Behead them all
Sheikh Salih Ibn al-Luhaydan said some “evil” entertainment programmes aired by the channels promoted debauchery.
Dozens of satellite television channels broadcast across the Middle East, where they are watched by millions of Arabs every day.
The judge made the comments on a state radio programme.
He was speaking in response to a listener who askedhis opinion on the airing of programmes featuring scantily-dressedwomen during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Given his position as the country’s most senior judge, the sheikh’sviews can not be easily dismissed, says BBC Arab affairs analyst, MagdiAbdelhadi.
Clerics like Sheikh al-Luhaydan represent a huge dilemma for the Saudi royal family, our correspondent adds.
On the one hand, Saudi rulers need their support to claim that they rule in the name of Islam.
But on the other hand, fighting militant Islam can be difficultwhen the country’s top judge calls for the beheading of those he viewsas immoral broadcasters.