BBC Learning English, a division of the international radio and online broadcaster BBC World Service, has signed a deal with Radio Riyadh to provide tailored bilingual programmes for learners of English across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Minister of Information, Iyad al Madani, played a crucial role in the advisory stages of the deal.
The teaching programmes are now broadcast for the first time on FM on the European Service of Radio Riyadh in Arabic and English and can be heard in key cities across the country. The programmes are designed specifically for young people and feature bilingual presenters.
The lessons teach listening and comprehension and explain points of the English language through topical and human interest stories. UK lifestyle and culture is also included.
Andrew Thompson, Head, BBC Learning English said: “We are very excited by this opportunity to reach audiences on FM for the first time in Saudi Arabia. I am also confident that this new partnership with Radio Riyadh is just the beginning of future collaborations.”
Khalid Al Kulaib, Director of the European Service of Radio Riyadh, added: “We are delighted with this new arrangement with the BBC. People in Saudi Arabia want to learn English to get ahead on the job market, improve their professional development and communicate more widely at an international level and these tailored new programmes can help them to do that.”
BBC Learning English teaching programs are available on Radio Riyadh twice a week on 97.7 FM in Riyadh, 96.2 FM in Jeddah, 95.2 FM in Kharj, 103.06 FM in Dammam and 106.9 FM in Taif. Teaching programmes also broadcast on mediumwave in Riyadh, Jeddah and Damman between 8 and 11am local time [0500-0800 UTC].
(Source: BBC World Service/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)