Steve Smith and Abdullatif Al Sayegh, CEO of Arab Media Group (AMG)

In his new role, Steve Smith is mandated to continue the growth of the network, develop programming and revenue for ARN's existing nine stations, and chart a course for further expansion.

Smith's extensive senior management experience in the Australian radio and entertainment industry spans over 15 years, and includes five years as General Manager of the Melbourne-based Australian Radio Network, where he achieved record ratings and revenue results.

Mahmoud Al Rasheed, ARN General Manager, said Smith's appointment is strategically timed to capitalize on ARN's remarkable growth trajectory.

He said: 'Over the past year, we successfully launched two stations - Virgin Dubai and Pulse 95.3. With more than 50 per cent of the region's population in the youth category and a unique multi-ethnic demography, we believe there exists tremendous market potential for diverse premium content.

'Steve Smith brings with him his rich experience in a mature market such as Australia. His business acumen and keen understanding of the demands of varying target audiences make him the right choice to help ARN set the pace for FM radio both regionally and internationally.'

Smith said: 'It is a privilege to be part of a fast expanding entity such as ARN, which boasts some of the region's most popular radio stations in one of the world's most dynamic media markets. AMG has shown a firm determination to set 'best practices' in Middle East broadcasting, and when this opportunity came my way I was immediately attracted by the group's commitment and passion for raising the standards of entertainment across the region.'

Arabian Radio Network (ARN), the region's largest group of popular stations, today announced the launch of Pulse 95.3, a new station for the South Asian community, starting at midnight on September 2.

Dubbed 'a station for the discerning,' Pulse 95.3's diverse offerings capitalize on the growing influence of Bollywood, which has sparked new interest in evergreen hits from the subcontinent. The station will also provide in-depth coverage of local and international news.

Chetan Fernandes, Chief Operating Officer of ARN, expanded on the rationale for a new channel: 'The arrival of a differentiated South Asian station with a strong personality like Pulse 95.3 means that the Asian community is growing, its tastes and interests are diverse, and the market is responding to that. As Dubai grows, we will see more and more variation in South Asian cultural offerings in the Emirates. We anticipate that Pulse 95.3 will be at the forefront.'

Mahmoud Al Rasheed, Deputy General Manager of ARN, expanded on the new station's brand concept: 'Pulse 95.3 is a classy collection of unadulterated evergreen hits and news for a target audience of well-informed decision-makers and those wishing to relive the golden era of Bollywood.

Esteemed Bollywood performers Rajesh Khanna, Dimple Kapadia, Shailendra Singh and Ghulam Ali will be on hand to launch the channel at a VIP gala party, giving listeners a taste of what they can expect from Pulse 95.3 when it begins its first broadcast at midnight on 2 September, 2007.