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Virgin Radio welcomes Annah Jacob

Arabian Radio Network (ARN) has appointed Annah Jacob to the role of Brand Manager for Virgin Radio 104.4.  Having previously worked with Virgin Radio 104.4 from 2011 – 2014, Anna brings with her experience in the radio industry and most recently worked with Pearl 102FM as Presenter for its kids and family shows, Hits and Homework as well as Kids Talk. In her new role, she will work with programming and sales to ensure standards are maintained across all marketing, media and promotional activities.

Virgin Radio 104.4 sets the bar for broadcasting excellence in the region and I am thrilled to return as its Brand Manager after having been an on-air Presenter with them from 2011-2014,” says Annah. “ARN is a visionary company to work for, there’s lots of big things on the way and I look forward to contributing to its success.”

Louise Da Costa promoted at TAG 91.1

Arabian Radio Network has promoted Louise Da Costa to the role of Content Director of TAG 91.1. Louise has been a part of ARN for over ten years, having previously worked with Virgin Radio 104.4 as Presenter and most recently with TAG 91.1 as Host. In her new role, she will oversee all content to be presented on TAG 91.1 and work on the growth of the radio station within the Filipino community in the UAE and across the Middle East.

“It’s not all about awards and recognitions, but about touching lives,” says Louise. “UAE is one of the fastest growing radio markets in the world and TAG 91.1 will continue leading the way through innovative content.”

ARN launches new Arabic radio stations

Dubai-based radio network, Arabian Radio Network (ARN) launches Al Khaleejiya Classic and Al Arabiya Cassette in the UAE. With a focus on serving its Arabic audience, Al Khaleejiya Classic will play 80’s and 90’s GCC music tracks, while Al Arabiya Cassette will broadcast 60’s to 90’s Arabic hits from across the region for local and expat Arabs. The new digital-only radio stations will also be available as an extension of local radio stations, Al Khaleejiya 100.9 and Al Arabiya 99 mobile apps to its audience across the UAE.

“ARN serves a wide audience of over 190 nationalities, in the world’s most cosmopolitan city, Dubai,” says Mahmoud Al Rasheed, General Manager, ARN. “This launch follows our first phase of digital brands launched last year and we are proud to launch these two digital stations to meet audience and advertiser demand and position ARN for further growth in the digital broadcasting industry in the coming years.”

New radio station at ARN

Arabian Radio Network (ARN) has launched a new digital radio station, RedFest Radio to celebrate the success of Virgin Radio’s RedFestDXB. Available for digital streaming online and on the Virgin Radio app, the new station will feature talent including this year’s headliners and some of the biggest artists from previous years’ festival as well as broadcast exclusive interviews with artists. Virgin Radio RedFestDXB will take place at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on February 2-3, 2017.

“As the largest radio network in the Middle East, we serve an audience of over 3.8 million listeners a day,” says Steve Smith, COO, Arabian Radio Network. “Our investment in digital has been significant as we aim to super serve specific demographics, while keeping them engaged with our core radio brands. Virgin Radio RedFestDXB is a great example of a brand we have grown and developed, which we are now turning into a pop up radio brand itself.”

Dubai Eye makes new appointment

Dubai-based radio station, Dubai Eye, part of Arabian Radio Network (ARN) has appointed Robbie Greenfield to the role of Presenter and Senior Producer of radio sports show, Sports Tonight. With over 13 years of publishing experience, Robbie most recently worked as Editor of Golf Digest Middle East, part of Motivate Publishing. In his new role he will host the Sports Tonight show from 7pm – 9pm every weekday, delivering live coverage across all the region’s major sporting events.

“Having worked on Dubai Eye‘s sports output on a freelance basis for the past few years, the opportunity to take a full-time role came at the perfect time,” says Robbie Greenfield. “I’m really excited to hopefully play a part in growing the Sports Tonight brand and bringing sport in the region to life for the station’s listeners.”

Virgin Radio welcomes Sheena Kay

Virgin Radio 104.4 has welcomed Sheena Kay to its presenter line-up. The Canadian radio personality formerly worked on The Sheena Show on Radio 1 UAE and will now present new show, Non Stop Hits with Sheena, every weekday between 10am and 1pm, which aims to bring her passion and knowledge of music, as well as celebrity news and gossip, to the station.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sheena to the Virgin Radio team and the ARN family,” says Mahmoud Al Rasheed, General Manager, Arabian Radio Network. “Sheena is a known presenter in the UAE with a passion for music and entertainment, Virgin Radio 104.4 is the perfect place for her.”

Steve Smith, COO, Arabian Radio Network, adds “Sheena will be a great addition to our team, as well as our award-winning line-up of presenters on Virgin Radio. She is a great broadcaster with a passion for music as well as a chatty and mischievous sense of humour, which I’m sure will be a hit with our listeners. She will be an excellent host for Virgin Radio’s mid-morning show and will be bringing a new generation of listeners with her.”

Dubai Opera and ARN form partnership

 Dubai Opera and the Arabian Radio Network (ARN) have formed a strategic partnership with the aim of developing a community of performing arts fans in the UAE. The multi-year agreement will see the development of new programming on talk radio station Dubai Eye 103.8, which will become the official radio channel for Dubai Opera, playing host to  interviews with talent visiting the new venue, located in Dubai’s Opera District.
“With some of the world’s greatest artists and productions announced for Dubai Opera it is fantastic to have the support of Dubai Eye 103.8, part of Arabian Radio Network, to help develop a strong community of audiences to enjoy the very best in live entertainment in the heart of Dubai,” says Jasper Hope, Chief Executive, Dubai Opera.
Mahmoud Al Rasheed, General Manager, ARN, adds “We see this as an investment in the development of arts and culture in the UAE and as the largest radio multi media company we have a responsibility to ensure we support a diverse range of genres that reflect the makeup of the UAE population.”

GN Broadcasting welcomes Director

GN Broadcasting has welcomed Steve Pulley to the role of Broadcasting Director. With 30 years of international radio experience across companies such as Virgin Radio International and Arabian Radio Network, Steve was most recently General Manager of Bamboo Media, where he provided services to international radio stations and local businesses looking to improve premium content services. Having recently returned to Dubai, Steve will now be working across UAE radio stations Radio 1, Radio 2, Josh and Hayat FM in his role as Broadcasting Director.

“It is an exceptionally exciting time for the radio business,” says Steve. “Radio remains a key medium for all UAE residents who want music, fun and information – when and where they want it. On whatever platform, it’s still the most affordable way for advertisers – big and small – to consistently reach new and existing customers, especially those who are increasingly on-the-go. GN Broadcasting will be working smarter and harder than ever to entertain listeners and provide innovation for Advertisers.”

 

 

Alex Agishev joins Arabian Radio Network

Alex Agishev has joined the Arabian Radio Network (ARN) team as Head of Programming at Virgin Radio Dubai 104.4. For the past year, Alex has been working with Multi Media Holding (MMH) in Moscow, Russia, and prior to this he spent 24 years in Australia, working as On Air Presenter, Producer and Program and Music Director for Nova Entertainment, Australian Radio Network and Southern Cross Austereo.

“This is a dream gig, as I get to combine my spirit of adventure with my love of sunshine, alongside radio,” says Alex. “The UAE is one of the fastest growing radio markets in the world and Virgin Radio Dubai is leading the way, through innovative content and digital penetration.”

Steve Smith, COO of Arabian Radio Network adds, “We have big plans to grow Virgin’s already dominant position in the UAE, and Alex’s 25 years of industry experience coupled with his vision and zest will help ensure that we continue to turn radio on its head.”