DUBAI: Shahid VIP, the subscription-based premium service of MBC Group’s Shahid, has partnered with Asharq News.
Asharq News, a 24-hour rolling multiplatform channel, launched in November 2020 as a collaboration between Bloomberg News for business news and the Saudi Research and Marketing Group, publishers of Arab News, and the world’s biggest Arabic news outlet, Asharq Al-Awsat.
“Our partnership announcement today with Shahid VIP guarantees additional viewership for some of our top programming,” said Dr. Nabeel Al-Khatib, general manager of Asharq News.
“As consumption habits change, demand is always on the rise; it is, therefore, integral that the supply for diverse programming is also met, and this is what we aim to achieve by streaming our varied content of Arabic-language productions that address social and cultural topics of public interest,” he added.
As part of the partnership, select content from Asharq News will be available to stream on the platform, which includes exclusive content such as:
“Al-Madar” (The Orbit) with Adhwan Alahmari
Broadcast from London, journalist Adhwan Alahmari hosts policymakers and opinion leaders.
“Isa’al Bassem” (Ask Bassem)
Hosted by Egyptian doctor and satirist Dr. Bassem Youssef, this segment focuses on healthy lifestyles.
“Maa wa Dud” (With and Against)
Two opposing parties are invited to present their opinions on an important topic, offering studio audiences the opportunity to learn about the different dimensions of an issue of public interest.
“Baa’d Heen” (After a While)
A look back on topics that have caused significant controversy in the past, such as major events that once dominated the news but are now forgotten.
“Ala Al-Houdoud” (On the Borders)
Provides a weekly summary of the most important events that occur in countries neighboring the Middle East, and their impact on the Arab world.
“We are very excited to have Asharq News on board; adding a unique brand of news, current affairs, and business analysis to Shahid VIP’s portfolio,” added Scott Weeman, senior partnerships manager at Shahid.
“This latest channel addition reinforces Shahid VIP’s commitment to bringing the highest quality content to our audiences through large-scale productions, exclusive acquisitions, and strategic partnerships,” he added.