MBC Loud FM celebrated a year marked by significant achievements, new launches, exclusive interviews, and extensive live coverage.
MBC Loud FM, Saudi Arabia’s first English commercial radio station by MBC Group, marked its first birthday with a celebration in Riyadh.
Leading up to the celebration, MBC Loud FM featured special programming, announcements, and giveaways, highlighting the station’s significant achievements over the past year. Loyal fans enjoyed special shout-outs and testimonials from listeners and key personalities.
Ziad Hamza, Group Director of Audio, Music and Radio at MBC Group, said: “Today, MBC Loud FM enters confidently into its second year, as it continues to switch up radio and podcast consumption patterns in the Kingdom. We’re grateful to have earned the trust of major brands targeting English-language speakers, and we have sparked unprecedented engagement among young listeners who crave a fresh contemporary hit radio [CHR] format.”
The birthday party, hosted at MBC Group’s main headquarters in Riyadh, featured a live performance by Saudi singer Tam Tam, who debuted her new single, Liars Can’t Hide. The event was hosted by MBC Loud FM’s Head of Station and presenter, Alex Agishev, and included appearances by special guests and influencers. Thirty loyal listeners won special VIP passes through competitions to attend the celebration, meeting hosts like Byron Cooke, Sana Kothari, Andrew Harrison, Jay R and Danah. Two lucky guests also won a one-night stay at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah.
MBC Loud FM offers a range of music, interaction, and entertainment through original programmes hosted by international presenters and renowned DJs. The station features the latest global hits, interactive shows, and live coverage of major events. Notable programmes include The Byron Cooke Show with Sana K (Sunday to Thursday from 6 to 10 am KSA time), On Air with Ryan Seacrest (weekdays from 10 am to 1 pm and 7 to 10 pm), Non-Stop Hits with Harry (weekdays from 1 to 4 pm), and The Drive with Jay R and Danah (weekdays from 4 to 6 pm).
Since its VIP launch in Riyadh last May, MBC Loud FM has achieved several milestones, covering various entertainment sectors, including music, film, art, and sports. In October 2023, the station became the official English-speaking station for Riyadh Season 2023, covering high-profile events like the Battle of the Baddest boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou.
MBC Loud FM also became the exclusive English-language radio station for the Saudi Pro League, with renowned football commentator Joe Morrison covering the match of the week. The station has been involved in numerous promotions, including sending listeners to see Ed Sheeran live in Dubai and covering the Joy Awards 2024, where they interviewed celebrities like Sir Anthony Hopkins, Martin Lawrence and Bebe Rexha.
In April, MBC Loud launched a new live and local on-air lineup, including The Byron Cooke Show with Sana K on weekday mornings. The station also became the first in the world to play the new single Keep It Up by Saudi artist Mishaal Tamer. Most recently, on May 18, 2024, MBC Loud exclusively covered Ring of Fire, the world title boxing match between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, including an interview with Fury before the fight.
