Program production: Will some stop? And how do we decide?
In April 2015, the "Finyan" podcast produced its first episode. Since that moment, Thmanyah's productions have expanded to become a library that today includes more than sixty productions, ranging from audio and visual podcasts to newsletters and documentaries. In fields such as culture, politics, history, economics, and comedy, reaching lifestyle and cooking programs. With this diversity, we often receive the question: "Will the production of some of these programs stop?"
At Thmanyah, we believe that good content needs time and patience to launch when the idea matures, and courage to stop when necessary. What you see from our programs today — from "Finyan" to "Al-Masida", and from "Aswat" to "Rio Jai" — is the result of this excellence.
These programs vary in their ages and rhythms. Some have been produced for ten years or more. Some are released in specific seasons. Some are born linked to an event, story, or season. Some are experiments we undertake to see their impact before deciding to publish them.
Will the production of a Thmanyah program stop?
We treat each program as a living project, not a fixed template. We review our programs regularly, asking: Has the idea reached its audience? Does the editorial document need renewal? We translate these questions into decisions: continue, stop temporarily, return in a new format, or postpone indefinitely.
The stop could be temporary between seasons, part of the production plan, or to reformat the program in a way that serves the audience and meets their preferences. Take "Sawalf Business" as an example. It stopped for a season in 2023, and at that time we announced the reason was review and update, not termination. Then it returned in a new format. Similarly, the "Al-Fajr" podcast stopped after its 100th daily episode, as we announced its development to return in a weekly format with clearer contexts. In some programs like "Aswat" and "Ehteyal", production is seasonal by nature, so "season end" is part of the program's design. Programs linked to a sports event, like "Around the Round", "Parallel League", and "Mansheet", follow the rhythm of the sports season. They are active at times and calm at others, just as championships are active and then calm down.
How do we decide?
We do not decide to continue or stop programs from a single perspective. We proceed in production according to three axes:
- We first look at the editorial feasibility: Does the program still add something clear to Thmanyah's content? Does it answer a real question? And is its idea still capable of evolving instead of becoming repetitive?
- Then we look at the content creator himself: Is the program still suitable for his voice, interest, and stage of development? Sometimes the idea matures in another direction, or the presenter needs a broader, calmer format, or closer to what he wants to say today.
- After that, we read the program's relationship with the audience: listening, watching, interaction, comments, and what followers request. We do not treat numbers alone as a final judgment, but they help us understand the program's impact and its place with its audience.
As for the production plan, its role is to organize the rhythm: When does the season start? How do we distribute the episodes? And what is the best space for each program within Thmanyah's publishing schedule? But it is not a reason to stop any program as long as it has its editorial feasibility, suitable voice, and audience.
We strive for transparency in these decisions as much as the nature of the work allows. Therefore, when something fundamental changes in a program, we announce it in a special episode, or in our newsletters, or through our official channels.
Where can you find our programs?
You can find all our programs at:
- Thmanyah's website at thmanyah.com
- Thmanyah's app on iPhone and Android
- Thmanyah Radio app on iPhone and Android
- Thmanyah's TV channels
Our programs are available on the Thmanyah website and app and our various channels. Therefore, the official program page on the site or app is always the latest reference. We also provide our subscribers with exclusive content and special episodes not shown in the general path.
How do you know about a program's return?
We announce the program schedule and season returns through our official channels:
- Thmanyah's accounts on social media platforms.
- The official program page within Thmanyah's website and app.
Because some news about a program's "closure" may be speculations not issued by us, the only reliable source for announcing a program's return or cessation is our official channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will some of Thmanyah's programs stop being produced?
We treat each program as a living project. It may stop because it is between seasons, or because we are reviewing its idea and format, or because its rhythm is linked to a season or event, and it is difficult to determine the return date of a specific program due to the nature of production and changing priorities influenced by multiple factors.
2. Does program stoppage mean it is canceled?
Often not. Stoppage may be part of the production plan or a development stage. Cancellation is a different decision, and we announce it if it happens.
3. When will the program return?
We announce the return of seasons and program schedules through our official channels. If no announcement is made, it is likely that the program is between seasons or in a review stage.
4. How do I know if a program has officially ended?
The clearest reference is Thmanyah's announcement through its official channels or the program page within the site or app. News circulated outside of that may be speculations.
5. What makes a program return in a new format?
When we see that the idea needs renewal, or the format no longer serves the goal, or the program needs a different voice or rhythm to be closer to what we want and what the audience expects.
6. Do you rely solely on listening numbers for decisions?
Numbers are part of the picture, but they are not alone. We read interactions, listen to comments, and compare that with editorial feasibility, the production plan, and the production capacity of the teams.
7. Why can't I find a program in the place I'm used to?
Availability varies between programs and platforms, especially after launching the app and channels. If you don't find a program in a place, try searching for it within Thmanyah's system, and the latest reference is the official program page.
8. Does subscription change what I can listen to or watch?
Yes. Some content is available to subscribers, or comes with special episodes and additional materials not shown in the general path, so some content may seem "unavailable" on free channels but is available to subscribers.
9. Do sports programs disappear and then return?
Many programs in "Thmanyah Sports" move with the sports season. They may be active at one time and less so at another, depending on the championship schedule and match timing.