Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Leading integrated media group SRMG, representing the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, proudly unveils the eagerly awaited Asharq Documentary. Set to premiere on September 3rd at 5 pm (GMT+3), Asharq Documentary represents an innovative Arabic free-to-air factual documentary multi-platform. This groundbreaking channel, borne out of the surging demand for documentaries in the region, will provide an immersive exploration of diverse subjects, including politics, business and economics, and history. It promises to deliver unique insights and in-depth analyses of the latest trends, significant events, and influential figures that are shaping today’s world. Asharq Documentary emerges as the latest addition to the illustrious ‘Asharq News Network’ portfolio, which encompasses Asharq News, Asharq Business with Bloomberg, and the soon-to-be-launched Asharq Discovery.
The compelling demand for such content is evidenced by a recent survey indicating that over 80% of individuals interviewed in the MENA region express a desire for more Arabic content of higher quality. SRMG’s Asharq News channel has already showcased over 400 hours of exemplary documentaries, garnering substantial viewership and enthusiastic audience engagement. This underscores the burgeoning appetite for meticulously crafted Arabic language documentary programs in the region.
One of Asharq Documentary’s defining features is its dedicated in-house production capabilities, enabling the channel to deliver exclusive, locally-produced quality programming. By venturing beyond the prominent regional and global news stories, Asharq Documentary aims to provide in-depth, bold analyses. This in-house content, complementing licensed and acquired materials, positions Asharq Documentary to address the existing shortage of locally produced documentaries. The channel is poised to pioneer the creation of original content that not only supports the regional filmmaking industry but also nurtures local and regional talent.
Jomana R. Al-Rashid, CEO of SRMG, remarked, “The MENA region currently lacks a comprehensive Arabic language documentary channel that delves into the topics shaping our world today. SRMG has seized the opportunity to expand into this untapped market by creating Asharq Documentary – a new free-to-air factual documentary multi-platform dedicated to uncovering the stories behind the trending headlines and delving deeper into the related facts and information. The new multi-platform will provide unprecedented access to Arabic language documentaries – including new content produced in-house, specifically for the region. Asharq Documentary is a further demonstration of SRMG’s growth and expansion strategy to stay at the forefront of change by providing our audience with high-quality and thought-provoking content.”
Mohammed Al Yousei, Manager of Asharq Documentary, shared the channel’s aspirations: “Asharq Documentary aims to become the leading platform for prominent political documentaries, providing in-depth coverage of regional and international events. Asharq Documentary will produce factual films covering a wide range of topics including politics, economics, business, and history. The multi-platform offers in-depth insights and analysis utilizing state-of-the-art technology in our production process, to bring the content to life.”
Upon its launch, Asharq Documentary will showcase a diverse lineup of captivating Arabic language documentaries, including:
‘America and the Taliban’ – a compelling three-part investigation delving into America’s two-decade involvement in Afghanistan, featuring on-site reporting and interviews with U.S. and Taliban officials.
‘Nuclear NOW’ – a documentary by Oscar-winning filmmaker Oliver Stone, exploring the potential for a new energy source to save the planet.
‘Space War’ – a film examining the global competition for space access, sparking new conflicts and economic interests among world superpowers.
‘Real Madrid’ – a captivating story highlighting the iconic victories and legendary players behind Real Madrid’s rise to football greatness.
Asharq Documentary will be accessible through its dedicated television channel, social media accounts, live streaming, and on-demand services via Asharq NOW.
Scheduled to debut on September 3, Asharq Documentary will be accessible through a dedicated television channel, social media accounts, live streaming, and on-demand services via Asharq NOW.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is SRMG?
- SRMG is the Saudi Research and Media Group, a leading media organization in the Middle East.
- What is Asharq Documentary?
- Asharq Documentary is a new factual Arabic-language channel launched by SRMG.
- What kind of content will the Asharq Documentary air?
- Asharq Documentary will air a variety of factual content, including documentaries, investigative journalism, and current affairs programming.
- Why is SRMG launching the Asharq Documentary?
- SRMG is launching Asharq Documentary to meet the growing demand for factual content in the Arab world.
- What are the goals of the Asharq Documentary?
- The goals of the Asharq Documentary are to inform, educate, and entertain Arab audiences with high-quality factual content.
- What are the target audiences of the Asharq Documentary?
- Asharq Documentary is targeting a wide range of audiences, including:
- Young people who are interested in learning about the world around them.
- Adults who are interested in current affairs and investigative journalism.
- Families who are looking for educational and entertaining content.
- Asharq Documentary is targeting a wide range of audiences, including:
- What are the challenges of producing factual content in the Arab world?
- There are a number of challenges to producing factual content in the Arab world, including:
- The lack of funding for independent media.
- The censorship of content by governments.
- The threat of violence against journalists.
- There are a number of challenges to producing factual content in the Arab world, including:
- How will Asharq Documentary overcome these challenges?
- Asharq Documentary plans to overcome these challenges by:
- Partnering with international media organizations.
- Producing content that is both informative and entertaining.
- Working with journalists who are committed to freedom of expression.
- Asharq Documentary plans to overcome these challenges by: