iHeartMedia and the Government Communications Office of the State of Qatar have signed a new multi-year partnership. The intent is to grow a thriving podcasting industry in the Middle East and North Africa.
The partnership brings a new podcasting infrastructure to Qatar and hopes to spark a wave of creative storytelling across the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. Both parties aspire to make the area into a global podcasting hub.
iHeart will develop a state-of-the-art podcast studio in Qatar, accompanied by a lineup of original shows. In addition, some of the world’s most popular existing podcasts will be introduced to Arabic-listening audiences. iHeart will also execute specialized masterclasses to develop local talent and host global industry events, including Web Summit gatherings. All this intends to position Qatar as a meeting point for the world’s top podcasting voices.
iHeart’s news release describes the new relationship and its aspiration like this:
“The partnership brings world-class podcasting infrastructure to Qatar and will spark a wave of creative storytelling across the MENA region, leading to the region becoming a global podcasting hub.”
Web Summit Qatar, in its third edition, will take place in February, with the participation of leading figures, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs in the fields of technology and innovation.
