Augustus is a digital media company based in Dubai, Cairo, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. In 2017, Lovin Dubai, operated by Augustus Media, acquired UAE-based tabloid 7days, which announced it would cease operations by the end of December 2016 due to significant reductions in advertising revenue. It also owns several other brands, including local news platform Lovin Saudi and the streaming service Smashi.
Augustus was registered in November 2015 in the DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) Freezone.[1][2] Augustus had signed a 10-year franchise agreement with Lovin Media Group for the Lovin Dubai Franchise, launching Lovin Dubai on the 1st of September 2015.[3][4] In 2016, Augustus launched to the public as a ‘new media' company.[5]
In January 2017 Lovin Dubai purchased the social media profiles of 7Days newspaper.[6] The parent company, 7Days Media, confirmed that the newspaper and its digital operations would cease on December 31, with the final print edition released on December 22. This closure affected approximately 120 employees.[7][8]
Lovin Saudi launched in September 2017, with offices in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[9] In February 2019, the Smashi content platform was launched, followed by the introduction of the in-house content studio, Odeum Content Studio.[10]
In January 2022, Augustus Media moved to a new studio worth 1 mln USD in Dubai Production City.[11] In May 2022, the company completed the acquisition of CAM Plus Sports and launched Lovin in 6 new cities, including Lovin Doha, Lovin Cairo, and Lovin Bahrain.[12][2][13] In July 2022, Augustus Media company secured exclusive digital streaming broadcast rights with the UAE Futsal Federation, and subsequently obtained digital streaming broadcast rights with the UAE Volleyball Federation.[14]
Lovin' is a local news and lifestyle brand.[16] Lovin is a digital publishing platform, which presents a positive view of the city, town, country or community. The mantra to the brand is: Lovin' Your Life.[17] The Lovin Saudi Show was commissioned up by Snapchat in January 2021.[18] In August 2021, Augustus Media launched Lovin Isloo in Pakistan. It also raised $400,000.[19][20][21]
Smashi
Smashi is a streaming platform that focuses on business news, innovative technology and culture.[22] Since 2019, Smashi have launched a series of shows on Snap Inc.[23]
Recognition
Augustus won the SME of the year at the MENA Effies 2018.[24]
Controversies
On July 15, 2017, Lovin Dubai released an article with the title "Notorious Irish Gangster Is Getting Married Today In The Burj Al Arab," which referred to Daniel Kinahan and claimed his involvement in an international drug syndicate. Subsequently, Lovin Dubai issued an apology.[25][26][27][28]
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