MBN is an Arabic-language news organization with a weekly audience of 27.4 million people in 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Freedom House deemed 21 of these countries to be “not free” or “partly free” in 2018. MBN networks expand the spectrum of ideas, opinions and perspectives in the region and engaging audiences to share perspectives.
MBN consists of two television networks (Alhurra and Alhurra-Iraq); Sawa radio; Alhurra.com; RadioSawa.com; Irfaasawtak.com; MaghrebVoices.com; ElSaha.com and various social media platforms. The networks broadcast news and information from their headquarters in Northern Virginia, along with bureaus and production centers in Cairo, Dubai, Jerusalem, Beirut, Erbil, Rabat, Tunis, and Washington, D.C. MBN also has correspondents throughout the Middle East and North Africa. MBN’s networks provide an undistorted line of communication with the people of the Middle East and North Africa.
Alhurra and Alhurra-Iraq are 24/7 Arabic-language television networks that provide news and analysis to more than 19.9 million viewers each week. Its in-depth discussion programs provide points of view from throughout the region and the U.S.
Sawa radio has two dedicated streams, one to Iraq and the other to Sudan. It is available via FM in those countries and broadcasts a wide range of newscasts, discussion programs and call-in shows daily on each stream.
Tackling topics not found in other media outlets, Alhurra and Sawa radio are connecting with Arab audiences. They are regularly cited for their trustworthy news and have been recognized with numerous awards for their on-air content.
MBN Digital provides original reporting and interactive posts on Facebook and integration within on-air broadcasts. Primetime newscasts and current affairs programs incorporate social media into their daily lineups.
Together, these networks deliver accurate and objective information on the region, American policies and Americana with a broad range of perspectives and an open dialogue on issues of importance to the audience.
MBN operates under a grant from USAGM.
Recent Press Releases
MBN announces leadership transition and strategic transformation
The Middle East Broadcasting Network (MBN) is pleased to announce significant developments in its leadership structure and strategic direction, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and innovation in global media.
MBN podcast marking “The Last Days in Kojo” wins gold
The Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. (MBN) podcast “Chapters” won gold for Best Documentary/Narrative Podcast in the New York Festivals-Radio Awards, it was announced on April 16, 2024. The episode “The Last Days in Kojo” chronicles the details of the day ISIS invaded the Yazidi village Kojo with firsthand accounts from survivors.
MBN’s “More Than a Game” wins Silver
“More Than a Game,” one of MBN’s newest podcasts, took home silver for its revealing look at external influences on FIFA and the world of soccer at the second annual Signal Awards.
Recent Awards
Gold for Best Documentary/Narrative Podcast
Project: The Last Days of Kojo (2024)
Winner:
Presented by: New York Festivals International Radio Program Awards
Gold in the Online – Social Impact
Project: Randa’s Story of Female Genital Mutilation (2023)
Winner: ElSaha.com
Presented by: The Telly Awards