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AI adoption is no longer the challenge—trusted context is. Most organizations have AI tools, but many still rely on disconnected, stale, or unverified data, limiting the quality and trustworthiness of AI-generated outputs. Meltwater MCP brings trusted, real-time intelligence into AI assistants.

Your Best Context is Already in the Room

Today, PR teams aren’t just tracking media coverage and share of voice. They’re also measuring how their brand shows up in AI-generated answers, search summaries, and large language models (LLMs). This new LLM visibility layer is quickly becoming a critical part of PR performance.

15 Must-Have PR KPIs and How to Track Them

See how one platform can power every decision across PR, communications, and marketing.

The Meltwater Blog

Blog Topics: Generative Engine Optimization, Media Intelligence, Media Relations, Social Listening, Consumer Intelligence, Influencer Marketing

Find out how you can leverage Facebook to boost your brand's online presence and gain a competitive edge. Explore the Meltwater category page today!

Facebook Blog | Meltwater

Find out how you can leverage Instagram to boost your brand's visual appeal and gain a competitive edge. Explore our category page today!

Instagram Blog | Meltwater

Find out how you can leverage LinkedIN to grow your professional network and gain a competitive edge. Explore the Meltwater category page today!

LinkedIn Blog | Meltwater

Find out how you can leverage TikTok to elevate your brand with creative content and gain a competitive edge. Explore the Meltwater category page today!

TikTok Blog | Meltwater

Find out how you can leverage X / Twitter to engage your audience effectively and gain a competitive edge. Explore the Meltwater category page today!

X / Twitter Blog | Meltwater

Find out how you can leverage YouTube to create engaging video content and gain a competitive edge. Explore the Meltwater category page today!

YouTube Blog | Meltwater

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is transforming how brands show up in AI-powered search. Explore insights, strategies, and best practices to help your content rank and resonate across conversational engines like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot.

Explore insights and strategies for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) to help your brand stay visible and discoverable in AI-powered search.

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Blog Collection | Meltwater

Every day billions of conversations take place on social media: tweets, posts, comments, blogs, reviews, podcasts, and much more.
Learn how to use social listening to make sense of all of that data.

On our social listening category page, you find all our blogs covering topics around social listening and social media monitoring. Read more.

Social Listening Blogs | Category

Business Reputation Management: What does it take to add reputation management to your marketing strategy? More importantly, how do you keep your reputation sparkly and shiny? Here’s your all-access guide to online reputation management for the long term.

On our reputation management category page, you find all our blogs covering topics around business reputation management. Read more.

Reputation Management Blogs | Category

From your brand's logo to your website, your social media presence to your customer support—these elements combined are what constitutes a brand in the minds of customers. But, there are thousands of other businesses that have a logo, website, social media presence, and website. So, how can you position your business on the market and make it stand out from the competition?
The key to success is branding & brand management!

On our brand management category page, you find all our blogs covering topics around brand management. Build your strategy and reach your goals!

Brand Management Blogs | Category

Competitive intelligence and the act of collecting competitive data can be seen as growth drivers for a company. Our guide will help you understand the concept of competitive intelligence (CI) by answering questions such as: What is the definition of competitive intelligence? How is competitive intelligence useful to organizations? What is the goal of competitive intelligence? And more.

On our competitive intelligence category page, you find all our blogs covering topics around competitive intelligence. Learn how to stay ahead.

Competitive Intelligence Blogs | Category

Let’s dive into the customer journey framework and how to optimize the process by creating a customer journey map and using metrics that matter when analyzing the customer journey.

On our customer journey category page, you find all our blogs covering topics around mapping and understanding the customer journey.

Customer Journey Blogs | Category

What Is Data Analytics?
How can I grow my business? 
How do customers interact with my newly launched product?
How do I increase the productivity of my employees?
How do I know if my marketing efforts are working?
We have just two words for you...Data analytics!

On our data analytics category page, you find all our blogs covering topics around AI and data analytics. Technical and still easy to understand.

AI & Data Analytics Blogs | Category

Public relations and media relations can add impact to any marketing strategy. It’s an opportunity for brands to grow their reach beyond traditional sales messages. PR helps to shape the image you want people to have of your brand.
So, what is PR and how do you use it? This guide shows you everything you need to know to build a strong public relations foundation.

On our public relations (PR) category page, you find all our blogs covering public relations and communications topics. Step up your PR game.

Public Relations (PR) Blogs | Category

We all know exactly what the roles of sales or accounting are in a company, right? We might even have a slight idea of what the IT guys are doing.
But there is another business discipline, that plays a crucial role in organizations, even more so during the pandemic – internal communications!
But what exactly do we mean by that, what purpose does it serve and what steps can you take to ensure you and your employees will communicate effectively?

On our internal communications category page, you find all our blogs about internal comms topics. Learn about the intranet, internal newsletters, and more.

Internal Communications Blogs | Category

As the internet has taken root in more areas of our lives — everything from entertainment to shopping to paying bills and more — traditional marketing is becoming less impactful. As any marketer knows, you need to focus on where your audience is if you want to reach them. Since the average person spends about seven hours a day online, it’s no surprise that content has maintained its hold on marketers.
Here's a closer look at what content marketing is and why it matters more than ever in our digital-first economy.

On our content marketing category page, you find blogs about content marketing topics. Learn about strategies, KPIs, tips, and more. Make your content king!

Content Marketing Blogs | Category

The rise of the influencer marketing space – today a $10 billion industry, growing 50% per year – is one of the clearest examples of how social media is transforming traditional marketing. These days having a business website, presence on social, PR coverage, and your own content isn’t enough to compete.
We'll dive into the intricacies of influencer marketing to help ensure that you're equipped with the insights needed to be successful in this space.

On our influencer marketing category page, you find blogs about influencer marketing topics. Build your strategy, find influencers, and measure results.

Influencer Marketing Blogs | Category

Have you just launched a new product or service that you want to get the word out about? Maybe you want to share with consumers why it is awesome and how it is so much better than the one your competitors offer.
Well, then, there is one thing you can't do without...Marketing!

On our marketing category page, you find blogs about marketing topics. Learn about all the different angles and types of marketing and improve your results.

Marketing Blogs | Category

In this guide, we want to give you a peek into the definition of social media management, the daily schedule of a social media manager, social media platforms to promote your business, and the do’s & don’ts of social media management.
Are you ready to begin the journey of becoming a social media superstar?

On our social media management category page, you find blogs about social media management topics. Build and manage your online community.

Social Media Management Blogs | Category

Building a following and using social media platforms to reach a wider audience requires a well-planned social media marketing strategy. In this guide, we’ll be looking at why social media marketing is so essential and how you can make it work for your business.

On our social media marketing category page, you find blogs about social media marketing topics. Learn how to get the highest paid social ROI!

Social Media Marketing Blogs | Category

In the fast-evolving realm of digital marketing and public relations, utilizing the right tools is crucial for success. Our interdisciplinary category showcases all the pertinent tools for digital marketing & PR. These tools help in enhancing your online presence and effectively reaching target groups, whether through reputation management, influencer marketing, or social media management.

On our digital marketing and PR tools category page, you find all our blogs covering topics around mapping and understanding the customer journey.

Digital Marketing & PR Tools Blogs | Category

Sweden is a key player in Scandinavian media, with regional media conglomerates Bonnier and Modern Times Group (MTG) headquartered there. It was also the first country to introduce press freedom laws in 1766.

The country’s media system is based on public service broadcasters' dominance and high newspaper penetration. While press circulation figures remain among the highest in the world, overall consumption of broadcast media has fallen marginally over the last five years.

Simultaneously, internet penetration and computer use are among the greatest in the world. Digitization appears to have had a far greater impact on general media preferences than on news media preferences. Also, commercial media appears to have won the struggle for entertainment (movies, sports, and drama), but public radio and television in Sweden have maintained their status as trustworthy and reliable news providers.

Moreover, television news reaches 83% of the population daily, and SVT, Sveriges Radio (Radio of Sweden), and TV4—the largest private station—remain the most trusted sources. In terms of media ownership, the dominating trend in the newspaper and television markets is national concentration.

Read along as we discuss more about the media landscape in Sweden along with the top media channels in the country.

Here is a list of what we’ll cover in detail:

What Is The Media Landscape In Sweden Like?

What Are The Largest Media Companies In Sweden?

What Is The Most Popular Media In Sweden?

Regulatory Authorities for Media in Sweden

What Are Common Media Channels In Sweden?

Tip: Take a look at digital and social media statistics for Sweden.

According to the most recent data, video, including TV and streaming, dominates daily media consumption in Sweden. As of 2022, 93% of those polled in the country said they utilized it every day. Social media climbed to second place with 84%, while radio rounded out the top three with 78%. The rise in social media use, which has exceeded music listening and radio consumption, reflects the growing popularity of digital entertainment and pleasures in Sweden.

In addition, video streaming in Sweden is on the rise, with 61% of Swedes using video streaming services in the most recent quarter.

In terms of press media, daily newspapers account for only 2% of media time in Sweden. In comparison, during the last 10 years, the daily reach of newspapers on the internet has more than tripled. This move is consistent with the global trend of replacing print publications with digital, more accessible alternatives.

Media ownership in Sweden is characterized by a mix of publicly funded outlets, commercial media companies, and various stakeholders. Public service broadcasting is provided by Sveriges Television (SVT), Sveriges Radio (SR), and Utbildningsradion (UR).

Private companies also play a significant role in the media industry.

Prominent media houses in Sweden include:

Bonnier Group: Bonnier is one of the largest and most influential media conglomerates in Sweden, with a significant presence in the newspaper, magazine, and book publishing sectors.

Schibsted: Schibsted, a Norwegian media company, owns media outlets in Sweden, including the tabloid Aftonbladet.

Amedia: Amedia is another Norwegian media company with a presence in the Swedish media market.

Swedish Radio and Television (SVT): SVT is a public service broadcaster with a broad range of television and radio channels.

Swedish Broadcasting Corporation (SR): SR is another public service broadcaster, operating radio channels in Sweden.

Modern Times Group (MTG): MTG is a media company with interests in TV broadcasting and E-sports.

Stampen Group: The Stampen Group is a media company with a focus on regional newspapers and magazines.

Expressen Group: Expressen is a significant player in the Swedish tabloid market, and it's owned by the Bonnier Group.

The largest media companies in Sweden, in terms of market influence and reach, include:

At the start of 2023, Sweden had almost 10.3 million Internet users, accounting for 97% of the population.

Also, Facebook was the most widely used social networking platform.

Tip: For more interesting statistics like these, take a look at digital and social media statistics for Sweden.

Sweden, the world's first country to pass a press freedom statute, has always valued media independence.

This means that there is no law in Sweden prohibiting the concentration of media ownership. However, there are still some rules that the media should abide by; which we discuss in this section. Let’s dive in!

The Swedish Press and Broadcasting Authority has an independent broadcasting commission that regulates public media, and an independent media ombudsman receives complaints about ethical issues. Journalistic sources are legally protected, and access to public information is a pillar of Swedish democracy.

However, constitutional modifications intended at preserving information in international relations have sparked concerns about prospective punishments against whistleblowers and media who expose misconduct.

Swedish media policy is overseen by the Ministry of Culture and managed by the Authority for press, radio, and television. This authority handles subsidies for the daily press, issues licenses for commercial television and radio, and directly grants broadcasting licenses for public service companies.

For cable and satellite television in Sweden, no license is required, but broadcasters must register their activities. Internet sites can also be registered with the Authority for legal protection. Additionally, the Swedish Post and Telecom Agency (PTS) is a government organization that monitors electronic communications and postal sectors.

PTS deals with issues like telephony, internet, and radio, ensuring competition, efficient resource use, and secure communications. It supervises telecom operators, analyzes market trends, and allocates number series to operators.

The Swedish media accountability system has a long, evolving history. It consists of three sets of rules:

Publicity rules:
These rules ensure fair reporting, respect for privacy, interviewee rights, the right to reply, and the treatment of images. They are the oldest part of the code of conduct.

Rules of professional journalism:
These rules govern the conduct of journalists, covering their integrity, assignments, source relationships, and more. They are established by the Association of Swedish Journalists (SJF).

Editorial advertising guidelines:
These guidelines address the relationship between advertising and editorial content. They emphasize that news should be based on news value, not advertising value, and that advertising should be distinguishable from editorial content.

What’s surprising is that all these rules are voluntary and are established by independent organizations to avoid the need for legislation in Sweden. The Press Council and Press Ombudsman oversee the publicity rules, while a committee appointed by the SJF board supervises the rules of professional journalism. There is also a council for cooperation in media accountability.

Five media firms own a huge portion of the country's newspapers (Dagens Nyheter, Aftonbladet, TV4, and so on). The audiovisual industry is considerably more concentrated, with four television and three radio organizations dominating the market (this includes publicly owned media).

At the same time, approximately one in every five communities lacks a presence of local media, prompting additional investments from both the public and private sectors.

Here is a little more detail about the common media channels in Sweden:

In Sweden, there are over 150 printed newspapers, practically all of which have an online edition. However, approximately 60 of those are published only once or twice a week and have a modest circulation. Most newspapers are subscription-based, either locally or regionally, with home delivery in the early morning.

The Swedish print newspaper market can be divided into five main segments:

Metropolitan subscribed morning papers: High-quality dailies published in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. These papers are published seven days a week and include Dagens Nyheter in Stockholm, Göteborgs-Posten in Göteborg, and Sydsvenskan in Malmö.

Tabloids: Entertainment-focused dailies published in Stockholm, including Aftonbladet and Expressen. While the main focus is entertainment, they also feature a debate on culture, opinion material, and investigative journalism.

Regional and local morning papers: Papers that are published at least three times a week and cover different regions of Sweden. Some of the largest in this group include Helsingborgs Dagblad in Helsingborg, Dalarnas Tidningar in Falun, and Nerikes Allehanda in Rebro. 

Low-frequency papers: General newspapers that are issued once or twice a week and are often subsidized.

Freely distributed newspapers: These newspapers are provided for free and contain a variety of material. The free daily Metro, which is published five days a week, is the largest newspaper in this segment.

The most successful newspaper in terms of digital audience sales is the tabloid Aftonbladet, whose 'Plus' service has more than one million digital subscribers. Aftonbladet is swiftly approaching its goal of being the first Swedish daily to generate the majority of its revenue through digital sales.

Furthermore, there are a few national specialist papers, such as the business daily Dagens Industri and the small Christian daily Dagen. A few more Sweden newspapers catered to non-native individuals are:

Goteborgs Posten - Gothenburg-based daily

Stats related to the newspaper market in Sweden

Almost all social groups read newspapers; but, since the turn of the century, a growing divide has formed between young and old people - the old prefer printed newspapers, while younger people increasingly get their news via social media.

On a typical day, 55% of subscribers read a morning paper, which is 19 % age points lower than ten years ago. Only 44% read the printed edition, 7% only the digital edition, and 4% read both.

The trend for tabloids is the opposite: 27% read a tabloid daily, whereas 20% read just online, 6% only in print, and 1% mix.

Daily newspaper printed editions generated 2.09 billion Swedish kronor in advertising expenses in Sweden in 2021, down from 2.74 billion in 2019. The figures for digital versions were 2.02 billion and 1.87 billion kronor, respectively.

What Is The Biggest News Company In Sweden?

In terms of revenue, the Bonnier Group, which owns five of the country's leading newspapers, is the dominant player in the Swedish newspaper business.

Mittmedia comes in second with 22 local newspapers, and the Swedish division of the Norwegian Schibsted Group comes in third with two titles, including Aftonbladet.

Media In Sweden: Media Landscape Guide

Saudi Arabia's media business is vital to the country's economy. Saudi Arabia dominates the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) media industry, with a nearly 30% market share.

The restructuring of the media industry is a key component of Saudi Arabia's strategic ambitions, known as Saudi Vision 2030. The primary goal is to transform the media business into a regional content hub while also improving Saudis' quality of life.

In fact, Saudi Arabia's government hopes to attract considerable private sector investment in the growth of its creative and entertainment sectors by allocating more than SR3.3 billion ($879.8 million) to culture and media by 2020.

Investment in this business will provide more entertainment options, improve media quality, maintain national heritage and ideals, raise economic contribution, and promote Saudi Arabia's image both domestically and internationally.

However, Saudi Arabia censors various media, including books, newspapers, periodicals, films, television, and Internet content. The Saudi government strictly regulates and restricts the media in accordance with official state law.

Read along to understand these laws along with the media landscape in Saudi Arabia.

In this article, we discuss the following:

Media Laws and Regulations in Saudi Arabia

What Is the Most Popular Media in Saudi Arabia?

How To Stay on Top of Media in Saudi Arabia

Religion is at the heart of Saudi people's daily lives as a highly governed Islamic country, and laws for advertising campaigns are designed to honor that tradition.

The Ministry of Media, headquartered in Riyadh, is the major government entity in Saudi Arabia in charge of regulating the media sector and international communications. Additionally, the Saudi Communication and Information Technology Commission (CITC) has recently enacted rules covering advertising across a variety of platforms, including commercial broadcasting, radio, digital advertising, and social media.

The ultimate purpose of CITC is to ensure that commercial entities are legally licenced, that privacy rules are followed, and that media produced adheres to cultural sensitivity and Islamic ideals.

Mass media and all other vehicles of expression shall employ civil and polite language, contribute towards the education of the nation and strengthen unity. It is prohibited to commit acts leading to disorder and division, affecting the security of the state and its public relations, or undermining human dignity and rights. - Article 30 of the ‘basic law’ of the kingdom

Some other rules and regulations governing the media in Saudi Arabia are:

Cybercrime and Internet Regulations in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi government has passed legislation to prevent cybercrime and restrict online activities. The Anti-Cybercrime Law, enacted in 2007, criminalizes a variety of acts, including hacking, unauthorized access to computer systems, and the publication of harmful content. Individuals and corporations must be aware of these requirements to ensure compliance and avoid legal ramifications.

Content Restrictions And Censorship in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has rigorous rules governing the content that can be shared on social media networks. The CITC tracks and filters online content to guarantee adherence to societal and cultural norms. Users should use caution when posting anything that could be considered inflammatory, defamatory, or contrary to Islamic beliefs.

Intellectual Property Rights in Saudi Arabia

Social media platforms allow for the sharing and dissemination of content, which may create concerns about intellectual property rights. Users should be aware of copyright rules and treat others' intellectual property with respect. Similarly, whether distributing copyrighted information or utilizing social media for advertising and marketing, firms must ensure that they have the necessary permits and licenses.

The “Mawthooq” Program in Saudi Arabia

Under the 'Mawthooq' programme, the CITC established regulations to oversee influencer and foreign commercial marketing efforts in Saudi Arabia. The programme specifies several rules, including:

Advertising approval will be provided only to those who work for a commercial entity that has the necessary licenses and legal documentation.

Non-Saudi citizens and tourists to the Kingdom are also barred from posting advertisements on social media without a license, even if they have their own personal branded profiles. 

Contracting, advertising, or hosting events with unlicensed non-Saudi advertisers or celebrities from outside the nation is prohibited for Saudi firms.

Those who disregard these rules risk prison time and heavy fines—this has a big impact on influencer operations in Saudi Arabia, as influencers are required to get licenses and follow certain content guidelines. Also, before cooperating with influencers or celebrities for paid endorsements, marketers must establish compliance with these standards and check the influencer's licensing status.

Furthermore, full disclosure of funded partnerships is needed by law and has the added benefit of maintaining authenticity in endorsed campaigns, which is critical for creating confidence with the audience. 

Data Privacy and Protection in Saudi Arabia

As a business, employing strong data protection procedures in advertising is critical for gaining consumer trust and keeping compliant. Furthermore, communicating privacy rules and following best practices in data handling can help generate a strong brand reputation and increase consumer trust.

Saudi Arabia established the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) in 2020 to protect individuals' data. According to the PDPL, marketers who collect and process personal data must get explicit consent from individuals and notify them about the goal, extent, and duration of data acquisition. Plus, marketers must also put in place suitable technical and organizational safeguards to protect data from unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, or destruction.

The law also offers Saudi citizens various rights, including the ability to view their data, seek its correction or deletion, withdraw consent, and object to the processing of their data for any reason. Commercial media companies in Saudi Arabia are required to respect these rights.

While the number of regulations may appear daunting, the enormous opportunities in this country are worth it. So, marketers should familiarize themselves with the legislation, allow for the necessary licensing and clearances, and work with a local agency when developing marketing campaign ideas for Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia boasts the largest, most literate, and technologically aware young adult population. Indeed, more than half of the population is under 30, and they are ready for new digital experiences, ranging from online gaming to streaming music and videos.

Furthermore, Saudis spend six hours each day on digital media and three hours per day on social media. Since practically everyone owns a smartphone, the digital sector is expected to grow even more in the future.

Tip: For more statistics, download the free Global Digital Trends Report.

Here are some of the leading media channels in the Saudi Arabian kingdom:

Social media platforms have evolved into important tools for Saudis to express themselves. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat have grown in popularity as places for people to express themselves, share personal experiences, and engage in public debate. Saudi youth, in particular, have used social media to interact with others who share their interests, building communities that cross borders.

Here are some of the top social media channels operating in Saudi Arabia:

<table class="table-primary alternate-color">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Social Media Platform</th>
<th>Share of Users in Saudi Arabia</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">WhatsApp</td>
<td>87.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">Instagram</td>
<td>78.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">Twitter</td>
<td>71.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">Snapchat</td>
<td>68.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">TikTok</td>
<td>63.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">Facebook</td>
<td>63.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">Telegram</td>
<td>59.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">Facebook Messenger</td>
<td>43.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">Pinterest</td>
<td>26.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">LinkedIn</td>
<td>24.5%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

In 2022, the top motive for using social media in Saudi Arabia was to communicate with friends and family, followed by passing the time.

Furthermore, the number of WhatsApp users in Saudi Arabia is predicted to significantly increase between 2023 and 2028. Following its fifth consecutive year of growth, WhatsApp's user base is predicted to reach 17.29 million users in 2028, a new high.

What Are the Most Popular Newspapers in Saudi Arabia?

Some of the most popular newspapers of Saudi Arabia are:

SRMG (Saudi Research & Marketing Group) is the Middle East's largest publishing company, primarily focused on offering information products and services through the publication of newspapers and periodicals. They publish in the Middle East and around the world.

A Saudi newspaper with a circulation of over two lakh; it markets itself as the 'international newspaper of the Arabs.'   It is published by the Saudi Research and Publishing Company (SRPC), owned by King Abdullah's nephew. It is a powerful newspaper that covers pan-Arab and international topics and targets readers in Saudi Arabia who are interested in a wide range of news and ideas.

Its primary readership, however, is made up of Arab expatriates from all around the world. Moreover, Al-Sharq Al-Awsat is the only Arabic newspaper that now owns the Arabic copyright for major international syndicates, including The New York Times, Washington Post, Christian Science Monitor, and USA Today.

Okaz is a leading daily published in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia that began as a weekly in 1960 but became a daily in 1964. The newspaper takes its name from the famed Okaz market, which was one of the largest open markets in pre-Islamic times. Its daily circulation exceeds one lakh, with the majority of its readers residing in the Hejaz region, which includes the holy towns of Makkah and Madinah.

It is owned by Okaz Organisation for Press and Publication, a completely private company with senior Saudi business people holding controlling shares. However, it serves primarily as a government mouthpiece. It is printed in both Jeddah and Riyadh, the capital and has a large network of reporters all around the kingdom.

Another popular Arabic daily in Saudi Arabia, it was founded in Lebanon in 1946 by Lebanese businessman Kamel Marwah and is now controlled by another of the king's nephews, Prince Khalid bin Sultan. The publication, which has a circulation of over 1.5 lakh, describes itself as 'an independent, international, and Arab political daily paper.'

It is a widely read daily in the Arab world, particularly Saudi Arabia, and targets Arab communities in around 30 locations in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and North America, where satellite printing makes it available every morning.

What Are the Most Popular Television Channels in Saudi Arabia?

Traditionally, free-to-air (FTA) television has dominated the country by generating the most revenue. In Saudi Arabia, FTA is almost exclusively powered by satellite technology, with revenue via television advertising.

In terms of channels, MBC1 had the highest watching rate in Saudi Arabia in 2021, with 14.3%, while MBC2 had the lowest, with 4.5%.

TV advertising continued to dominate the Saudi video business, with total TV advertising sales expected to cross $500 million by 2023. Statistically, the viewing population is skewed towards an older audience, with a sizable proportion of Millennials and Generation X still watching traditional television (59.4%). Only 12.6% of Generation Z watches television, and the elder generations watch even less, at 8.6%.

The traditional segments are slowly declining due to obsolescence caused by the expansion of digital segments. The video business, which FTA has formerly controlled, is being increasingly saturated by rising over-the-top television firms (OTT). OTT videos are predicted to have the strongest revenue growth in Saudi Arabia—reaching almost $1.3 billion by 2025.

Netflix, for example, maintains a strong competitor in the market despite slower subscriber growth through 2022. To meet the increased demand for on-demand entertainment, the streaming service has been extending its footprint and portfolio across the region. Furthermore, among subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services, Netflix has the most subscribers in the MENA area in 2021.

With the expansion of digital media segments, development in traditional media segments in Saudi Arabia may face even greater challenges in the coming years.

According to Statista, print media is still relevant in Saudi Arabia, despite a falling tendency – it fell 3% in 2023 and is predicted to fall further through 2027.

Newspaper advertising is the most expensive print media category, with a forecast cost of $336.90 million in 2023. In 2023, the average ad spending per reader is $56.95, greater than in other categories. Similarly, reader viewership is on the decline, with a reach of 5.92 million in 2023.

Marketers, on the other hand, can place adverts in popular publications to target specific demographics or geographic locations of Saudi Arabia.

Tip: Learn more about the state of print monitoring.

Media in Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia Media Landscape Guide

The lines between public relations (PR) and marketing can become easily blurred, even by professionals in the industry. In today's world the objectives, goals, and even some tactics used by both PR and marketing teams may be closely related. 

To keep it simple, marketing is focused on driving sales and doing so by promoting products, services, or ideas on channels like social media. Public relations (PR) is more focused on the maintenance of a positive reputation of a company, brand, or person through the media. 

Download our Ultimate Guide to PR and read our blog about The Basics of Public Relations to discover how PR can act as a champion for the overall marketing strategy and why it is an important part of the communication process to drive business results.

Day-to-day Tactics in Public Relations and Marketing

PR, or Public Relations, is a strategic communication and marketing discipline that focuses on managing and shaping an organization's image and reputation in the eyes of the public, including customers, stakeholders, and the general public. PR is not advertising, but rather it involves creating and maintaining a positive public perception of a company, brand, or individual through various means, such as media coverage, community engagement, and other forms of communication.

What are the key aspects of PR in marketing?

Media Relations: Building relationships with journalists, bloggers, and other media professionals to secure media coverage that promotes the company or its products and services.

Crisis Management: Addressing and mitigating potential PR crises that could damage an organization's reputation, and managing the communication during such situations.

Content Creation: Developing and distributing press releases, articles, blog posts, and other content that showcases the company's expertise, achievements, and contributions.

PR & Communications

Media In Sweden: Media Landscape Guide

Media in Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia Media Landscape Guide

What is the Difference Between Marketing and PR?

The 8 Biggest New Meltwater Features in our 2023 Winter Release

The Top 10 Most Popular Magazines in the US

Media In The UAE: UAE Media Landscape Guide

The UK Media Landscape: Media Companies, News Outlets, Ownerships

Why Are Your Brand Mentions Spiking? AI Can Explain

How to Pitch Your Press Release to Journalists

9 Step Guide: How to Create & Implement a PR Campaign

The Best Press Release Distribution Services in the UK

10 PR Podcasts to Enhance Empathy, Expand Your View of the World, and Help You Get Better at PR

PR & Communications

Media In Sweden: Media Landscape Guide

Media in Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia Media Landscape Guide

What is the Difference Between Marketing and PR?

The 8 Biggest New Meltwater Features in our 2023 Winter Release

The Top 10 Most Popular Magazines in the US

Media In The UAE: UAE Media Landscape Guide

The UK Media Landscape: Media Companies, News Outlets, Ownerships

Why Are Your Brand Mentions Spiking? AI Can Explain

How to Pitch Your Press Release to Journalists

9 Step Guide: How to Create & Implement a PR Campaign

The Best Press Release Distribution Services in the UK

10 PR Podcasts to Enhance Empathy, Expand Your View of the World, and Help You Get Better at PR

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