SRMG, Warner Bros. Discovery Launch Free-to-View Arabic Language Platform
Asharq Discovery, a new free-to-view Arabic language infotainment platform, has been unveiled by SRMG, the largest integrated media group from the MENA region, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery. The platform began operations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Asharq Discovery offers free access to top-notch international material in Arabic. It will feature hundreds of hours of high-quality content from Discovery’s lauded library in addition to hand-selected acquisitions from all over the region. Additionally, it features a compelling selection of creative creations.
The new free-to-view platform in MENA
The development of the new free-to-view platform is a direct response to the growing demand for Arabic-language content as well as shifting viewer tastes. According to a recent SRMG survey, more than 80% of Middle East and North Africa viewers are hungry for more Arabic programming. The site will provide a wide selection of genres while catering to a local audience. Pop science and engineering, crime and mystery, automobiles, travel and adventure, cuisine and cookery, wildlife and nature, lifestyle, and reality will all be covered.
SRMG – Warner Bros. Discovery Partnership
The partnership will produce believable and captivating MENA-related stories. Furthermore, because production will take place there, it will present opportunities for local talent. In order to showcase regional storytelling to a worldwide audience, WBD also has the option of globally distributing co-produced content through Warner Bros. Discovery channels and services. A long-term strategic alliance between SRMG and Warner Bros. Discovery led to the creation of Asharq Discovery. In addition to SRMG’s rights to choose content from Warner Bros. Discovery library, this partnership will feature the co-production of up to 30 hours of content each year with WBD and HBO.
Asharq Discovery
Exclusive programs from the acclaimed Warner Bros. Discovery’s library are featured on Asharq Discovery. Favorite shows from networks including Discovery, Animal Planet, TLC, Investigation Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, and regional favorites Fatafeat are among them. Arabic voiceovers and graphics have been added to the chosen programs in their entirety. Asharq Discovery’s initial schedule features free, never-before-seen Arabic television programs. They are Wheeler Dealers, Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman, Gold Rush, and 90 Day Fiancé.
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SRMG’s partnership portfolio
Bloomberg Media, The Independent Group, and Billboard are just a few of the notable companies that SRMG has a proven track record of working with successfully. Asharq Discovery is the most recent addition to SRMG’s award-winning “Asharq News Network,” which also includes Asharq News, Asharq Business with Bloomberg, and the recently launched Asharq Documentary, which offers incisive and factual documentary programming. These news outlets have been among the fastest-growing in the MENA region for the past three years. Through satellite coverage on Arabsat and Nilesat, the catch-up service Asharq NOW, and Asharq Discovery’s social media platforms, Asharq Discovery is available for free viewing throughout the area.
Here’s what they said
Jomana R. Al-Rashid, CEO of SRMG said,
Asharq Discovery’s launch is a direct response to the growing demand and changing consumption habits. We can see from several studies that there is an increase in the demand for audio and visual content across our region. The new free-to-view platform is the latest example of SRMG’s transformation strategy in action. At SRMG, we are dedicated to enhancing and expanding our media portfolio and elevating the media and entertainment ecosystem in the region. Just this past month, we launched Asharq Documentary, dedicated to uncovering the stories behind the headlines in politics, business and economics, and history. Now, with Asharq Discovery, we continue to redefine the viewing experience with seven distinct genres, each offering a fresh perspective on storytelling. The Asharq Discovery platform is unique as it provides a wide range of exceptional content in Arabic, and for the first time, for free. Our partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery is testament to our ambition to produce and showcase award-winning, authentic content that captivates and inspires audiences both here in our region and across the globe. The launch is just the start; we have extremely ambitious plans for co-production, and I look forward to watching the platform’s growth.
Jamie Cooke, GM CEE, Middle East & Turkey of Warner Bros. Discovery added,
The entertainment industry in the MENA region is an area of major global talent and transformative growth. We have seen immense changes over the last few years, and MENA audiences are eager for fresh and new content. I am excited to start developing Arabic content that can inspire viewers not just in the region but Arabic speaking audiences around the world. Warner Bros. Discovery has the greatest and broadest collection of brands, franchises, and storytelling IP in the world, and we’re excited to provide a new free-to-view channel where we can reach new audiences and bring them our stories through our partnership with SRMG.
Read More: SRMG Ventures Pours $5 Million in MENA’s Anghami Platform
SRMG Ventures Pours $5 Million in MENA’s Anghami Platform
A third investment was disclosed by SRMG Ventures, the venture capital division of the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG). The integrated media group has announced plans to invest $5 million in Anghami, a music and entertainment streaming service with offices in the UAE and founded in Lebanon. SRMG is dedicated to fostering the media and entertainment ecosystem in the MENA area. It plans to do so by spotting market possibilities, satisfying consumer wants, and developing new revenue sources. The venture represents a major advancement for the region’s music and audio sector, which is expected to grow at an 11% CAGR. The consistent rise is also credited to local talent, rising Arab stars, and the tactical presence of foreign record firms. This is solidifying MENA’s role as a key participant in the global music industry.
The SRMG-Anghami Strategic Venture
The group’s investment approach, which focuses on creative developers, and virtual and interactive entertainment is aligned with SRMG Ventures’ investment in Anghami. The focus will also be on the digital media platforms and drivers that are at the pinnacle of technical innovation. SRMG Ventures’ broad media reach, content library, and portfolio of top audio/podcast assets will accelerate Anghami’s growth trajectory. Additionally, they will receive a bigger slice of the quickly expanding market, anticipated to reach $700 million in 2026.
Anghami has a sizable subscriber base (120 million, up from 75 million in 2021) and a library of more than 100 million songs. It is the premier source for Arabic and international music, podcasts, and entertainment. Anghami has expanded its offerings across music streaming since its 2012 inception. At the moment, it offers live events, concerts, branded music, and video content. Additionally, it offers renowned music streaming services, podcasts, a music lounge with live entertainment, record labels for Arab musicians, and exclusive and original Arabic material.
Anghami will employ SRMG’s large media networks to speed up growth by offering users fresh experiences. Additionally, it will increase legitimate listening to music audio content in the MENA region and empower artists. Billboard Arabia, the newest addition to SRMG’s media portfolio will introduceseveralf charts employing information from the top digital streaming platforms. It will work with Anghami to help promote the musicians and songs that are shaping the local and international music scene. Additionally, all of SRMG’s content creation channels that are presently accessible through the Anghami portal will pave the way for future partnerships between the two.
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Here’s what they said
Jomana R. Al-Rashid, CEO of SRMG, said:
Audio consumption is growing fast in the MENA region. In 2022 alone, the market size for audio increased by 35%. This demand coupled with the commercial opportunity it presents makes digital audio and media one of the investment priorities for SRMG Ventures. These opportunities are also demonstrative of our strategy and commitment to support and develop the media ecosystem, act as a catalyst for further growth and enhancement of SRMG’s offerings and services. Today, Anghami has been able to secure one of the largest user bases in audio streaming in the region, and has developed an impressive platform with extensive technological capabilities – a testament to the leadership of founders Elie Habib and Eddy Maroun. We’re looking forward to working closely with the Anghami team to realize our shared vision of elevating the region’s media and entertainment industry.
Eddy Maroun, Co-founder & CEO of Anghami, said:
This investment from SRMG Ventures marks a significant milestone for Anghami. We have continually evolved to meet our audience’s changing demands and support the region’s rising entertainment and music industry. Working together with SRMG, a leader and innovator in regional media, Anghami will be able to unlock further opportunities to champion the music ecosystem. This partnership will propel regional artists to greater heights, expand their global reach, and create new touchpoints for our users and artists alike.
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