A three-week media content creation training program, conducted in collaboration with the US Embassy in Riyadh, culminated in a formal acknowledgment by the Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA) CEO, Mohammed Alharthi. The initiative, held at SBA headquarters, was designed to elevate English-language media capabilities among SBA staff, broadening the agency’s linguistic proficiency and its capacity to engage international audiences. A total of 25 SBA personnel participated, focusing on writing, editing, and content creation in English. The program also emphasized strengthening general language skills, aligning with SBA’s strategic objective to expand its global media footprint.
Program overview and curriculum design
The three-week training course delivered at SBA headquarters represented a structured, immersive learning experience tailored to the needs of a national broadcasting authority aiming to enhance its presence on the international stage. The curriculum placed a strong emphasis on practical English-language media production, with modules spanning core writing techniques, newsroom editing standards, and the nuances of creating compelling content for diverse audiences. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions that simulated real-world newsroom tasks, including drafting wire copy, refining headline structure for international readers, and producing online content optimized for search and distribution across multiple platforms.
In addition to writing and editing, the program incorporated sessions on media ethics, factual verification, and source attribution within English-language contexts. Attendees also explored storytelling strategies suited to public broadcasting, such as framing complex Saudi developments in accessible language while maintaining accuracy and credibility. A key element of the training was developing a consistent voice and style guide that could be adopted across SBA’s English-language outputs, ensuring coherence and professionalism in all public-facing material.
The course design reflected SBA’s broader strategic goals of modernizing its newsroom practices and enhancing cross-border communication capabilities. By focusing on English-language proficiency, SBA sought to improve its capacity to engage international partners, attract global audiences, and facilitate smoother collaboration with overseas media entities. The program’s structure—intensive instruction, practical exercises, and feedback loops—was crafted to deliver tangible improvements in day-to-day newsroom operations and long-term content strategy.
The session formats included group projects, one-on-one coaching, and peer-review exercises, enabling participants to learn from each other while also receiving expert guidance. By blending theory with practice, the training aimed to produce editors and writers who can rapidly develop high-quality English-language content under tight deadlines. The course also provided opportunities for participants to understand international media norms, newsroom workflows, and the editorial standards expected of English-language broadcasts and online outputs.
Throughout the three weeks, participants were exposed to a variety of content types—from news briefs and feature stories to investigative pieces and multimedia scripts. They practiced outlining, drafting, revising, and fact-checking, with an emphasis on accuracy, clarity, and accessibility for a global readership. The program also highlighted the use of digital tools and platforms pertinent to English-language media production, including content management systems, editorial calendars, and data-driven storytelling techniques.
The training encompassed not only linguistic skill-building but also strategic considerations for international media outreach. Attendees explored how English-language content can support SBA’s mission to inform, engage, and educate audiences beyond Saudi borders. They discussed the importance of cultural sensitivity, balanced reporting, and responsible storytelling when presenting national developments to a diverse, worldwide audience. The curriculum, therefore, integrated editorial discipline with an awareness of global media landscapes and the expectations of international readers.
Impacts on SBA’s English-language capabilities and international reach
The program’s immediate outcome was a measurable enhancement in writing, editing, and content creation capabilities in English among SBA staff. Participants reported increased confidence in producing clear, accurate, and engaging English-language material suitable for both online and broadcast formats. The training’s emphasis on concise, well-structured writing and careful editing helped establish a higher standard for SBA’s English outputs, ensuring consistency across departments and channels.
Beyond individual skill development, the initiative is expected to bolster SBA’s collective capacity to create multi-format content. By equipping staff with stronger English-language storytelling techniques, SBA can more effectively craft press materials, official statements, and program descriptions that resonate with international audiences. Improved proficiency in English also supports more efficient collaboration with foreign partners, including media outlets, international agencies, and academic institutions that rely on English-language reporting and analysis.
A stronger English-language capability directly complements SBA’s public diplomacy and international outreach strategies. When content is readily accessible and clearly articulated in English, it enhances transparency, fosters trust, and broadens engagement with audiences around the world. The program aligns with broader objectives to showcase Saudi media expertise, highlight national developments, and present Saudi perspectives in a balanced, credible manner to diverse international stakeholders.
The enhanced language skills contribute to more effective newsroom operations. Writers and editors can collaborate more seamlessly with colleagues in other regions, share best practices, and align on editorial standards that ensure uniform quality across all English-language outputs. This coherence supports the creation of a consistent global brand for SBA, making it easier for international readers to recognize and trust SBA’s reporting, analyses, and multimedia content.
In practice, SBA’s English-language outputs are likely to improve in several key areas. Firstly, headline crafting is anticipated to be more compelling and accessible to a global audience, increasing click-through rates and engagement across digital platforms. Secondly, article structure and flow are expected to be clearer, enabling readers to grasp complex information quickly. Thirdly, tone and style will become more aligned with international newsroom expectations, improving credibility and professional perception. Finally, fact-checking and source attribution in English are projected to become more rigorous, reinforcing the reliability of SBA content in the international arena.
The training also supports ongoing professional development within SBA. By investing in staff capabilities, SBA signals its commitment to continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly evolving media environment. The program’s outcomes lay a foundation for future training initiatives, enabling SBA to scale English-language capacity-building efforts across more teams and possibly extend similar programs to other departments within the organization.
The SBA–US Embassy partnership: a framework for ongoing collaboration
The training programme marks another milestone in the long-standing partnership between the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and the United States Embassy in Riyadh. The collaboration underscores a mutual interest in advancing professional development, elevating media standards, and promoting high-quality journalism within the region. By combining SBA’s national broadcasting expertise with the US Embassy’s support for capacity-building, the partnership creates opportunities for knowledge exchange, best practices, and joint initiatives that benefit the Saudi media ecosystem and its international partners.
This cooperation aligns with broader public diplomacy goals that seek to strengthen bilateral relations through cooperative, non-political professional development efforts. Joint training initiatives such as this one help build trust, foster mutual understanding, and expand the range of voices and perspectives that can be shared through official media channels. The collaboration also exemplifies how international partners can contribute to the modernization of national media infrastructures, supporting contemporary newsroom practices, ethical standards, and the adoption of global best practices.
The specific focus on English-language capabilities highlights the practical dimension of the SBA–US Embassy partnership. By working together to improve English-language reporting and content creation, both organizations are investing in the tools necessary for the Saudi broadcasting sector to engage effectively with a global audience. This emphasis on language proficiency complements other ongoing efforts to enhance technology, training, and editorial workflows within SBA, reinforcing a comprehensive approach to elevating the agency’s international profile.
Historically, such partnerships have included a range of joint activities, from professional exchanges and seminars to mentorship and curricula development. The present program contributes to that continuum by delivering targeted language-focused training that directly translates into improved content quality and expanded international reach. The outcome demonstrates the value of sustained collaboration between public media institutions and international partners in shaping the capabilities of national broadcasters to participate more fully in global conversations.
The success of this training program sets the stage for additional joint opportunities. SBA and the US Embassy can build on the momentum by planning subsequent cohorts that bring in more staff, broaden subject areas, or extend to other language tracks that support cross-border reporting. Potential future initiatives might include advanced editing workshops, investigative journalism in English, and cross-cultural reporting practices, all designed to deepen SBA’s proficiency and confidence in producing internationally relevant content.
This partnership also has significant implications for audience development and strategic communications. With improved English-language production, SBA can more effectively communicate Saudi perspectives on regional and global issues, collaborate with international media partners on joint projects, and participate in wider information-sharing networks. These outcomes contribute to a more interconnected regional media landscape, where Saudi voices can contribute to global dialogues with clarity, responsibility, and credibility.
Participant experiences, outcomes, and lessons learned
The 25 SBA staff members who participated in the program benefited from a concentrated period of professional development that complemented their daily responsibilities. Participants engaged in immersive activities designed to translate into practical newsroom improvements, ensuring that the learned skills could be applied promptly upon returning to their roles. The emphasis on real-world tasks and feedback loops enabled participants to refine their English-language reporting capabilities in contexts that mirror daily SBA operations.
Feedback from attendees highlighted a sense of empowerment and readiness to contribute more effectively to SBA’s English-language output. The training created opportunities for staff to practice English in formal and informal journalistic settings, from writing press releases to drafting longer-form features and online content. The experience also fostered peer-to-peer learning, as participants shared approaches to storytelling, editing, and fact-checking that can be adopted by colleagues across the organization.
A key takeaway from the program is the importance of a standardized approach to English-language content within SBA. By aligning on editorial standards, tone, and style, SBA can enhance consistency across all English-language materials. This consistency helps build reader trust and reinforces the agency’s professional identity in international contexts. The collaboration with the US Embassy served not only to improve individual skills but also to unify team practices and workflows.
The program’s success also underscores the value of continuing professional development in public broadcasting. As media landscapes evolve with digital platforms and changing audience expectations, ongoing training becomes essential to maintain high-quality output. SBA’s commitment to investing in language skills and editorial excellence positions the agency to respond effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges in the international media arena.
In terms of future enhancements, participants and organizers discussed potential follow-on activities that could expand the impact of the training. Ideas included additional English-language modules covering advanced reporting, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling. There was also consideration of extending similar programs to other language tracks to support broader international outreach. The consensus was that continued collaboration with the US Embassy could sustain momentum, enabling SBA to build a robust, scalable pipeline of talent capable of producing world-class English-language content.
Strategic alignment with SBA’s long-term goals
The training program aligns with SBA’s overarching mission to deliver high-quality broadcasting and media content to domestic and international audiences. By strengthening English-language capabilities, SBA reinforces its ability to communicate Saudi perspectives, showcase national developments, and participate meaningfully in global media discussions. The initiative reflects SBA’s commitment to innovation, professional excellence, and a forward-looking approach to public broadcasting in a connected world.
From a broader strategic perspective, this program contributes to SBA’s objective of enhancing digital and multilingual content capabilities. In an era where audiences expect instant access to reliable information in multiple languages, improving English-language proficiency is a vital component of a holistic communications strategy. The training supports more efficient collaboration with international partners, faster production timelines, and higher-quality outputs across English-language channels.
The partnership with the US Embassy also demonstrates how international cooperation can strengthen national media institutions. Such collaborations bring international best practices, new perspectives, and shared standards that help shape a more robust and credible public broadcasting sector. By embracing these opportunities, SBA positions itself as a modern, globally aware broadcaster capable of contributing to regional and international media ecosystems.
The program’s outcomes contribute to SBA’s reputation as a learning organization that values professional development and continuous improvement. The investment in human capital signals a long-term commitment to elevating newsroom capabilities, improving content quality, and sustaining growth in a competitive media landscape. With enhanced English-language skills among key staff, SBA is better prepared to explore international partnerships, co-produce content, and participate in joint initiatives that amplify Saudi voices on the global stage.
Looking ahead: next steps and opportunities for expansion
Following the success of this training, SBA and the US Embassy can explore opportunities to broaden the scope of English-language development across the organization. Potential next steps include scaling the program to involve additional staff members, expanding content formats to include more investigative and feature work in English, and integrating cross-department collaboration to ensure consistency across all English outputs. A multi-phase approach could gradually extend the program to multiple cohorts, ensuring that more of SBA’s workforce benefits from enhanced language and editorial skills over time.
There is also potential to deepen the curriculum with advanced topics, such as international newsroom ethics, cross-cultural reporting, and data-driven storytelling in English. Such additions would further strengthen SBA’s capacity to produce credible, compelling content that resonates with global audiences and adheres to rigorous editorial standards. The collaboration could evolve into a structured long-term training framework, providing ongoing professional development resources and mentorship for staff members at various career stages.
Moreover, this partnership can inform additional joint initiatives beyond language training. SBA and the US Embassy might consider exchanges, joint research on media practices, and co-created content projects that underscore Saudi perspectives while engaging international viewers. These initiatives would extend the benefits of the program by fostering ongoing knowledge transfer, expanding networks, and enabling SBA to participate more actively in international media conversations.
The success of the program underscores the importance of language as a strategic asset for national media institutions. As SBA continues to invest in multilingual capabilities and audience-first storytelling, the agency will be better positioned to inform, engage, and influence audiences at home and abroad. The collaboration with the United States Embassy in Riyadh represents a model for how public institutions can leverage international partnerships to advance professional development, elevate content quality, and strengthen the global presence of national media organizations.
Conclusion
The three-week media content creation training conducted at SBA headquarters, in partnership with the US Embassy in Riyadh, marks a significant milestone in SBA’s ongoing efforts to advance English-language media capabilities among its staff. Twenty-five participants benefited from an intensive program that emphasized writing, editing, and content creation in English, while also strengthening overall language skills to expand SBA’s international reach. This initiative aligns with SBA’s strategic objective to project Saudi perspectives to global audiences and reinforces the agency’s commitment to professional development and newsroom excellence.
The training’s outcomes extend beyond individual skill enhancement, contributing to improved consistency, credibility, and engagement across SBA’s English-language outputs. By fostering a culture of editorial discipline and collaborative learning, the program enhances SBA’s capacity to communicate effectively with international partners, audiences, and stakeholders. The partnership with the US Embassy reflects a shared investment in public diplomacy through professional development, knowledge exchange, and the promotion of high-quality journalism standards.
Looking forward, SBA and the US Embassy can build on this success by expanding language-focused training to additional staff, broadening content formats, and exploring further joint initiatives that reinforce Saudi Arabia’s voice in the global media landscape. As SBA continues to evolve in a rapidly changing media environment, such collaborations will be instrumental in delivering compelling, accurate, and accessible English-language coverage that informs, educates, and engages audiences around the world.