The expansions underscore the continuous growth of audio consumption across the region, where the market size for audio increased by 35% in 2022.
Integrated media group, SRMG has 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.
Asharq Podcasts seeks to introduce new and original content from nine 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 which explores the leading topics in Saudi Arabia through a journalistic and creative storytelling len;, Behind the Oil which examines 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.
Speaking about the expanded portfolio, 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% in 2022, with over 10m podcast listeners that invest an average of 5-7 hours per week, according to the latest reports. In Saudi Arabia 23% 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 further 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.
