The region’s first online curated platform for regional content creators to license and showcase their original content

Jeddah , KSA: OSN, the region’s leading entertainment network, today announced the launch of its latest digital offering, set to become the region’s first free curated content publishing platform called ASLI, during the Dubai International Film Festival 2017 (DIFF17).

ASLI, which means original in many of the region’s languages, is OSN’s latest strategic offering and will be live in early 2018 through the company’s existing OTT platform WAVO, and will be free for viewers.

By introducing this transformational platform OSN has now become the first entertainment network in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to curate and provide an online platform where regional content creators can showcase their original material. ASLI will champion short to medium form content so that in one click viewers will be able to enjoy diverse content across various genres including; travel and culture, adventure and lifestyle comedy, music, art, audio podcasts, food and sports.

Speaking at a press launch, Chief Executive Officer of OSN, Martin Stewart, said, “OSN is the region’s leading entertainment network. We have been ASLI for more than two decades, which is why we are deeply committed and fond of this region and its people, who like us, love great entertainment.

As we strive to continue to reshape the entertainment landscape in this region, home to such amazing talent, it is with extreme pride and excitement that we now deliver ASLI; an online curated publishing platform, where content creators can license and showcase their unique work to reach a vast audience.”

Ismat Abidi, Producer of ASLI and Legal Counsel at OSN, added, “Viewers hungry for curated original content from the region will now be able to freely browse a catalogue on ASLI, through WAVO. All ASLI content will be subtitled in both Arabic and English and content creators will no longer need to worry about chasing algorithms, selling their work or relying on sponsorships or commissioned projects. They will automatically be featured in a place quality regional content deserves to be, alongside world class content on WAVO, while retaining the intellectual property rights and full creative control of their work. ASLI overcomes one of the biggest frustrations of content creators in this region. It allows content creators to focus on what they enjoy the most, telling great stories from this region, for the world.”

Launched earlier this year as the network’s OTT offering to the region, WAVO capitalises on some of OSN’s most exciting exclusive partnerships with leading studios like HBO and Disney, giving subscribers in the region unprecedented access to some of the world’s greatest shows, including Emmy Award winning hits, Westworld, Game of Thrones and Big Little Lies; as well as Disney family favourites to add tremendous value for subscribers, who will now gain access to original content from regional talent through ASLI.

Some of the region’s existing content creators who will initially be featured on ASLI are Peeta Planet, Punny Pun Times, Kerning Cultures, The Planet, What Doesn’t Suck, Waastaa / Halla Walla and The Scene Club.

*ASLI – meaning: real, genuine, one-of-a-kind, pure, native, local, the real deal – in Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Farsi, Turkish, Malaysian, Indonesian.

Join the conversation now with #IamAsli or on Instagram @aslicontent

Be the first to hear about OSN news by following @OSNnewsME on Twitter

To download press material including releases, images, videos and more, please visit the OSN Media Hub at www.osn.com/media.

-Ends-

For further information, please contact:
Zahabia Motiwala                                   
Communications Director, OSN                 
Dubai Media City, Dubai, UAE                   
+971 (0) 367 7084                                
zahabia.motiwala@osn.com                    

Robert Tasker | Rania Moussly 
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Dubai Media City, Dubai, UAE
+971 (0) 4 450 7600
robert.tasker@bm.com  | rania.moussly@bm.com   

About OSN:
OSN is the region’s leading entertainment network with the rights to broadcast into 24 countries across the MENA. The company is owned and operated by Panther Media Group, registered in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and has two shareholders, KIPCO and the Mawarid Group Limited.

OSN has a history of providing exceptional value for customers with its focus on exclusive and in-demand content, and innovative digital platforms for anywhere, anytime access.

With over 150 channels, OSN’s strength is its unbeatable range of exclusive programming led by its long-term partnerships with studio majors including Disney, HBO, NBC Universal, Fox, Paramount, MGM, Sony, DreamWorks and Warner Brothers.

65 HD channels mean OSN is the home for premium and nowhere-else content in Arabic, English, Filipino and South Asian languages. OSN broadcasts the latest content at the same minute as in the US, including popular series, blockbuster movies, and the best sports events. In addition, OSN also provides entertainment content for devices such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones via its OSN Play, online and mobile app entertainment platform, WAVO, offering movies, series and sports on the go.

OSN has been at the forefront of digital technology innovation in the Middle East introducing the first Digital Video Recorder HD, OSN Play, an online TV platform, an internet-enabled satellite receiver and recorder and OSN on Demand, the region's first VOD service.

OSN also expanded its language services when it acquired Pehla Media & Entertainment, offering around forty channels in a variety of South Asian languages in the MENA region, with content such as Bollywood movies and cricket, including the ICC Cricket World Cup.

OSN’s ambition is to deliver entertainment everywhere for everyone, which is informed by the company’s three key pillars: A customer-first approach, unrivalled exclusive content and unbeatable value.

© Press Release 2017