Saudi Gazette - Tabloid Experimentation

Tabloid Experimentation

In 2003, the Gazette, which was a traditional broadsheet, was redesigned as a tabloid under the direction of Khoury and American journalist Ron Raposa. In 2004, American newspaper editor Rob L. Wagner joined the staff and remained as managing editor until 2007. Four years after the launch of the tabloid, the newspaper reverted to a broadsheet. The newspaper’s editors attempted to give the Gazette a tabloid-style sensibility, but the effort failed in Saudi’s conservative society.

Acting Editor-in-Chief Mohammed Al-Shoukany brought in the new format on April 14, 2007. He also brought in international newspaper consultant Peter Ong from Sydney, Australia, to redesign the paper. It launched that same year, with two weekly magazines, one for children and young readers: Fun Times and Fun Times for Teens.

During its progressive period, the Gazette covered a range of social issues once considered taboo in Saudi journalism. It covered Saudi education reform, young runaway girls, forced marriages, women’s right to drive, abortion, drug addition and gender mixing.