Head of Shows

About the role

CNN Business Arabic, a digital-first Arabic-language business news platform run in partnership with CNN International Commercial, is looking for a Head of Shows. The role leads the development, production and growth of the shows and originals portfolio, focusing on creator-led programming for builders, entrepreneurs and business leaders. It owns the shows slate, format strategy, creative standards and performance, manages Show Leads, Content Producers and the creative team, and is accountable for originals distribution and audience growth across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and other platforms.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Originals engine and define the shows slate, format strategy, creative standards and platform approach, balancing short-form, long-form, episodic and social-first formats.
• Develop show concepts from idea through pilot and launch, and set creative direction, reviewing concepts, scripts, episode structures and visual identities.
• Manage Show Leads, Content Producers and the wider creative team, setting objectives, giving coaching and supporting recruitment and onboarding.
• Oversee end-to-end production, ensuring accurate, responsible and culturally appropriate content that meets editorial, legal and brand standards.
• Own distribution strategy and performance on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, working with social, marketing and audience teams, and using analytics to optimise content and repurpose shows.
• Collaborate with editorial, commercial, brand, marketing and stakeholder groups, and present the slate and strategy to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with editorial, legal, regulatory and platform requirements, and respect cultural sensitivities in the UAE and the markets served.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading a shows, Originals, content or creative function in a major media organisation, digital publisher or production company.
• Demonstrated experience developing and launching original shows and scalable content formats.
• Experience managing creative and production teams, including senior creative professionals.
• Strong creative judgment and knowledge of digital storytelling, video production and social-first content.