SRMG EXPANDS ASHARQ NEWS NETWORK’S PORTFOLIO WITH NEW AUDIO PRODUCTS, INCLUDING ASHARQ PODCASTS AND RADIO ASHARQ WITH BLOOMBERG

• Asharq Podcasts will introduce new and original content through 9 different infotainment podcast programs focused on business, tech, lifestyle and well-being, documentaries and true stories, news and current affairs
• Radio Asharq with Bloomberg will deliver premier business news and insights as the first and only Arabic language, business-focused radio station
• These expansions underscore the continuous demand for audio consumption across the region, where the market size for audio has increased by 35 per cent in 2022

SRMG, the largest integrated media group from the MENA region, today announced the expansion of its audio presence with the launch of new radio and podcast platforms, namely, Asharq Podcasts and Radio Asharq with Bloomberg. The new offerings are in response to the rapidly growing demand on audio platforms locally and regionally and are the latest additions to Asharq News Network’s portfolio, which includes Asharq News, Asharq Business with Bloomberg, Asharq Discovery, and Asharq’s unique digital platforms.

Asharq Podcasts will introduce new and original content from 9 different infotainment podcast programs focused on business, tech, lifestyle and well-being, documentaries and true stories, news and current affairs. It will also feature original podcasts such as: ‘Hona Al Qissa’, exploring the leading topics in Saudi Arabia through a journalistic and creative storytelling lens, ‘Behind the Oil’, examining regional and global energy trends, and ‘The Story of a Song’, which delves into the stories behind iconic Arabic tracks.

Radio Asharq with Bloomberg is dedicated to the local Saudi market, covering the latest financial and business sector news, stock markets, trading, and investment, banking services, personal finance, and business development insights. Programming will also cover local news, tech and sports among other things. With its exceptional business morning news programmes, and exclusive interviews with decision makers, market analysts and entrepreneurs, Radio Asharq with Bloomberg provides entrepreneurs and professionals with essential business insights in a timely manner to help them make informed financial, business, and personal decisions.

Jomana R. Al-Rashid, CEO of SRMG, commented: “The launch of Asharq Podcasts and Radio Asharq with Bloomberg comes as part of the expansion plans of our audio offerings and in response to increased demand for audio content in the local and regional landscape. The market size for audio across the region has increased by 35 per cent in 2022, with over 10 million podcast listeners that invest an average of 5-7 hours per week, according to the latest reports. In Saudi Arabia 23 per cent of the adult population regularly listen to podcasts. The opportunity for us to grow our audio portfolio is great and this is evident in Thmanyah’s successful performance after the platform was acquired by the Group”

Al-Rashid added: “Radio Asharq with Bloomberg will fill an obvious void in the audio sector, as it will be the first radio station in the region specialised in covering business news and offering financial insights in the Arabic language. Radio Asharq with Bloomberg will serve a growing segment of specialists and entrepreneurs, as well as employees interested in developing their investment and financial acumen.”

Nabeel Al Khatib, General Manager of Asharq News, commented: “Over the past two years, Asharq News Network has experienced remarkable growth by delivering creative, exciting and dynamic content. We have continued to expand our programming with in-depth analysis and insights into the biggest stories, headlines, issues and events impacting the region and the world today. Entering the audio market with the launch of Radio Asharq with Bloomberg and Asharq Podcasts will not only provide our existing audiences with more original, high-quality content, but it will also allow us to reach new audiences on the platforms they prefer.”

Asharq Podcasts is available for audiences on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube, Anghami, and Google Podcasts. Audiences in Riyadh can listen to Radio Asharq with Bloomberg on the frequency of 101 MHZ and the streaming is available on Asharq Business with Bloomberg website and mobile app. The station’s availability in other Saudi cities will be announced at a later stage.