August 12th, 2008
8:47 am
Abdullatif Al Sayegh, CEO of Arab Media Group (AMG), the largest media organisation in the UAE, today announced the appointment of Steve Smith, an industry veteran, as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Arabian Radio Network (ARN).
In his new role, Steve Smith is mandated to continue the growth of the network, develop programming and revenue for ARN’s existing nine stations, and chart a course for further expansion.
Smith’s extensive senior management experience in the Australian radio and entertainment industry spans over 15 years, and includes five years as General Manager of the Melbourne-based Australian Radio Network, where he achieved record ratings and revenue results.
Mahmoud Al Rasheed, ARN General Manager, said Smith’s appointment is strategically timed to capitalize on ARN’s remarkable growth trajectory.
He said: ‘Over the past year, we successfully launched two stations - Virgin Dubai and Pulse 95.3. With more than 50 per cent of the region’s population in the youth category and a unique multi-ethnic demography, we believe there exists tremendous market potential for diverse premium content.
‘Steve Smith brings with him his rich experience in a mature market such as Australia. His business acumen and keen understanding of the demands of varying target audiences make him the right choice to help ARN set the pace for FM radio both regionally and internationally.’
Smith said: ‘It is a privilege to be part of a fast expanding entity such as ARN, which boasts some of the region’s most popular radio stations in one of the world’s most dynamic media markets. AMG has shown a firm determination to set ‘best practices’ in Middle East broadcasting, and when this opportunity came my way I was immediately attracted by the group’s commitment and passion for raising the standards of entertainment across the region.’
Tags: Abdullatif Al Sayegh, AMG, Arab Media Group, Arabian Radio Network, ARN, Mahmoud Al Rasheed, Steve Smith
Nickelodeon Arabia, the Middle East’s first Arabic-language, free-to-air channel dedicated exclusively to Arab kids aged 2-14 years old, is set to launch on Nilesat and Arabsat on 23 July 2008, delivering the very best in kids’ multi-media entertainment.
Nickelodeon Arabia will hit airwaves at 6am (KSA), kicking off with internationally renowned animated series, Rugrats.
The channel will showcase a mixture of programming including international content from Nickelodeon’s unrivalled portfolio such as pre-school hit Dora The Explorer as well as SpongeBob SquarePants and Jimmy Neutron for older kids, tween live-action favourites Drake and Josh and Unfabulous, and the famous Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
Additionally, Nickelodeon Arabia will air original local productions from launch to ensure a wholly relevant experience for Arab audiences.
Shoof Kids, hosted by engaging seven-year-old Emirati, Wa’ad, will give kids the chance to send in their own home-made videos exploring interesting phenomena such as pearl diving, folklore dancing, or anything else of interest to kids, which will be aired on the channel.
Hosts Rani and Asalah will welcome viewers to the Jumetna Friday afternoon programming block, screening some of the best Nickelodeon shows along with lots of interactive games, fun and surprises!
Nickelodeon Arabia will be supported by a dedicated website available in both Arabic and English, which will provide users with a raft of Nickelodeon content, character games and much, much more.
Abdullatif Al Sayegh, CEO of Arab Media Group, commented: ‘Nickelodeon is the most widely-distributed, kid-focused multi-media brand in the world and appeals to both girls and boys alike. Key properties such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora The Explorer are enjoyed by kids around the world and we’re confident Nickelodeon Arabia will become the go-to destination for Arab kids both on and off air. We are also very proud of our local productions, which will form a key part of the Nickelodeon channel to ensure a wholly relevant, world-standard entertainment experience for audiences across the Middle East.’
Bhavneet Singh, Managing Director and Executive Vice President, Emerging Markets, MTVNI, commented: ‘We are really proud to make the Nickelodeon brand available to kids across the Middle East. The launch of Nickelodeon Arabia is a part of our wider, ongoing multi-platform strategy encompassing consumer products, digital media, hotels and theme parks, which we hope will establish Nickelodeon as the premier destination for kids in this dynamic region.’
Nickelodeon Arabia falls under the umbrella of Arabian Television Network (ATN), Arab Media Group’s TV broadcasting arm, which also incorporates MTV Arabia, which is operated under license from MTV Networks International.
Tags: Abdullatif Al Sayegh, Arab Media Group, Arabian Television Network, ATN, Bhavneet Singh, MTVNI, Nickelodeon Arabia
