OSN introduces first TV show dedicated to Saudi youth to express their views

OSN, the region’s leading pay-TV network, is further strengthening its community engagement with the launch of a first-of-its-kind show dedicated to the largest demographic of Saudi Arabia, its youth.

The new show titled, Al-Jamiaa is a compelling concept that provides a platform for Saudi youth to express their views and address big questions in a university-style setting with interactive debates and voting. It also highlights OSN’s investment in the Kingdom in original ‘made in Saudi’ content creation.

Through Al-Jamiaa, young Saudis can express their opinions on subjects that matter most to them. Tapping into a generation that is internet-savvy, independently–minded, educated and articulate, the show presents a chance for Saudi youth to confront modern-day issues in an open and transparent debating theatre.

The show will host an eclectic mix of guestsincluding sport personalities, intellectuals, business leaders and government officials, among others. The first episode will feature former Information Minister Dr. Abdel Aziz Khoja. Al-Jamiaa will be presented by Saudi Arabia’s most popular online celebrity, the 28-year old Omar Hussein.

Khulud Abu Homos, Executive Vice President of Programming & Creative Services, said: “We are focused on expanding our presence through thought-provoking entertainment shows that enrich the knowledge and understanding of our viewers. Saudi youth are tech-savvy and connected, and leverage the strong broadband connectivity and smartphone penetration to communicate their viewpoints. Through Al-Jamiaa, we are providing them a credible platform to engage in meaningful discussion on television.”

“Al-Jamiaa is a pioneering television show that aims to bring together the sharpest young minds in Saudi Arabia and get to the heart of issues that really matter. The show will have unprecedented access to public figures and aims to empower youth through meaningful dialogue, whilst offering the viewers true purpose and value.”

Reinforcing its commitment to delivering compelling and competitive talk shows, the university-style theme will be made up of top students from some of Saudi Arabia’s most celebrated academic institutions such as Batarji University, Alghad University, Al Farabi University, King Saud University, King Abdul Aziz University, Dar Al Hekma University, Effat University, Technology and Business University, Ibn Sina University and Umm Al Qura University.

The audience will be split into two gender groups, reflecting the diversity of the Kingdom, whilst the participants will be selected based on their academic performance.

Filmed in Jeddah, the one-hour talk show gives Saudi youth the opportunity to pose questions and seek answers from the special guest invited on the show. The presenter plays a crucial role in managing the debates and the voting process which seeks to ascertain whether the audience agrees or disagrees with the special guest’s comments.

“We are committed to local family values and in presenting people with a choice of independent quality television that fulfills their expectations. The introduction of Al-Jamiaa, with its innovative concept and high-quality production values,will be a breakthrough in debate-led television in the Arab world,” Abu Homos added.

Al-Jamiaa premieres on April 29, 2015 at 10pm (KSA) on OSN Yahala HD, OSN’s flagship Arabic channel.