iHM, Qatar Partner to Expand Podcasting in Middle East

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, February 24, 2025 | 3:15pm CT

iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia and the Government Communications Office of the State of Qatar have entered into a multi-year partnership aimed at developing a robust podcasting industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The collaboration will establish a state-of-the-art podcast studio in Qatar and introduce a lineup of original shows, alongside Arabic-language adaptations of popular global podcasts.

Additionally, iHeartMedia will host industry events, including Web Summit gatherings, and lead specialized masterclasses to foster local talent.

"This collaboration marks a significant step towards the development of the podcasting industry in the region and reinforcing Qatar's position as a leading hub for digital content creation," said Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, GCO Director and Chairman of the Web Summit Permanent Organizing Committee. "I am confident this platform will serve as a catalyst for creativity, inspire new storytelling formats, build a sustainable podcasting ecosystem and create opportunities for a new generation of content creators in the Arab world."

Bob Pittman, CEO of iHeartMedia, emphasized the global potential of the partnership. "Podcasting has exploded in the US and is now a mass-reach medium. And iHeartMedia, with our expansive network as the #1 podcaster in America, is in a unique position to grow strong listenership around the globe," he said. "iHeartPodcasts features a massive catalog of original shows spanning every category and this new partnership creates an opportunity to work with a long roster of incredible creators and distribute even more content to new audiences in the Middle East."

The announcement was made on the main stage of Web Summit Qatar by Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. The event also featured notable iHeart talents, including Malcolm Gladwell, host of Revisionist History; Jay Shetty, host of On Purpose; David Eagleman, host of Inner Cosmos; and Jonathan Strickland, host of TechStuff.

The partnership aligns with Qatar's National Vision 2030 by investing in digital media and expanding Arabic-language content on a global scale. It follows iHeartMedia's earlier designation as the Official Podcast Partner for Web Summit Qatar 2025.