Channel 8 apologizes to Al-Nasr and suspends the "Qabil Al-Nashr" program due to Ronaldo
In a move reflecting its commitment to professional standards and media responsibility, Channel 8 a formal apology to Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr FC and its vast fan base following widespread controversy sparked by a video clip circulating online from the program "Qabil Lilnashr" (Publishable). The clip contained remarks deemed offensive to the team's captain, Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, prompting swift intervention from the channel's management to contain the situation.
Details of the apology statement and the actions taken
The channel published a statement via its official X account (formerly Twitter), expressing its deep regret for what was shown in the program's latest episode. The statement read: "With reference to the video circulating on social media from the program 'Qabil Lilnashr' (Publishable), which appeared in the latest episode, we apologize to Al-Nassr Club, its vast fan base, and all those offended by the aforementioned clip.".
The channel did not stop at a verbal apology, but announced a package of firm decisions that included:
- The offensive part of the episode was removed immediately and directly.
- Taking strict internal measures at the level of review and editing teams to ensure that such errors are not repeated.
- The most notable decision was to suspend the broadcast of the entire program in order to reconsider its working mechanisms and content.
General context: Eight and the challenges of new sports media
Thamaniyah is one of the leading content creation platforms in Saudi Arabia, known for its high-quality documentary and talk show content (such as the Fengan and Socrates podcasts). Its foray into the sports arena comes at a time when the Saudi League is undergoing a historic transformation and tremendous development, placing the media under intense scrutiny and critical examination. The channel's swift apology demonstrates its desire to maintain the professional reputation it has built over the years and underscores that quality standards are non-negotiable, even in programs of a controversial nature.
Cristiano Ronaldo's influence and the power of Al-Nassr's fans
This event cannot be separated from the immense market and symbolic value that Cristiano Ronaldo represents in the Saudi League (the Roshan League). The presence of a star of "El Don's" stature has made any content related to him a focus of global attention, not just local audiences. This incident also demonstrated the powerful influence of sports fans, particularly those of Al-Nassr FC, who played an effective monitoring role on social media platforms, prompting media outlets to review their accounts and scrutinize their content to avoid any offense to Saudi sports icons.
Future vision for the channel
The channel concluded its statement by reaffirming its core mission: to "create an authentic and balanced Saudi sports experience that befits the stature and popularity of our league and matches our collective aspirations." This statement indicates that the channel is restructuring its editorial policy in the sports department to ensure it delivers content that reflects the qualitative leap the Kingdom is experiencing in the sports sector, steering clear of sensationalism and negative sensationalism.
