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RIYADH: Veteran media executive and producer Waseem Mahmood OBE recently received the Outstanding Contribution to Media Award 2025 at the Asian Media Awards in the UK.

The honor recognizes his four-decade career in shaping diverse storytelling — from early Asian programming at the BBC to his recent work in ��������’s creative sector.

The awards celebrate excellence across journalism, television and digital media, honoring those advancing inclusion and diversity.

Mahmood’s win follows his recent success as executive producer of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority’s program “Ozoum,” which wrapped its first season. A second season is now in development for 2026.

Speaking about the honor and his work in ��������, Mahmood said: “It is a privilege to receive this award, but even more so to be part of the extraordinary transformation taking place within ��������’s media landscape. The energy, ambition and creativity here is remarkable.

“What is happening in the Kingdom today reminds me of the pioneering spirit we had in British broadcasting decades ago; the sense that something new and important is being built. I feel honored to contribute to this next chapter of storytelling in the region.”

“Ozoum,” part of the Saudi authority’s new slate of factual and entertainment programs, reflects the organization’s efforts to raise production standards and support local creative talent.

Mohammed Al-Hamed, producer at the authority, said: “We are proud of the exceptional role Waseem Mahmood has played in developing ‘Ozoum.’ His creative leadership, international experience, and storytelling vision have been key to shaping the program’s identity and success. ‘Ozoum’ stands today as one of the authority’s most distinguished productions.”

Mahmood’s award highlights a long and influential career. He began in 1982 as one of the youngest producers in BBC history, co-creating “Asian Magazine” and “Gharbar” — the first BBC shows to reflect South Asian life in Britain.

He later launched TV Asia, Europe’s first satellite channel for the Asian community, and went on to advise on media strategy and reconstruction in conflict zones including Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq.

With �������� emerging as a growing hub for international production and creative talent, Mahmood’s work connects decades of pioneering representation with the Kingdom’s evolving creative vision under Vision 2030.