The explosive success of podcasting is a striking example of how the media industry can successfully navigate the challenges posed by competition from social media. If you need evidence, look no further than the success story of our very own Thmanyah platform.

Last month, Guinness World Records sent Thmanyah a commemorative plaque to recognize that an episode of Finjan, hosted by the company’s brilliant founder Abdulrahman Abumalih, received the highest views for any podcast in history with 110 million.

Podcasting is a bright spot for news and media companies as well as journalists grappling with changing user behavior and competition. The Digital News report, an industry benchmark report released by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, notes that it attracts young, well-educated audiences, even though it remains a “minority activity overall.”

Does this mean there is more room for high-quality podcasts? The answer is probably yes, but the emphasis here should be on producing top-notch content that can attract and retain viewers.

Asharq News saw the opportunity and has expanded its podcast offering significantly under the leadership of Zeina Tabbara, who is also our guest for this month’s short interview. Asharq’s podcasts tackle diverse subjects, from true crime to how to build your confidence to the latest in the oil industry.