What 2026. Roya Media Group(WATAN BROADCASTING SATELLITE COMPANY) does

Roya Media Group, operating under the legal entity WATAN Broadcasting Satellite Company, is Jordan's largest privately-owned multi-platform media company. Founded in 2011 by the Sayegh Group and headquartered in Amman, the company operates a portfolio of more than 15 brands spanning linear television (Roya TV, Roya News), video-on-demand (Roya PLUS), mobile applications, websites, Smart TV apps, and audio/podcast properties, covering news, entertainment, kids, cooking, and music verticals. Its content distribution extends across Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Syria, with satellite distribution via Arabsat reaching into Europe.

The company reports a Jordan viewership market share of approximately 40% in 2025 and was the most-watched Arabic TV channel at 50.3% viewership share in 2024. Its digital footprint includes approximately 60 million social media followers, 279 million annual video views, and 25 million unique digital users, supported by a TV package of roughly 7 million users. Operationally, the group runs in-house subsidiaries including The Creative Lab (production), Roya Talents (influencer network of 60+ creators), The Show Services (event and production services, including the 2023 Crown Prince wedding involving ~172 staff), and Roya Academy (talent development).

Roya's business model combines six revenue streams: (1) advertising across owned and syndicated platforms, (2) direct-to-consumer subscription via Roya PLUS, (3) telecom carrier billing integrations with Orange Jordan, STC, Zain, Mobily, Jawwal, and Ooredoo, (4) production services for third parties, (5) content licensing to streaming platforms including Shahid, WATCH IT, Weyyak, and Rotana, and (6) film distribution, exemplified by Palestine 36 which ranked #2 on Netflix MENA. Strategic partnerships span Fadaat Media, 1001 OPS (June 2025), Almanasa (August 2024), and the Royal Film Commission (February 2026), positioning the group as both a broadcaster and an integrated regional content producer-distributor.

Name

2026. Roya Media Group(WATAN BROADCASTING SATELLITE COMPANY)

Legal name

WATAN BROADCASTING SATELLITE COMPANY

Website

https://royamediagroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Roya Media Group is Jordan's largest privately-owned multi-platform media company, operating TV, VOD, mobile, satellite, and digital brands for Arabic-speaking MENA audiences. It reaches ~60 million digital followers and holds leading Jordan viewership share across news, entertainment, kids, and lifestyle content.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Multi-platform Broadcasting and Digital Media

NAICS

Broadcasting and Content Providers (516), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (5162), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (512120), Motion Picture and Video Industries (5121)

SIC

Television Broadcasting Stations (4833), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Distribution (7822), Services-Allied To Motion Picture Production (7819)

akta.pro primary industry

Program Distribution to Stations & Affiliates (Domestic) (MPABAMAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Royalty, Reporting & Revenue Share Administration (MPADALAJ), Syndication, Licensing & Content Partnerships (Columns, Features, Photos) (MPAJADAI), Non-Theatrical Distribution (Educational, Airlines, Cruise, Community) (MPADAJAJ)

Keywords

• Arabic television broadcasting
• Digital media services
• Video streaming platforms
• News and entertainment content
• Children educational apps

Headquarters

HQ city

Amman

HQ country

Jordan

HQ region

Middle East

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Advertising Revenue: Traditional TV advertising across Roya TV and Roya News channels, plus digital advertising across apps, websites, and social media platforms
2. Subscription Services (Roya PLUS): Premium paid service offering ad-free viewing, exclusive new episodes available two hours after TV airtime, accessed via website, mobile apps, and Arabsat channel 12054 Vertical
3. Telecom Carrier Billing: Partnerships with telecom operators (Orange Jordan JD 2/month, STC, Zain, Mobily, Jawwal, Ooredoo) for direct-to-bill subscription services
4. Production Services: The Show Services provides professional broadcasting and production services to external clients including Orange Jordan, Weyyak platform, Al-Araby TV 2
5. Content Licensing: Licensing content to streaming platforms like Shahid and distribution through satellite operators (Arabsat)
6. Film Distribution: Feature film distribution including Oscar-shortlisted 'Palestine 36' streaming on Netflix MENA

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Roya Media Group is Jordan's largest privately-owned multi-platform media company, operating linear TV channels (Roya TV, Roya News), video-on-demand streaming, mobile applications, podcasts, and regional content platforms across the Arab world. It produces and distributes news, entertainment, drama, sports, kids, and lifestyle content, and offers ancillary services including production/broadcast facilities, talent incubation, a talent agency, and accredited media training.

Product overview

Roya Media Group operates as a multi-platform media conglomerate in Jordan with a portfolio of interconnected brands and services. The core offerings include Roya TV (linear channel, VOD, and app), Roya News (24/7 news platform), Roya Kids (educational children's app), and Roya Podcast/Waves (audio content). These are complemented by lifestyle brands like Donya Ya Donya, Roya Kitchen, and Fantahi for cooking content, plus regional variants including Roya Iraq, Egypt, KSA, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. The group also provides B2B services through The Creative Lab (content development), Roya Talents (talent agency), The Show Services (production), and Roya Academy for Media Training. The portfolio includes paid subscription services (Roya Plus) and the recent launches of Fantahi and Wafiyat apps in 2025.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Roya TV: Primary television channel - number one TV channel in Jordan offering news, entertainment, sports, family and kids content
• Roya News
• Roya Kids
• Roya VOD
• Roya Podcast
• Roya Waves
• Roya Kitchen
• Donya Ya Donya
• Fantahi
• Wafiyat
• Roya Music
• Roya Iraq
• Roya Egypt
• Roya KSA
• Roya Palestine
• Roya Lebanon
• Roya Syria
• HYD (Helwa Ya Donya)
• Caravan
• Roya PLUS
• Roya Academy

Products and services

• Roya TV Linear television channel, the number one TV channel in Jordan, offering live broadcasts, VOD, mobile app, and multi-platform content including news, entertainment, sports, family programs, dramas, and comedy series for Arab audiences.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50.3% viewership as most watched Arabic TV Channel in 2024
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Royal Film CommissionminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2026Partnership strengthening local production in Jordan. Announced February 2026.
• West Asian Football Federation FoundationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 October 2025Media partnership to cover WAFF Dwarf Football Championship. Supports national football coverage and Jordan's World Cup 2026 journey.
• 1001 OPScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 June 2025Strategic partnership aimed at enriching regional media content. Announced June 2025.
• AlmanasacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 26 August 2024Strategic partnership to enhance streaming services in Iraq. Announced August 2024.
• STC, Zain, and MobilycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 January 2024Telecom partnerships for Roya Kids subscriptions in Saudi Arabia. Users can subscribe through mobile numbers with charges added to mobile invoices. Facilitated through 3ANet payment solutions provider.
• Israel/Hebrew-speaking audiencesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 January 2024Hebrew news website (he.royanews.tv) to relay Palestinian/Arab discourse to Israeli audiences. First such initiative in Jordan in 50 years. Part of bridge-building, transparency, balance philosophy.
• Fadaat Media GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 August 2023Expanded partnership to add live streaming for Al Araby TV Network channels through Roya TV application and website. Channels broadcast from Lusail City, Qatar.
• Rotana GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 August 2023Partnership for two live broadcast channels: 'Dehek w Bas' featuring classic Arabic comedies from Rotana's archive, and 'Sayydet Al-Shasheh' showcasing films starring Arab actresses. Expanded Roya's live channel offerings.
• Jawwal and Ooredoo PalestinecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 April 2023Telecom partnerships enabling Palestinian subscribers to access Roya Kids via direct mobile billing. Facilitated through Universe Telecom aggregator. Monthly and annual subscription options available.
• WATCH IT Streaming PlatformcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 March 2023Licensing agreement for Jalta 'Kebrat Al-Eileh' series streaming during Ramadan 2023. WATCH IT is Egyptian video streaming platform owned by United Media Service (UMS).
• Weyyak PlatformcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 March 2023Content partnership for producing and streaming 'Laila Andi Bil Bait' cooking program. Season 3 produced in Jordan featuring celebrity guests and Jordanian culinary traditions. Part of Ramadan 2023 content lineup.
• Shahid PlatformcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 2 March 2023Content licensing for Ramadan 2023 programs including 'Caravan Drama', 'Yalla Notbokh', and 'Mojama' Al-Saada' on Shahid streaming platform.
• Al-Araby TV 2coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 September 2022Production and broadcast partnership for 'Ashab Al-Reyadah' youth economic show featuring entrepreneurs. Second season produced in 2022. Show features success stories and business advice for youth.
• UnihanceminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 17 May 2022Educational cooperation agreement for online courses. Unihance is first decentralized e-learning social platform in Arab world with 200+ courses, 480,000 users, 300+ trainers. Roya Academy courses offered online for students outside Jordan.
• Orange JordancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 April 2022Comprehensive partnership including: MoU for Orange Coding Academy student training at Roya Kids & Games Unit; Roya Kids app bundled with Orange Internet/Fiber subscriptions (JD 2/month); collaboration on 'The Studio' digital studio at Orange Digital Village in Abdali; and Roya TV app promotion. Multiple agreements spanning training, content distribution, and facility sharing.
• ArabsatcoreTechnology or Integration · 31 March 2022Launched Roya PLUS channel on Arabsat Badr 4 satellite (frequency 12054 Vertical) to expand coverage to Europe. Arabsat broadcasts over 730 TV channels and radio stations. Partnership enables Roya's content reach beyond Nilesat coverage areas.
• Japan FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 November 2021Agreement for TV program provision where Roya TV broadcasts Japanese educational TV series for children provided by Japan Foundation. Ambassador Shimazaki Kaoru received Roya representative. Contributes to cultural exchange between Japan and Jordan.
• King Hussein Cancer Foundation and CenterminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 October 2021Social responsibility partnership providing Roya Kids app to children receiving treatment at KHCC. App offers educational content including books, games, music, and videos to support development and bring joy during treatment.

Scale indicators30 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Netflix MENA: Global streaming platform actively operating in the MENA region, where Roya's Palestine 36 film ranked #2 on Netflix Top 10 in MENA. Comparable as a content distribution channel and SVOD competitor targeting the same Arabic-speaking premium audience.

Direct peers

• WATCH IT: Egyptian video streaming platform operated by United Media Service (UMS); licensed Roya's Jalta 'Kebrat Al-Eileh' series for Ramadan 2023. Direct peer as regional streaming competitor and content licensing partner.
• Shahid (MBC Group): Leading Arabic streaming platform operated by MBC Group, licensing Roya content such as Caravan Drama and Yalla Notbokh. Direct peer as a streaming distribution and content licensing partner for Roya's original Arabic productions.
• Weyyak: Arabic streaming platform owned by Rotana/Zain; co-produces Roya content such as Laila Andi Bil Bait. Directly comparable as a regional streaming partner and distribution channel for Roya's video-on-demand and drama output.

Broad incumbents

• Sky News Arabia: Abu Dhabi-based pan-Arab 24/7 news channel and digital platform. Comparable to Roya News as a multi-platform Arabic news brand across TV, web, and mobile, with similar audience demographics and distribution model.
• Al Jazeera Media Network: Qatar-based media network operating flagship news channels, documentaries, and AJ+ digital properties. Comparable to Roya as a pan-Arab broadcaster with multi-platform distribution, news dominance, and strong social media following, though funded by state-related capital.
• Rotana Group: Largest Arabic music and film content owner/packager in the MENA region. Roya already partners with Rotana to host Dehek w Bas and Sayydet Al-Shasheh channels, making it a directly comparable content library and channel operator in the Arabic entertainment market.
• MBC Group: Largest private broadcaster in the Arab world operating multiple TV channels, Shahid streaming platform, and production studios. Directly comparable to Roya as a multi-platform MENA media company with advertising, subscription, and content licensing revenue streams, though at materially larger scale.
• Al Arabiya Network: Major pan-Arab news channel based in Dubai with extensive digital/streaming presence. Comparable to Roya News as a regional news competitor with multi-platform reach and terrestrial/satellite distribution.

Regional players

• LBC Group: Lebanese broadcasting group operating LBCI and LBC Sat channels across the Levant. Comparable to Roya as a multi-platform Levantine broadcaster with regional content and politically sensitive editorial positioning, though anchored in Lebanon rather than Jordan.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/royatv
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/RoyaTV
• Facebookweb.facebook.com/Royatv
• Instagraminstagram.com/royatv
• TikToktiktok.com/@royatv?lang=en
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/royamediagroup

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 2026. Roya Media Group(WATAN BROADCASTING SATELLITE COMPANY)