Insights from Charles Yardley: Leading Khaleej Times into the Future

In an engaging conversation, Mark Challinor, a digital media consultant, catches up with Charles Yardley, the Chief Executive Officer of Khaleej Times, to discuss the evolving landscape of media in the UAE and beyond. With a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years, Yardley has transformed various global media brands, and today, he shares his insights on the future of Khaleej Times.

A Legacy in Media

Khaleej Times, established in 1978, is the UAE’s inaugural English daily newspaper, steadfastly maintaining its reputation as a trusted news source in the region. Under Yardley’s leadership, the publication has seen significant growth in its digital and social media outreach, with a staggering monthly reach of over 15 million users. Published by Galadari Printing and Publishing Co., Khaleej Times is not just about news; its portfolio has diversified to include City Times, WKND, BTR, Young Times, and KT LUXE, illustrating its commitment to a rich media landscape.

The Robust Financial Health of Khaleej Times

Yardley emphasizes that, despite the global trend of declining print revenue, Khaleej Times is experiencing considerable growth. He reveals that print remains a critical revenue source, projected to maintain a strong foothold. Notably, while digital revenue is up 18% year-on-year, the print segment has also shown resilience with increasing advertising revenues.

Revenue Breakdown

The financial dynamics at Khaleej Times tell an impressive story:

This diversified approach reflects a healthy business balance and adaptability in a rapidly changing market. New offerings, such as KT LUXE, have particularly resonated with the luxury marketing sector, further solidifying print as an integral part of the company’s strategy.

Shaping the Future: Three Key Pillars

Yardley outlines his vision for the evolution of Khaleej Times, focusing on fostering direct connections with audiences rather than relying solely on algorithms or the influence of Big Tech.

1. Direct Audience Engagement

While acknowledging the significance of platforms like Google and Meta, Yardley insists that Khaleej Times aims to build its ecosystem independently. By focusing on its own website, app, and newsletters, the publication seeks to form a deeper, more trusted relationship with its readership.

2. Community Focused Events

The events segment is set to be a significant growth area, positioning itself as a natural extension of journalism. By merging event programming with editorial expertise, Khaleej Times can create high-quality experiences that resonate with its audience. The company plans to explore paid events as a revenue stream moving forward, leveraging its brand authority.

3. Investment in Premium Content

Yardley sees immense potential in the realm of video and branded content. The launch of KT Talks is a testament to this focus, as it allows brands and marketers to engage audiences in innovative ways. The integration of various media formats—print, video, and digital—creates compelling narratives that attract both audiences and advertisers alike.

Strategic Expansion: Beyond the UAE

Khaleej Times is not stopping at local success; Yardley has his sights set on a deliberate geographic expansion. Targeting regions like the GCC, Saudi Arabia, India, and parts of Asia, the company aims to take its unique brand of journalism to new markets where it has existing cultural and economic ties.

Expanding Language Offerings

The recent launch of KT Arabic is a strategic move to enhance the publication’s engagement with the Arabic-speaking community. This initiative demonstrates Khaleej Times’ commitment to inclusivity while providing local audiences with authoritative journalism in their preferred language.

Leveraging Multimedia IP

Yardley highlights the importance of exporting the publication’s core intellectual property, such as the KT Plus platform, which combines several media formats to engage younger audiences. This creative model can be adapted for new markets, enhancing brand authority and community engagement.

Using Events for Market Entry

With a notable 55% year-on-year growth in its live events sector, Khaleej Times plans to leverage these gatherings as a springboard into new territories. By hosting high-profile events led by editorial teams, the publication can establish itself in new markets while building trust and community engagement.

Conclusion

The insightful dialogue with Charles Yardley illustrates how Khaleej Times is navigating the complexities of the modern media landscape. With an unwavering focus on community engagement, a diversified revenue model, and ambitious plans for international expansion, the publication is poised for a vibrant future in the world of journalism.