Profile: Meet Turki Al-Shabanah, Saudi Arabia's new Minister of Media

Turki Al-Shabanah was appointed by Saudi King Salman as new Minister of Media as part of the Saudi cabinet reshuffle announced on Dec. 27.

He replaced Awwad Alawwad, who has now been appointed a Royal Court advisor.

Al-Shabanah was born in  Saudi Arabia on November 6, 1964. He was graduated from King Saud University in Riyadh, holding a bachelor degree in law, 1990.

He obtained a master's degree in the international trade law from Washington University, United States of America in 1993.

Being one of the most known TV Staff figures in the Arab world, he held numerous high positions in the Media Industry.

In 1988, Al-Shabanah was appointed as MBC deputy program production director. He held the position until 2003.

From 2003 to 2007, He held the position of director of development and consultancy, and advisor to Royal Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdel Aziz.

In 2007, he served as Chairman of Rotana TV Channels. He was also the director of Rotana and LBC TV channels in 2008.

Al-Shabanah Al-Shabanah established Rotana Khalijia TV channel that was launched in May 2005.  It was initially a music channel broadcasting mainly music videos.

In 2008, Khalijia became a general-viewing channel broadcasting Saudi and GCC art and heritage.