UAE radio group eyeing revenue growth in 2009

NEW LOOK: for Dubai 92.

The Dubai-based Arabian Radio Network (ARN) is eyeing stronger revenue growth in 2009 than last year, bucking global trends.

Steve Smith, the chief operating officer at ARN, the UAE’s largest group of radio stations, said annual revenue projections were positive for all eight of the group’s stations.

“Ad revenue has been really good, although right across the board Ramadan was a little bit down,” Mr Smith said. “Still, we are going to be up on 2008 for the year. Radio, because of its efficiency and its immediacy, does quite well in downturns,” he said in comments published by UAE daily The National.

His comments came as Dubai 92 unveiled a new visual identity changes to its programming line-up.

The radio station has added a new evening drive show hosted by Rod Maldon, an Australian presenter.

Another new evening show will see presenters Tom and Dan team up from 8pm until midnight, while radio stars Hamish and Andy will broadcast from Melbourne on Saturdays from 10am to midday.

The station will retain its most popular asset, the award-winning Catboy and Geordiebird Breakfast Show, officials added.

Mahmoud Al Rasheed, general manager of ARN, said: “We are proud of Dubai 92’s achievements. At the same time, we also realise that we have to continue refining the content and presentation to remain even more relevant to the market.”

Smith added: “It is a truism in radio that every four or five years there has to be a thorough evaluation of whether or not the brand is still delivering at its best. There is no such thing as staying on course and hoping for the best — it is imperative to be dynamic and change with your audience.”

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