Radio Sawa, the Arabic-language radio network that has changed the media landscape in the Middle East and North Africa, is celebrating its 15th anniversary on 22 March 2017. 

Since its launch in 2002, the pan-Arab radio network has been known for offering an innovative format combining accurate and objective news with popular Arabic and English music.  With more than 12 million listeners each week across the MENA region, Radio Sawa provides breaking news through up-to-the-minute reports on unfolding events in the Middle East as well as in-depth coverage of topics often unaddressed in the Arab media, such as freedom of speech, religious freedom, countering extremism, women’s rights, and political pluralism.  The station has attracted the admiration of Arab audience and forged a reputation that has inspired imitators throughout the region.

“Over its first 15 years, Radio Sawa has successfully broadened the perspective of our audience on issues of importance in the Middle East and around the world,” said Brian Conniff, President of Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN), pictured right, which manages and operates Radio Sawa.  “Robust access to balanced, unbiased, and accurate journalism makes Radio Sawa an indispensable resource in the Arab media landscape.”

Today, Radio Sawa is expanding its reach by providing news and information to Arab audience through different media platforms, including mobile devices and the Internet. Radio Sawa maintains an active all-news website (www.radiosawa.com) which provides both up to the minute news and information as well as live streaming audio, making the network one of the most trusted sources of news and insights on social and political life in the Middle East and North Africa.  The Radio Sawa Android and iOS mobile apps offer a mobile-first experience for engaging with millennial audiences to solicit their voices and opinions.  The apps stream eight Arabic channels, feature Sawa Chat interactive conversations, newscasts and the top tech, entertainment and culture news of the day.  In addition, Radio Sawa shares compelling stories, audio and photos with millions of social media users on Facebook and Twitter.

Innovative use of technology and high quality journalism earned Radio Sawa several high profile awards, including New York Festivals, AIB Awards, GSMA Global Mobile Awards, and Appy Awards.

Radio Sawa is operated by the non-profit corporation “The Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc.” (MBN). MBN is financed by the U.S. Government through a grant from the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), an independent federal agency.  The BBG serves as a firewall to protect the professional independence and integrity of the broadcasters.