Traditional Media vs. New Media in Kuwait: Who's Still Watching TV?
TV used to be the king of media in Kuwait—but today, smartphones, TikTok, and YouTube are stealing the spotlight. While some households still tune in to evening news or Ramadan dramas, others haven’t touched a remote in years.
So who’s still watching TV in Kuwait? How are newspapers and radio competing with digital content? And how are advertisers reacting to this major shift in media habits?
This blog post compares traditional and digital media in Kuwait, highlights generational trends, and explores how this transformation is changing the way we consume—and pay for—information.
1. Traditional Media Still Exists—but It’s Shrinking
Traditional platforms like:
Television (Kuwait TV, Al Rai TV, etc.)
Radio (Kuwait FM, OFM, Marina FM)
Newspapers (Al Qabas, Al Rai, Kuwait Times)
still have loyal audiences—mostly among older generations or those who prefer Arabic-language news and local coverage.
TV remains popular during cultural moments like Ramadan series or national celebrations, and radio is often used by drivers or workers during the day. But overall, these platforms are losing younger viewers.
2. Enter New Media: The Rise of Digital Platforms
Younger Kuwaitis, especially Gen Z and Millennials, get their news, entertainment, and trends from:
Instagram and TikTok
YouTube and Netflix
Podcasts and Music Apps
Online news portals and blogs
They prefer on-demand, scrollable, and personalized content. Instead of waiting for the 9 PM news, they check trending hashtags or influencer stories.
Digital platforms allow them to react, comment, and even create their own content—something traditional media doesn’t offer.
3. Generational Divide in Media Habits
Boomers & Gen X (40s and up):
Still trust TV and newspapers for reliable news. Prefer Arabic programming. Use WhatsApp more than Instagram.
Millennials (25–40):
Mix of both. Watch Netflix, follow news accounts on social media, but may still listen to radio or read online editions of newspapers.
Gen Z (under 25):
Live on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels. Prefer video content, memes, and quick updates. Rarely watch live TV or read newspapers.
This divide affects how news is reported, how ads are placed, and how fast stories spread in Kuwait.
4. Advertising Has Followed the Audience
Brands in Kuwait are shifting their marketing strategies:
From TV commercials ➝ To Instagram and Snapchat ads
From newspaper spreads ➝ To influencer partnerships
From radio jingles ➝ To sponsored YouTube content
Digital ads are cheaper, more targeted, and give real-time feedback. That’s why local businesses are working with influencers or launching campaigns during TikTok trends instead of running ads on Kuwait TV.
5. Newsrooms Are Going Digital
Traditional news outlets in Kuwait are adapting:
Al Qabas launched digital subscriptions and a YouTube channel.
Al Rai posts headlines on Instagram and runs online polls.
Kuwait Times revamped its website to appeal to younger, English-speaking audiences.
These moves aim to keep legacy media relevant while embracing the digital future.
6. Is Traditional Media Dead?
Not quite. It’s still important in:
National announcements or breaking news
Cultural events like Ramadan or elections
Arabic-language programming for older generations
Credible reporting in times of misinformation
But without digital adaptation, these platforms risk being ignored by Kuwait’s younger, mobile-first population.
7. What This Means for Media Literacy in Kuwait
With more people relying on social media for news, there's a growing risk of:
Misinformation and fake news
Echo chambers based on algorithms
Overreliance on unverified influencers
That’s why media literacy is more important than ever. Knowing how to verify sources, think critically, and balance entertainment with reliable news is key for Kuwait’s digital generation.
8. Hybrid Media Consumption Is the New Normal
Most people in Kuwait today use a mix of traditional and digital platforms. You might scroll through Instagram in the morning, watch a YouTube video in the afternoon, and catch a TV drama with your family at night.
Understanding this hybrid behavior helps:
Media producers make better content
Advertisers reach the right audience
Users stay informed and avoid digital burnout
Why This Media Shift Matters in Kuwait
As Kuwait becomes more digitally connected, the way people consume news, entertainment, and ads is evolving fast. Traditional media is adapting—or fading—while social platforms redefine communication.By recognizing how different generations engage with media, we can create more inclusive, informed, and innovative content for Kuwait’s future.
Additional Resources & Next Steps
Al Qabas Digital – YouTube Channel and App
Al Rai Media Group – Social Media Pages
Kuwait Times – English Online News
CITRA – Media Guidelines for Digital Platforms
UNESCO Media Literacy Toolkit for Youth
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