The official launch of MBC Loud, Saudi Arabia’s English-language commercial radio station whose reach covers the entire breadth of the Kingdom, was celebrated at an event in Riyadh on Monday evening.
Launched on air by the MBC Group earlier this month, it targets the youth and caters to a growing English-speaking audience.
Broadcasting in Jeddah, Dammam and the capital city of Riyadh, the station follows a Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) format.
MBC Loud is not the first English language to hit the Kingdom’s airwaves – in 1957, Saudi Aramco launched its own stations on the AM band in the Eastern region which include an English channel as well.
Jay R and Danah host the four-hour breakfast show, titled ‘The Daily Wake Up,’ from 6 am to 10 am weekdays.
The channel also features a syndicated feed featuring Ryan Seacrest and Sisanie from 4 pm to 7 pm.
On Thursday and Friday, international DJs with pre-recorded dance music sets are featured between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.
“It’s young, it’s vibrant, it’s exciting, it’s active, and I think it’s a chance for people to hear that fresh look on life in Saudi,” MBC CEO Sam Barnett told Al Arabiya English at the event.
“MBC LOUD FM represents a distinctive radio brand; one that forms part of our commitment towards the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in the field of entertainment and broadcast,” Waleed Al Ibrahim, Chairman of MBC Group said in a press release statement.
“With MBC LOUD FM, our goal is to reach a diverse audience throughout the country. By doing so, we aim to contribute to the Kingdom’s objectives in the upcoming phase, contributing to the nation’s ambitions in developments and growth in the entertainment and media industry,” he added.
Ziad Hamza, MBC Group Director of Audio, Radio & Music said LOUD FM is a new audio experience aiming to change the way listeners experience FM radio.
“MBC LOUD FM aims to enrich audiences’ listening experiences and elevate their enjoyment of radio and music content. Our mission is to connect listeners with their counterparts worldwide by offering distinctive radio content that e