Dubai: Gulf Madhyamam, the favourite newspaper of the expatriate Indian community, has made great strides in the Gulf region during the COVID period despite the slump in global trade and economy. According to the latest readership survey by Ipsos, the market research firm, Gulf Madhyamam is the only newspaper to have recorded growth during the pandemic.
Despite the availability of news on new media and social media, most Keralites in the Gulf region registered their faith in print news. Malayalam is also the strongest surviving language compared to Arabic-English newspapers. Gulf madhyamam is leading across Gulf countries amongst other Arabic-English newspapers.
In the UAE, the Gulf Madhyamam continued to bring authentic news to readers, even when local newspapers stopped printing amid Covid restrictions and crises. The only Indian daily newspaper published from Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman, Gulf Madhyamam recorded growth in countries including Saudi during the pandemic.
According to the survey, credible and simple content and commitment to social issues have made the newspaper a favourite among readers. Gulf madhyamam was able to ensure only the most accurate and truthful information mid-pandemic. Gulf Madhyamam prepared a number of sections for both children and adults to combat the psychological trauma created by the lockdown.
While expatriates were unable to return home amidst travel restrictions, Mission Wings of Compassion project provided air tickets to hundreds enabling them to reunite with families and served as a testament to the social commitment of the Gulf madhyamam.
"The organic relationship with the readers and the faith bestowed upon Gulf Madhyamam by the ex-pat community powered this growth. We will continue to be the voice of the community which has stood with us," Gulf Madhyamam Editor-in-chief VK Hamza said reacting to the Ipsos survey result.
The successful organization of 'Come On Kerala', the largest Indian trade and cultural gathering abroad, the first mega show 'Ahlan Kerala' launched with the permission of the Saudi Government, and 'Harmonious Kerala' organized to promote social harmony among the expatriate community prove the large-scale reception to Gulf Madhyamam amidst both the public and the Arabic community.
While the 'Come On Kerala' was supported by the Sharjah administration, 'Ahlan Kerala' was supported by the Saudi cultural ministry and 'Harmonious Kerala' by Muscat Municipality. The Gulf media has also been chosen by governments in various countries to spread anti-epidemic messages to the diaspora. Several governments also chose Gulf Madhyamam to pass on Covid prevention messages to the ex-pat community in these countries.
Even as several newspapers shut down or cut short editions, the twin issue of Gulf Madhyamam continued to reach UAE readers every Friday. Madhyamam's Kudumbam is the most read Family magazine in the GCC.