.

1. The license applicant shall submit a proof of experience and competency to operate temporary (pop-up) or specialized cinema theater/theaters.

2.The license applicant shall submit a comprehensive operational plan operate temporary (pop-up) or specialized cinema theater/theaters.





· Academic and practical biography of the person in charge i.e. General Manger.

· Brief about license applicant.

Licensing Term:

3 years

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Cinema Licenses

Activity

Description:

This license is required to practice operation of temporary (pop-up) or specialized cinema venue/venues.


Fees:

A License to Practice Operation of Cinema Venue

34 35Investor Guide

Conditions:

1. License to Operate Permanent Cinema venue

Requirements:

· SAR 21,000 for every permanent screen.1. The license applicant shall obtain a license to operate permanent cinema houses

(Permanent cinemas operators may apply for a license for temporary shows).

2. The license applicant shall submit an economic feasibility study prepared by an entity recognized by GCAM.

3. The license applicant shall obtain the required permits from the relevant entities and Non-Objection Certificate to establish a cinema house.

4. The license applicant shall submit a proof of the property ownership or a valid lease contract throughout the license term.

5. The license applicant undertakes to pay to GCAM 25% of price of each sold ticket.

· Copy of cinema operation agreement concluded between operator and owner of the right to use the property.

· National ID/passport (for non-Saudis) for all persons mentioned in the application form.

· Copy of municipal license of the site.

· Detailed information indicating nature and capacity of cinema theater together with number and types of screens, seats and restaurants.

· Copy of the license to practice operation of permanent cinema.

Licensing Term:

3 years

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Cinema Licenses

Licenses to Operate Cinemas:

Activity

Description:

This license should be obtained to operate permanent cinema theater.


Fees:

36 37Investor Guide

Conditions:

2. License to Operate Temporary Cinema (Pop-Up)

Requirements:

· SAR 1,000 daily (for every temporary screen).


2. The license applicant undertakes to pay to GCAM 25% of price of each sold ticket.

3. The license applicant shall prove ability of operation through licensor to operate cinema venues.



· Detailed information indicating nature and capacity of cinema venue together with number and types of screens, seats and restaurants.

· Copy of the license to practice operation of temporary cinema (po-up).

Licensing Term:

· Not to exceed 30 Days consecutive or interrupted days per annum.

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Cinema Licenses


Activity

Description:

This license should be obtained, to operate cinema venue on temporarily basis (pop-up) used (for a period not more than 30 consecutive or interrupted days per annum and may be exceptionally extended by a decision from GCAM), this license should be obtained.


Fees:

38 39Investor Guide

Conditions:

3- License to Operate Specialized Cinema venue

Requirements:

Fees:

· SAR 7,000 annually for every specialized show screen (it shall be excluded from paying percentage of tickets price).


2. The license applicant shall obtain the required permits from the relevant entities and Non-Objection Certificate to establish a cinema house.

3. The license applicant shall submit a proof of the property ownership or a valid lease contract throughout the license term.

4. The license applicant shall prove ability of operation through licensor to operate cinema venues.



· Detailed information indicating nature and capacity of cinema venue together with number and types of screens, seats and restaurants.

· Copy of the license to practice operation of specialized cinema.

Licensing Term:

One year

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Cinema Licenses


Activity

Description:

This license should be obtained, to operate Cinema venue for non-profit shows, which display a media content that is classified by GCAM for educational, learning, scientific, cultural, historical purposes or any other purpose approved by GCAM.


1. A License for a distribution platform via satellite receivers

2. license for terrestrial transmitting stations

3. A license for Satellite uplink station

4. Assembly platforms licensing

5. A license for (linear) Scheduled Broadcast Services

6. A license for (non-linear) non-scheduled audiovisual broadcasting services

7. A license for rendering radio broadcasting service

8. A license for rendering radio broadcasting service through other means

9. A license for audiovisual content distribution plat-form, via IPTV and cable television

10. A license for Mass Media Measurement

Broadcasting and DistributionActivities Licenses

42 43Investor Guide

Conditions:

Requirements:

• Commercial register conforming to the activity.

• Copy of the company’s MOA

• Copies of National IDs/passports (for non-Saudis) for all partners, managing director, and board members. If one of the partners is another company, copy of such company commercial register shall be attached.

• National ID/passport (for non-Saudis) for all persons mentioned in the application form.

• Academic and practical biography of the person in charge i.e. General Manager.

• Brief about license applicant.

• Provision of a full explanation of the service to be rendered.

• Indicating the visual or audio channels by type, language and owner.

• Report counting the number of actual subscribers during the last 12 months.

• SAR 50,000 for license for a distribution platform via satellite receivers.

• SAR 2,000 for every encrypted channel.

• SAR 4 annually for every subscriber to the platform.

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Broadcasting and Distribution Activities Licenses

Description:

This license should be obtained, to operate Cinema theater for non-profit shows, which display a media content that is classified by GCAM for educational, learning, scientific, cultural, historical purposes or any other purpose approved by GCAM.

Activity

1. The license applicant shall provide GCAM with a list of channels packages and subscription prices.

2. The license applicant shall provide an economic feasibility study prepared by an entity recognized by GCAM, including the identification of income sources.

3. The license applicant undertakes to comply with the family supervision and control regulations and instructions for service users.

4. The license applicant undertakes to abide by the content, ads and categorization controls (including age categorization).

5. The license applicant undertakes, upon GCAM request, to disconnect any of the available channels existing within the packages immediately without objection.

6. The license applicant undertakes to submit a report to GCAM every six months or at GCAM request, provided that the report includes the following:

A- The actual number of subscribers during the last six months and the expected number of subscribers during

the following six months.

B- A schedule of packages and channels, showing its prices.

C- Audited financial statements.

Fees:

Licensing Term:


3 years

A License for a distribution platform via satellite receivers

44 45Investor Guide

Conditions:

Requirements:





• (Economic and technical) feasibility study.

• Brief about license applicant and station direction.

• Academic and practical biography of the person in charge i.e. General Manger.

The fees will be determined in separate regulations to be adopted by the Board, based on GCAM recommendation.

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Description:

This license is granted to establishments wishing to operate terrestrial transmitting stations capable of providing audiovisual content via radio waves for broadcasting the television/radio service.

Activity

1. The license applicant shall submit a detailed economic and operational feasibility study.

2. The license applicant shall comply with approved technical specifications.

3. The license applicant shall prove ownership of property, fittings and equipment or right to use of dispose thereof, throughout the licensing term.

4. The license applicant shall provide GCAM with list of service operators.

Fees:

Licensing Term:


3 years

License for Terrestrial Transmitting Stations

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Conditions:

Requirements:






• Brief about satellite TV channel, if the license is self-used for satellite transmission of channel programs (channel’s name, owners, krookie of headquarters, programs direction, and technical information)


• SAR 30,000 for each equipment, being fees for use of mobile satellite communication equipment for the channel operations:

• SAR 90,000 for each equipment, being fees for provision of mobile satellite communication equipment for third party commercial use.


Description:

This license shall be obtained for the provision and operation of the satellite uplink service for content distribution purposes. The license allows the establishment, operation and maintenance of the following:

• Mobile satellite communication equipment: such as: SNG and satellite phones specialized in broadcasting Sports, news, political, cultural, in addition to other events and reports via live broadcast.

• Assembly platforms liked to the fixed infrastructure of the uplink (will be explained in the subsequent license).

Activity

1. The license applicant shall have a legal representative before GCAM.

2. The license applicant shall provide a proof of financial consideration payment and use of spectrum in accordance with spectrum financial consideration regulations approved by CITC.

3. The license applicant undertakes to comply with the mechanism established by the Board in respect of the Services and their fees.

Fees:

Licensing Term:


3 years

A License for Satellite Uplink Station

48 49Investor Guide

21 3

Conditions:

Requirements:






• Brief about satellite TV channel, if the license is self-used for satellite transmission of channel programs (channel’s name, owners, krookie of headquarters, programs direction, and technical information)

• SAR 4,500,000 (provided that 5% of total annual revenues shall be paid to GCAM).


Description:

This license allows establishment, operation and maintenance of assembly platforms liked to the fixed infrastructure of the uplink, to provide satellite uplink facilities.

Activity

1. The license applicant shall have a legal representative before GCAM.

2. The license applicant shall provide a proof of financial consideration payment and use of spectrum in accordance with spectrum financial consideration regulations approved by CITC.

3. The license applicant undertakes to comply with the mechanism established by the Board in respect of the Services and their fees.

Fees:

Licensing Term:


3 years

Assembly Platforms Licensing

50 51Investor Guide

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Conditions:

Requirements:


• Copy of the company’s MOA.



• Brief about channel (channel’s name, owners, attitude and program direction).


• SAR 2,000 for license for (linear) Scheduled Broadcasting Services


Description:

This license includes anything broadcasted on specified times, in accordance with a schedule published by any means, including television stations with scheduled broadcasts and other services with or without subscriptions.

Activity

1. The license applicant shall prove existence of a contract in place with a licensee, whether station or media platform.


Fees:

Licensing Term:


3 years

A License for (Linear) Scheduled Broadcast Services

52 53Investor Guide

21 3

Conditions:

Requirements:


• Copy of the company’s MOA, and copies of National IDs/passports (for non-Saudis) for all partners, managing director, and board members. If one of the partners is another company, copy of such company commercial register shall be attached.




• Provision of a full explanation of the service.

• SAR 2,000 service fees for SVOD, AVOD, TVOD, OTT services and application thereof.

• SAR 2,000 MCN fees.


The establishment acquiring this license may distribute audiovisual content by using VOD system:

• SVOD, AVOD, TVOD, OTT services and application thereof, or through a platform, allowing the user to identify and view audiovisual content at any time of its choice, not at a scheduled broadcasting time, which is linked to servers inside or outside KSA.

• Multi-channel network “MCN” are digital channels that operate under video platforms such as YouTube and have a presence inside or outside KSA.

Activity

1. The license applicant shall ensure that all applications and programs used in rendering VOD service are authorized and registered according to KSA regulations, along with presenting a list of applications to GCAM.


Fees:

Licensing Term:


3 years

A License for (Non-Linear) Non-Scheduled Audiovisual Broadcasting Services

54 55Investor Guide

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Conditions:

Requirements:





• Brief about radio channel (channel’s name, owners, and attitude, krookie of its headquarters as well as immovable station, programs direction, technical information, allocated frequencies and scope of geographical coverage).


• SAR 100,000 for license of radio broadcasting service via a terrestrial station (GCAM shall determine geographical scope and financial consideration of points of distribution for each license).


Description:

Upon issuance of this license, the establishment may render radio service, which includes transmission of audio programs by any means.

Activity

1. The license applicant shall prove existence of a contract in place with a licensee, whether station or media platform.

2. The license applicant shall adhere to type of radio program specified in the license.

3. The license applicant shall adhere to frequencies allocated to it by GCAM and CITC and the scope of geographical coverage specified.

4. The license applicant shall submit a detailed economic and technical feasibility study.

Fees:

Licensing Term:


3 years

A License for Rendering Radio-Broadcasting Service

56 57Investor Guide

Conditions:

Requirements:





• Brief about radio channel (channel’s name, owners, and attitude, krookie of its headquarters as well as immovable station, programs direction and technical information).


• SAR 2,000 for license for rendering radio-broadcasting service through other means.


Description:

A license to render radio service, which is transmitted through different immovable and movable telecommunication networks, public internet network and special networks using internet protocol and others for broadcasting or re-broadcasting.

Activity

1. The license applicant shall adhere to type of radio programs specified in the license.

2. The license applicant shall reserve site domain with CITC.

3. Detailed (economic and technical) feasibility study.Fees:

Licensing Term:


3 years

A License for Rendering Radio Broadcasting Service Through Other Means

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58 59Investor Guide

Conditions:

Requirements:







• Provision of a full explanation of the service.

• SAR 50,000 for License of platform operation.

• SAR 50,000 for License of closed network operation.


Description:

This license is granted to operate a distribution platform via cable and television, using IPTV, so that it can provide audiovisual content through coaxial servers and cables, and optical fiber cables. Activities providing closed network video broadcasting (e.g., cable services) for beneficiaries are intended to deliver the content of their activity to their own distribution points.

Activity

1. The license applicant shall submit a detailed economic and operational feasibility study recognized by GCAM.

2. The license applicant shall submit a certificate of application of all information security standards for the station’s servers, to be determined by GCAM.

3. The license applicant shall ensure that all applications and programs used in rendering IPTV service, are authorized and registered according to KSA regulations, along with presenting a list of applications to GCAM.

4. The license applicant shall provide GCAM with a list of services, packages and subscription fees for approval (if any).

Fees:

Licensing Term:


3 years

A License for Audiovisual Content Distribution Platform, via IPTV and Cable Television

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60 61Investor Guide

Conditions:

Requirements:





• Brief about license applicant (if any).


• Provision of a full explanation of the service to be rendered.

• SAR 300,000 for the service to measure viewing rates (limited to one licensee only).

• SAR 30,000 for the service of media studies (without measuring the viewing rates).


Description:

License for Mass Media Measurement includes the following services:

• Establishment, operation and management of systems to measure viewing, listening and reading of various media, television, radio, prints and digital outlets.

• Conducting research and studies for audiovisual media and conducting studies

Activity

1. The license applicant shall prove ability to perform the required services covered in this license.

2. Detailed economic and operational feasibility study.

Fees:

Licensing Term:


3 years

A License for Mass Media Measurement

21

Non-ObjectionCertificate

64 65Investor Guide

Non-Objection Certificate

A certificate given by GCAM for some activities or services that require a certificate of non-objection thereto, in accordance with GCAM controls. It includes 8 activities.

Activities and services:

1. Delivering public presentations of media content (other than cinema or film festivals).

2. Establishment of a cinema theater.

3. Establishment of associations or clubs specialized in the field of audiovisual media and / or media content.

4. Providing media consultancies and services provided by the studies offices.

5. Establishment of audiovisual training centers and institutes.

6. Change of the structure or ownership of the licensed facility.

7. Film license (up to maximum three months for licensees in the production activity).

8. A permit to organize TV and radio competitions.

Description:

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Fees:

Following issuance of the certificate, GCAM

competent officer refers the same to the following

competent body.

• SAR 2,000 for issuance of certificate.

• SAR 500 filming license.

Investor’s Journey Obtaining the Certificate

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License application may be submitted either by personal visit to any of GCAM branches and filling out licensing forms along with delivery of the required documents, or applying online as follows:

1. In case there is no commercial register conforming to type of activity, you can register in Meras through the link https://meras.gov.sa/Home/Login, issue the commercial register, and follow guidelines to complete license application.

2. In case there is commercial register conforming to activity:

• Visit GCAM website www.gcam.gov.sa

• Press on e-services and choose the type of required license (new license, amend license, renew license)

• Fill out form and follow guidelines.

3. In case of license renewal application, all requirements shall be met and all relevant documents shall be attached.

4. You may track the application status online through application number.

5. You will be notified upon issuance of e-license.

6. In case of license cancellation, the required form shall be filled out.

Investor Guide

How to Apply for a License

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Audiovisual Content Classification and Permission

Classification and permission of audiovisual content in circulation and designating suitable age categorization for every classification, such that to include: Cinematic movies, e-games, video and audio disks, etc.

1. The content shall satisfy the general and recognized conditions of circulation.

2. Age categorization shall be adhered to.

Requirements:

• Classification applicant shall meet the following requirements:

• Valid commercial register.

• Valid (License to Distribute or Import Cinematic Movies).

• Or Valid (License to import audiovisual media content).

• Submission of filled out and signed classification application form.

• Copyrights letter issued by the producer.

• Receipt of classification fees payment.

• SAR 2,000 for every classification.

Investor Guide

Conditions:

Description:

Fees:

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FAQs

Investor Guide

What is he role of GCAM?

GCAM is concerned with regulating audiovisual media sector in KSA, through various aspects of broadcasting, production and distribution by use of all traditional and new means. Furthermore, GCAM is the body responsible for regulating and organizing audiovisual media content. GCAM is the only reference in KSA for these fields with respect to all government and private establishments.

What is audiovisual media law executive policy?

The executive policy interpret audiovisual media law and shall be considered an extension to audiovisual media law and complementary thereto.

What is licensing guide?

Licensing guide is the extension of general provisions of the executive policy. The guide identifies licenses provided by GCAM in all fields under its supervision. Furthermore, the guide identifies conditions, controls and fees for each license and term of validity thereof.

What is the schedule of violations?

The schedule of violations is the main reference with respect to fines and penalties to be imposed upon any violator of laws and regulations of GCAM, and it contains description of violation, fine and penalty, if any.

What are the media activities licensed by GCAM?

What is the license fee?

An amount paid for issuance of a license in addition to the amount paid in case of license renewal.

Can I cancel or waive the license? If permitted, what are the followed procedures?

License may be cancelled or waived according to controls set forth in the Executive Policy.

What is the status of licenses issued prior enactment of audiovisual law executive policy?

Licenses issued prior enactment of Audiovisual Law Executive Policy shall be deemed valid until expiry date thereof.

Can a foreign investor obtain a license?

A foreign investor can obtain a license from GCAM, by following necessary steps in this regard with official agencies.

What would be the resulting action in case of continuous practicing of the activity following license expiry?

Whoever practices the activity following license expiry shall be exposed to the penalties provided for in the schedule of penalties.

What is the difference between permanent cinema venues, temporary cinema venues or specialized show cinemas?

Permanent cinema venues are cinema venues that are permanently used, while temporary

Media activities are divided into three categories:

• Licenses for media activities and accessories thereof: - (Audiovisual media content production license, license for audiovisual publicity and advertising agencies, license to distribute or import cinematic movies)

• Cinema licenses: - (A license to engage in cinema venue activity, a license to operate permanent cinema venues, a license to operate temporary cinema venues or specialized show cinemas).

• Broadcasting and distribution activities licenses: - (radio broadcast services, scheduled broadcast services, satellite uplink station).

What is the purpose of obtaining a license from GCAM?

The main purpose for obtaining a license is regulating audiovisual media business in line with controls governed by laws. This aims to development of media sector and promotion of competitiveness.

What is the validity term of licenses issued by GCAM?

Three renewable years, except for some activities that have a given period of time.

What is the followed procedure in case of amending license data?

Filling out license amendment form and enclose original license.

cinema venues are cinema venues that are temporarily used (for which a license shall be issued for not more than 30 consecutive or interrupted days per annum, which period may be extended pursuant to an exceptional decision to be adopted by GCAM). Specialized show cinemas are concerned with non-profit shows, which display a media content that is classified by GCAM for educational, learning, scientific, cultural, historical purposes or any other purpose approved by GCAM.

How to refund bank guarantee?

GCAM no longer requires a bank guarantee for license issuance. You may refund the bank guarantee after license expiry or in case of license renewal. GCAM gives a maximum period of one year to refund the amount, and this requires application to be submitted via website to GCAM.

Can I authorize another person to submit an application on behalf of applicant?

This is permitted, subject to existence of POA or certified authorization letter.

Is university degree a pre-requisite to obtain media license?

No, it is not required.

What does age classification mean?

It is a system concerned with categorizing and evaluating how far the media content is suitable to various age groups and how far the media content conforms to media content principles and standards.

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We are here to help

Our team at GCAM is keen to be at your service and support to answer all your inquiries…

For further information, please contact us through:

Our websitewww.gcam.gov.sa

Unified number 920004242

Licensing Department:[email protected]

Cinema [email protected]

TV and radio broadcasting [email protected]

Classification [email protected]

We are glad to receive your inquiries or any suggestion improving our provided services through:[email protected]

Investor Guide

Communication with GCAM

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