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MBC 3

MBC 3 is a children's television channel owned and operated by the , the largest in the , which launched on 8 December 2004 and targets viewers under the age of 15 with programming across the region via satellite.
The channel features a mix of Arabic-dubbed international content, including animated series and live-action shows from partners such as and , alongside educational and entertainment programs designed to appeal to young audiences aged 3 to 13.
As part of 's portfolio of over a dozen channels, MBC 3 maintains a schedule of family-oriented edutainment, contributing to the group's dominance in regional through on satellites like Nilesat and Arabsat.

History

Launch and Early Development

MBC 3 originated as a programming block on the flagship MBC 1 channel, debuting on 5 September 2004 and targeting children aged 3 to 13 with dubbed animated and educational content. The block was part of MBC Group's strategy to expand into specialized audiences amid growing demand for localized children's programming in the . On 8 December 2004, MBC 3 launched as an independent channel, marking the third addition to the MBC network after MBC 1 and MBC 2. Initially, it operated with 12 hours of programming on weekdays and 16 hours on weekends, featuring primarily foreign dubbed into to appeal to young viewers under 15. In its formative phase, MBC 3 emphasized entertainment and light education, rapidly gaining traction as a key provider of age-appropriate content in the region. By 2006, the channel had extended to 24-hour broadcasts and premiered innovative formats like the children's reality show Aish Safari, filmed in a to promote adventure and cultural awareness. This early focus on and adaptation helped MBC 3 differentiate from competitors by prioritizing cultural relevance over direct imports.

Expansion and Rebranding Efforts

MBC 3 expanded its programming schedule shortly after launch, transitioning from 12 hours of daily broadcasts on weekdays and 16 hours on weekends to 24-hour operations starting June 15, 2005, to accommodate rising viewer interest in children's content. This full-time format enabled continuous delivery of animated series, educational shows, and live-action programs targeted at children aged 3 to 15. In 2013, the channel introduced an HD version, enhancing visual quality for dubbed foreign animations and original content, which supported broader distribution via high-definition satellite services. This technical upgrade aligned with MBC Group's strategy to modernize its portfolio, including partnerships like the 2011 HD rollout on platforms such as YahLive, allowing MBC 3 to reach more households equipped for advanced television. Rebranding initiatives focused on visual identity updates to appeal to young audiences. In September 2017, MBC 3 adopted a comic book-themed aesthetic, featuring on-screen elements with comic strip backgrounds to evoke playfulness and adventure. A further refresh occurred in March 2020, introducing a revised logo that positioned the numeral "3" outside a cubic element, maintaining a modern, dynamic look while preserving brand continuity. These changes aimed to differentiate the channel in a competitive children's market dominated by international imports. Content expansion complemented these efforts through strategic acquisitions. In September 2023, renewed a three-year agreement with , granting MBC 3 exclusive first free-to-air rights in the region for at least 350 episodes of programming annually, bolstering its library of dubbed shows like and . Earlier deals, such as the 2014 partnership with Zodiak Kids for 150 additional hours of programming, further diversified offerings with European-originated content adapted for Arab viewers.

Recent Developments (2018–Present)

In 2018, MBC 3 expanded its preschool programming through a multiplatform licensing deal with and m4e, acquiring MENA rights to the animated series Wissper for dubbed broadcast targeting young children. This acquisition underscored the channel's strategy of sourcing European content to diversify its lineup of , which are typically dubbed into to appeal to under-15 audiences across the . By September 2023, renewed a multi-year partnership with , securing exclusive rights for additional series on MBC 3, including ongoing staples like . The agreement emphasized first-run content delivery, reflecting MBC 3's reliance on established U.S. animation providers to maintain viewer engagement amid competition from streaming platforms. In February 2024, the channel incorporated ' into its schedule as part of a broader content package, enhancing educational animation offerings for preschoolers. Further programming refreshes occurred in 2025, with MBC 3 adding the Spanish-originated in April for repeated airings on the channel and streaming service, aiming to recapture lapsed viewers with familiar interactive content. In July, a 360-degree distribution deal with Acamar Films introduced the British preschool series to MBC 3, prioritizing family-oriented episodes dubbed for regional accessibility. These deals highlight a consistent focus on licensed international , with minimal shift toward original Saudi-produced children's content despite MBC Group's broader localization pushes. MBC 3's operations gained heightened Saudi oversight in September 2025 when the acquired a 54% majority stake in , potentially influencing future content curation to align with national priorities like cultural alignment and youth media standards. This ownership change follows earlier expansions, such as the 2024 launch of MBCNOW, a Saudi-based TV aggregator integrating MBC 3 feeds with on-demand access. No major format overhauls or audience metric shifts have been reported, maintaining MBC 3's core 24/7 children's block model.

Ownership and Operations

Affiliation with MBC Group

MBC 3 functions as a wholly owned and operated television channel under the , the leading media conglomerate in the . Launched on December 8, 2004, as the group's dedicated children's channel targeting viewers under 15 years old, it integrates seamlessly into 's broader portfolio of over 13 channels, which also includes MBC1, MBC2, MBC4, and regional variants like and MBC IRAQ. This affiliation provides MBC 3 with centralized production resources, content acquisition, and distribution capabilities managed from 's headquarters in , , following the company's relocation there in 2022. The operational structure emphasizes MBC Group's strategy of demographic segmentation, positioning MBC 3 to deliver dubbed international programming—such as animated series from partners like Paramount—alongside localized Arabic content tailored for young audiences. As part of this integration, MBC 3 leverages the group's Shahid streaming platform for extended reach, enabling on-demand access to its broadcasts and reinforcing cross-platform synergy within the conglomerate. This setup has allowed MBC 3 to expand from initial limited-hour scheduling to 24-hour programming by mid-2005, enhancing its role in MBC Group's family-oriented entertainment ecosystem. Ownership ties remain direct, with MBC 3 deriving strategic direction and funding from MBC Group's , unaffected by the parent entity's evolving shareholder base, including the Public Investment Fund's acquisition of a 54% stake in September 2025. This affiliation underscores MBC Group's commitment to youth-focused media without independent operational autonomy for the channel.

Saudi Governmental Oversight and Control

Following the 2017–2018 Saudi anti-corruption campaign, authorities seized effective control of 's board and acquired a 60% stake in the company, reducing founder Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim's ownership to 40%. This shift integrated , including its MBC 3 channel, into structures aligned with state interests, with operations increasingly reflecting Saudi foreign policy priorities. In September 2025, the kingdom's (PIF), chaired by Crown Prince , completed the acquisition of a 54% stake in for 7.469 billion Saudi riyals (approximately $1.992 billion), further consolidating governmental influence over the broadcaster's strategic direction and content decisions. The Saudi General Authority for Media Regulation (formerly the General Commission for Audiovisual Media) exercises direct oversight of MBC Group's compliance with national broadcasting standards, including prohibitions on content deemed harmful to public order, , or Islamic values. This authority has authority to investigate, fine, or suspend operations for violations, as demonstrated in March 2019 when it halted the talk show A Free Tongue after two episodes for airing views critical of government policies. More recently, in October 2024, the regulator summoned MBC executives and initiated probes into a report labeling leaders of Palestinian and regional resistance groups as "terrorists," prompting the dismissal of the channel's news director amid public backlash and alignment with stances against such entities. Such mechanisms enforce content restrictions on MBC 3, which focuses on entertainment but must adhere to group-wide guidelines avoiding depictions that challenge royal authority, promote rival ideologies, or include explicit material conflicting with conservative norms. Regulatory enforcement ensures MBC channels, including MBC 3, serve as conduits for state narratives, such as countering Iranian influence or supporting efforts, while prevails to preempt violations. Instances of non-compliance, like the 2024 report, highlight the regulator's role in maintaining narrative discipline, with publicly affirming adherence to these policies post-incident.

Programming

Target Audience and Content Strategy

MBC 3 targets children aged 3 to 13 across the (MENA) region, with programming designed to appeal to Arabic-speaking families seeking age-appropriate content. As the highest-rated Arabic-language children's channel in the region, it focuses on a demographic of young viewers under 15, emphasizing family viewing that combines with to foster learning and leisure. This audience orientation prioritizes preschoolers and preteens, delivering content that aligns with cultural norms in conservative societies, including avoidance of while promoting values like and through . The channel's content strategy revolves around a balanced mix of imported international animations and localized productions, with a heavy reliance on dubbing foreign programs into Arabic to ensure accessibility and cultural resonance. MBC 3 secures licensing deals for hundreds of episodes annually from global providers, such as a 2023 extension with Paramount Global for at least 350 Nickelodeon episodes, granting first free-to-air broadcast rights in MENA. Similarly, acquisitions from BBC Studios' BBC Kids include series like Hey Duggee, integrated into both linear broadcasts and the Shahid streaming platform to extend reach. This approach maximizes viewership by prioritizing proven, high-engagement titles while adapting them—through voice acting, subtitles, and selective editing—to suit regional preferences, thereby competing effectively against satellite rivals in a fragmented market. Localization extends to original Arabic content and partnerships that introduce preschool hits like via comprehensive 360-degree deals covering TV, digital, and merchandising, launched in 2025 to capture family loyalty. The strategy avoids over-reliance on any single genre, blending educational segments (e.g., skill-building narratives) with pure entertainment to sustain daily viewership among its core under-15 demographic, supported by data-driven scheduling that tracks engagement metrics across MENA households. This model has solidified MBC 3's dominance in children's programming, adapting to streaming trends without diluting its foundation.

Notable Series and Acquisitions

MBC 3 has established itself as a key platform for children's and family-oriented programming in the through strategic acquisitions of international content, often localized via to appeal to young audiences. A cornerstone of its lineup includes long-running animated series from , such as and , which have been staples since the channel began integrating programming in 2010 following the closure of Nickelodeon Arabia. These acquisitions emphasize edutainment and adventure themes, contributing to MBC 3's reputation for accessible, high-quality dubbed content that dominates after-school viewing slots. Significant deals underscore 's commitment to refreshing MBC 3's library with premium international titles. In September 2023, renewed a multi-year licensing agreement with , securing ongoing access to series like Shimmer & Shine for broadcast on MBC 3 and its streaming service , ensuring continued availability of popular and action-oriented shows. Similarly, a 2023 extension with brought Hollywood films from and to the channel, enhancing its family movie blocks with titles adapted for regional tastes. In February 2024, a partnership with ' introduced content such as to MBC 3, focusing on educational animation for . Other notable acquisitions highlight MBC 3's diversification into and competitive series. A broadcast deal with 4K Media in recent years premiered new Yu-Gi-Oh! installments on the channel, capitalizing on the franchise's global appeal among youth demographics. Earlier pacts, such as the 2014 agreement with Zodiak Kids for 150 hours of programming including Officially Amazing and Extreme Football, added live-action variety to balance animation-heavy schedules. These efforts reflect MBC 3's strategy of blending Western acquisitions with cultural adaptation, prioritizing viewer engagement over original production in this segment.

Localization Practices

MBC 3 primarily employs professional to localize foreign animated and edutainment programs for Arabic-speaking child audiences, replacing original audio tracks with Arabic synchronized to lip movements where feasible. This approach prioritizes and over subtitling, which is less common for children's content due to reading proficiency limitations among young viewers. Dubbing processes involve script , voice casting with experienced Arabic actors, and audio engineering to maintain timing and emotional nuance, as standard in Arab media production. Examples include the localization of educational series such as Ready Jet Go!, where English dialogues are fully dubbed into to convey scientific concepts like while adapting phrasing for natural Arabic flow. Similarly, Wild Kratts undergoes to localize and lessons, ensuring cultural relevance without altering core factual content. These practices extend to recent acquisitions, such as the preschool series , licensed for Arabic to introduce themes of emotional development and daily routines. Localization efforts also incorporate minor script adjustments to align with regional sensibilities, such as softening idioms or references that may not resonate culturally, though empirical studies indicate a focus on fidelity to original intent in edutainment to preserve pedagogical value. MBC 3's in-house or partnered studios handle these adaptations, contrasting with subtitling-dominant practices in adult-oriented channels, to maximize engagement metrics among families. No widespread use of AI-driven for incoming foreign content has been reported as of 2025, with traditional methods prevailing for .

Technical and Broadcast Details

Transmission Methods and Coverage

MBC 3 is transmitted primarily as a free-to-air (FTA) digital satellite channel using the DVB-S and DVB-S2 standards, receivable via standard parabolic dish antennas equipped with Ku-band low-noise blocks (LNBs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The channel broadcasts on multiple satellites to ensure broad accessibility, including Arabsat's BADR-8 at 26.0°E with a primary transponder at 12284 MHz vertical polarization, symbol rate 27500, and FEC 5/6, targeting the MENA footprint. Additional feeds are available on Eutelsat 7 West A at 7.3°W (e.g., 11559 V DVB-S) and BADR-8's secondary beam at 12399 V DVB-S2 8PSK, optimizing signal strength across varying terrains and household setups. These configurations support standard definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) variants, with HD requiring compatible receivers and dishes of at least 60-90 cm diameter for reliable reception in core areas. Complementing satellite delivery, MBC 3 offers over the internet via the platform, MBC Group's official video-on-demand and catch-up service, accessible on web browsers, mobile apps ( and ), and smart TVs with a stable connection. This IP-based transmission enables global access without geographic restrictions imposed by satellite beams, though it relies on user authentication for premium features and may include ads in free tiers. In select markets, such as the , the channel has been integrated into pay-TV providers like for diaspora audiences, but satellite remains the dominant method for mass reach in the . Coverage extends to approximately 95% of satellite households in the MENA region through partnerships like the extended agreement with Eutelsat's 7/8° West video neighborhood, which provides robust signal quality over , the , and parts of . Primary beam footprints from BADR satellites prioritize high population density areas including , , the UAE, and countries, with spillover reception possible in and using larger dishes. Streaming via broadens this to worldwide audiences, particularly expatriate communities, though satellite FTA ensures no subscription barriers for core viewers, aligning with MBC's strategy for pan-Arab penetration.

Production and Technical Standards

MBC 3 primarily relies on acquired international children's programming, which undergoes dubbing and localization in MBC Group's facilities, emphasizing high-fidelity audio and cultural adaptation to suit young audiences under 15. Dubbing processes occur in studios equipped with IP-based audio infrastructure, including Lawo systems supporting / protocols for seamless, low-latency signal routing across control rooms in Studio City, enabling efficient multi-channel production workflows. Broadcast technical specifications for MBC 3 adhere to HDTV standards, featuring 1920x1080 at 25 frames per second, 16:9 , and 4:2:2 with constant bitrates of 120-185 Mb/s for video . Audio is rendered in uncompressed PCM (little-endian) at 48 kHz sampling rate and 24-bit depth, ensuring clarity for dubbed content sourced from partners like and . operations utilize integrated software solutions from Imagine Communications on hardware, incorporating automated graphics insertion and secure channel management to maintain uninterrupted satellite transmission via platforms like Nilesat and Arabsat. Studio production environments incorporate advanced LED lighting systems, such as Rosco Silk LED Soft Lights, Braq Cube fixtures, and over 4 kilometers of RoscoLED Tape VariColor, facilitating energy-efficient, customizable illumination for any on-site recording or needs related to localized segments. These upgrades, implemented around 2018 in facilities, align with 's broader shift toward IP-centric workflows to support scalable content handling. As of 2025, is expanding production infrastructure in , including enhanced facilities for and original children's content to reduce reliance on imports and bolster regional self-sufficiency.

Content Policies

Editorial Guidelines

MBC 3's editorial guidelines prioritize the curation of programming that promotes family-oriented values, educational development, and alignment with conservative cultural and religious norms, reflecting the channel's focus on children and youth audiences. As part of , content selection adheres to Saudi regulatory frameworks enforced by the General Authority for Media Regulation (GAMR), which mandates oversight to ensure broadcasts do not contravene social, political, or Islamic principles. This includes rigorous vetting of imported and original to maintain suitability for family viewing, with an emphasis on , edutainment, and dubbed international shows adapted to regional sensitivities. Prohibited elements under these guidelines encompass depictions of explicit sexuality, excessive violence, gender mixing without cultural context, or any material deemed immoral or contrary to Islamic teachings, often resulting in self-censorship or post-production edits. Foreign acquisitions, such as Nickelodeon programs like Victorious or iCarly, undergo dubbing and localization to excise or modify scenes involving unveiled women, romantic interactions, or references to politically sensitive topics like Israel-Saudi relations. Agreements with satellite providers like Eutelsat further reinforce bans on violent or immoral content, while MBC Group's in-house standards enforce family-friendly thresholds to mitigate risks of regulatory penalties, including fines or license revocation. Editorial processes also require content to support broader Saudi objectives, such as Vision 2030's promotion of Arabic-language production and talent development, with over 80% of output originating in the Kingdom and subject to key performance indicators for quality and cultural relevance. Political neutrality is maintained by avoiding criticism of the monarchy or allied governments, with programming steered toward apolitical that fosters positive moral messaging, such as themes of family unity and ethical behavior. This voluntary alignment, driven by state oversight and market demands in conservative MENA markets, ensures MBC 3's output serves as a tool for cultural reinforcement rather than innovation that challenges prevailing norms.

Censorship Mechanisms and Rationale

MBC 3 implements through pre-broadcast content review and editing processes mandated by Saudi regulatory bodies such as the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM), which requires removal or alteration of material conflicting with Islamic teachings and national values. Common mechanisms include excising scenes of , premarital intimacy, or kissing, digitally blurring or cutting depictions of consumption—often redubbed as like —and muting or over and blasphemous references. Excessive violence is toned down, particularly in family-oriented programming, to prevent glorification of harm, while any portrayal of non-Islamic religious practices or criticism of is prohibited. These edits occur during localization for and subtitling, ensuring compliance across MBC Group's satellite broadcasts targeting conservative Gulf audiences. The rationale for these practices stems from media laws, including the 2001 Print and Publications Law and subsequent regulations, which prioritize preservation of societal morals, religious , and cultural integrity against perceived Western moral decay. oversight views uncensored imported content, especially films and series on MBC 3, as potential vectors for promoting , , or that could undermine social cohesion and Islamic family structures. by , closely aligned with interests, preempts fines, license revocations, or shutdowns, as evidenced by past incidents where lapses led to public backlash and regulatory scrutiny. This approach reflects a broader causal logic: restricting exposure to "harmful" elements safeguards youth and maintains regime stability in a theocratic where media serves as a tool for ideological reinforcement rather than unfettered expression.

Reception and Impact

Viewership Metrics and Popularity

MBC 3, launched in as the MBC Group's dedicated children's channel, has consistently ranked as the leading Arabic-language kids' edutainment network across the (MENA). As of 2023, it reported an average monthly viewer reach of 3 million unique audiences in the region, driven by a programming slate blending dubbed international animations and locally produced content tailored for children aged 4-14. Third-party evaluations, such as those from satellite providers, have affirmed its position as the highest-rated Arabic children's channel, attributing popularity to its focus on educational-entertainment hybrids that align with family viewing preferences in conservative markets. Updated metrics for 2025 show a monthly reach of 1.3 million viewers, indicating sustained but adjusted engagement amid rising digital competition from streaming platforms like . Viewership peaks occur in afternoon and evening slots, corresponding to after-school and family hours, with the channel capturing significant shares among young demographics in key markets like and the UAE. Its dominance reflects the MBC Group's broader 40% audience share in as of 2022, where MBC 3 benefits from accessibility and cultural resonance through localized dubbing. Popularity metrics underscore MBC 3's role in early childhood media consumption, with self-reported data highlighting its No. 1 status over the past decade through targeted advertising and program localization, though independent granular ratings from firms like Ipsos remain aggregated at the group level. This leadership persists despite shifts toward on-demand viewing, as linear TV retains primacy for under-15 audiences in MENA households lacking broadband ubiquity.

Cultural and Educational Effects

MBC 3, launched on December 8, 2004, as a children's channel targeting viewers under 15, primarily broadcasts foreign animated programs dubbed into , facilitating exposure to international narratives within a linguistically accessible . This dubbing practice has fostered a hybrid cultural consumption pattern, where Arab youth encounter Western storytelling tropes—such as and —while retaining linguistic and phonetic familiarity, potentially softening cultural dislocation compared to unsubtitled imports. In regions like and , the channel has become a staple of after-school routines, embedding nostalgic associations with global cartoons that influence generational media preferences and leisure habits. Culturally, MBC 3 contributes to the broader disruption of traditional Arab value systems by , serving as a vector for globalized content that challenges localized norms on family roles, gender dynamics, and consumerism. Programs like the 2006 Ramadan series Eish Safari, aimed at children aged 10-12, exemplify efforts to produce regionally attuned content, blending adventure formats with Gulf-specific cultural references to assert amid imported animations. However, the prevalence of dubbed American-style cartoons has replicated Western entertainment models, prompting debates on , as evidenced by the channel's role in disseminating motifs from series that prioritize entertainment over moral frameworks. Educationally, content on MBC 3 includes pro-social elements in , such as lessons on and , which studies of children's viewing habits link to cognitive engagement through musical cues, visuals, and narrative arcs broadcast on the . Yet, analyses highlight risks from recurring "evil" characters in these animations, whose portrayals of aggression and deception may normalize antisocial behaviors among young viewers, with revealing patterns that prioritize dramatic conflict over resolution aligned with Islamic ethical standards. Advertising practices exacerbate concerns, as promotions embedded in programming correlate with elevated unhealthy eating indices in and neighboring states, influencing children's dietary preferences through repeated exposure during high-viewership slots. Overall, while MBC 3 expands access to diverse visual media, potentially enhancing incidental learning in language and social norms, its reliance on foreign-origin content raises causal questions about long-term effects on cultural cohesion and behavioral outcomes, with pointing to both integrative benefits and value erosions in conservative contexts.

Controversies

Criticisms of Censorship Practices

MBC 3 employs rigorous on imported animated programming, removing depictions of premarital romance, kissing, and other elements viewed as contrary to Islamic moral standards, a practice applied more stringently than on other channels despite its target audience of children under 15. This approach, justified as against culturally inappropriate , has drawn for prioritizing ideological alignment with conservative norms over narrative integrity, often resulting in abrupt cuts that obscure plot logic and character motivations for young viewers. examinations of children's contend that such mechanisms reflect broadcasters' self-interested conformity to regional dominant ideologies rather than evidence-based , potentially limiting exposure to diverse storytelling elements that could foster or cultural awareness. Critics, including media scholars, note inconsistencies in application, where even mild foreign content faces excision without clear rationale, exacerbating reliance on dubbed imports that prioritize over educational . In broader Arab contexts, this has been linked to state-influenced controls that extend to children's programming, suppressing references to sensitive topics like interfaith dynamics or mild physical affection, which some argue stifles children's participation and global perspective development. While empirical data on viewer impact remains sparse, analyses highlight how these practices perpetuate a homogenized content ecosystem, with MBC 3's high volume—intended for a supervised demographic—nonetheless operating amid minimal parental oversight in many households.

Associations with Broader MBC Group Disputes

MBC 3 operates under the ownership and editorial framework of the , a Saudi-controlled headquartered in , which has faced regional backlash for content perceived as aligning with Riyadh's foreign policy priorities, including opposition to Iran-backed groups. In October 2024, an MBC news segment titled "The Millennium of Deliverance from Terrorists" referred to leaders of , , and other factions—such as and —as terrorists, prompting widespread condemnation from pro-Iran actors and resulting in the suspension of MBC's broadcasting license in by the Media and Communications Commission on October 19. This action targeted the MBC Group broadly, affecting the distribution of its entertainment channels, including MBC 3, in Iraqi markets where satellite access to pan-Arab programming is common; supporters of Iran-aligned militias like subsequently stormed and looted MBC's offices on October 19, underscoring physical risks tied to group-wide editorial stances. The responded by dismissing its news director on October 28, but the incident fueled boycott calls across and from groups like , which decried the report as "slanderous" and biased toward "enemies of the ." These events reflect longstanding tensions between MBC's Saudi ownership—subject to governmental oversight—and adversaries in the Axis of Resistance, with MBC 3's apolitical entertainment focus (primarily films and Arabic series) not insulating it from reputational spillover or operational disruptions in contested regions. Critics, including Qatari-funded outlets like , have similarly accused the of advancing agendas, such as subtle with through programming choices, though such claims often emanate from media rivals with their own state-backed biases favoring Doha-Qatar-Iran alignments. In May 2020, launched a alleging promoted "" via content downplaying Israeli actions in , a extending to the group's ecosystem despite MBC 3's emphasis on non-news genres; MBC countered that itself aired Israeli programming while hypocritically attacking competitors. Broader MBC Group disputes have also influenced content curation across channels, including MBC 3, through self-censorship aligned with Saudi red lines on topics like regional rivals or historical sensitivities. For instance, a 2025 Ramadan series "Muawiya" produced by MBC Group—depicting early Islamic political strife post-Caliph Uthman's assassination—drew ire from Shia communities and some Sunni scholars for allegedly glorifying Umayyad figures viewed as controversial, amplifying sectarian divides in Arab viewership and indirectly tainting affiliated channels' cultural output. Such productions underscore how MBC's state-influenced narrative control, prioritizing Sunni-Saudi perspectives, permeates even entertainment arms like MBC 3, which avoids politically charged foreign imports during escalations with Turkey or Iran to mitigate backlash.

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