In January, Mbc Group CEO Sam Barnett led the Middle East’s largest broadcaster through a very successful IPO, which gave the Saudi-owned linear TV operator and streamer a $222 million financial boost.
This was preceded by the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, that, as expected, has been taking its toll, in terms of both advertising intake and programming.
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Below, Barnett speaks to Variety about how he’s been navigating an undoubtedly exceptional year so far.
What’s the rationale behind the flotation of 10% of Mbc that took place on the Saudi stock exchange in January?
The shareholders perceive…