New and extended partnership with NBCU International Distribution & Networks also includes first-access for OTT rights on OSN Play and GO for films
E! Entertainment Television (E!) exclusive to OSN with Syfy launching only on OSN in 2016
Focus on localisation of E! with dedicated Arabic language programming as well as primetime content dubbed or subtitled in Arabic
Partnership extends carriage agreement for CNBC for the long-term
Dubai, UAE: OSN, the leading pay-TV network in the Middle East and North Africa, has signed a new and extended long-term deal with NBCUniversal International (NBCUI), a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, with a valuable portfolio of television series, films, news and entertainment networks.
The long-term deal takes OSN to the next level in home entertainment with first and exclusive access to compelling content from NBCUI and also consolidates OSN's industry position, adding to its growing portfolio of new channels and unbeatable content partnerships.
The deal secures first pay window rights for OSN, in addition to exclusive over-the-top (OTT) content access on OSN Play, the award-winning digital platform that is free to subscribers, and GO, the fast-growing non-subscriber based online TV service.
OSN will now also have exclusive rights to the popular channel, E! Entertainment Television, in Arabic, providing subscribers with unprecedented access to the sought-after world of pop culture. E!'s focus on localised entertainment programming in Arabic will bring news, views and all the celebrity buzz of regional stars - only on E! News. Further, E! will have dedicated primetime programming that is dubbed or subtitled in Arabic.
Additionally, subscribers will have access to a world of science fiction entertainment as OSN secures exclusive rights to Syfy in Arabic, from mid-2016. The launch of the channel will bring Syfy's year-round roster of acclaimed original series, original movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming to OSN subscriber, with almost 80 percent of the content in Arabic - either with subtitles or dubbed.
David Butorac, Chief Executive Officer of OSN, said: "The pay-TV industry will be led by those who own the most compelling content, and OSN is dominating the space of original and exclusive programming through our long-term channel and content partnerships such as with NBCUniversal International, which truly opens a universe of unmatched content available now only for OSN subscribers.
He added: "Our partnership with NBCUniversal International not only consolidates our presence in the market but also reflects our commitment to delivering sought-after content first and exclusively to our viewers. We do not operate as just content carriers; we also work with our partners to ensure that we can customise their content for the local market. That is why we will be focusing on localisation and bringing amazing Arabic content - through E! and Syfy."
The new agreement also extends OSN's carriage agreement for CNBC.
Belinda Menendez, President, NBCUniversal International Distribution & Networks, commented: "We are delighted to expand our presence in the Middle East and Northern Africa via a long-term agreement with OSN that, for subscribers, boasts new programming localised in Arabic, along with the launch of Syfy and also ensures that OSN's subscribers will continue to enjoy the programming on CNBC and our critically acclaimed TV series and films."
Leading the worldwide box office in 2015 with blockbuster hits such as Minions, Furious 7 and Jurassic World, NBCUniversal International continues their momentum with stellar upcoming theatrical releases including Ride Along 2, Untitled Next Bourne Chapter, The Huntsman Winter's War and Warcraft, amongst others. On the series front, viewers can look forward to outstanding shows such as Suits, Mr. Robot, Bates Motel, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Grimm, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, as well as new drama, Game of Silence.
The NBCU portfolio also includes late-night talk shows such as the award-winning The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers; top news shows including the Today Show; and one of longest running shows on television, Meet the Press, plus many more.
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About OSN:
OSN is the ultimate destination for the widest choice of brand new premium Western, Arabic, South Asian (Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Malayalam and Tamil) and Filipino entertainment in the Middle East and Africa.
OSN is the home to over 150 channels and services filled with great value entertainment, offering viewers in the MENA region exclusive access to the latest blockbuster movies, top rated series, sports, documentaries, news, kid's entertainment and live talk shows. The movie offering includes over a 100 uncut and uninterrupted movie premieres a month.
OSN boasts the most comprehensive portfolio of exclusive rights from all the major studios including Warner Brothers, Paramount, Fox, Disney, Sony, MGM, NBC Universal, HBO and DreamWorks and offers access to the world's leading television brands including Disney channel, Sky News, Discovery Network and National Geographic.
Launched in August 2013, OSN Pehla brings the best of Bollywood movies and premium cricket, including exclusive telecast rights of international tournaments such as the ICC Cricket World Cup and Indian cricket, through leading sports channels OSN Sports Cricket HD and Ten Cricket.
As the leader in innovation, OSN has changed the TV viewing experience by bringing quality entertainment through 59 High Definition channels and is currently the only network offering a full HD bouquet of channels as well as 3D entertainment in the region.
OSN was the first to launch the OSN DVR HD; the regions first online TV platform, OSN Play; the regions first 3D, HD, internet enabled satellite receiver and recorder, OSN Plus HD and the region's first VOD service, OSN on Demand offering viewers the opportunity to watch over 1000 movies and 52 latest seasons of the top series, all available in full HD quality and Dolby Digital sound.
September 2012 saw the launch of OSN's rewards programme, OSN Privileges, offering subscribers money can't buy experiences, special offers and premium prizes all year round.
Addressing the changing viewing habits of consumers across the region, in May 2014, OSN launched 'GO', an online TV service providing subscribers access to thousands of hours of premium entertainment, contract and commitment-free.
The OSN platform is owned and operated by Panther Media Group Limited; a company registered in DIFC, and is owned by KIPCO and Mawarid Group Limited.
About NBCUniversal:
NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. To learn more visit: www.nbcuniversal.com
Media Contacts:
Zahabia Motiwala Nivine William
Communications Director, OSN ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Dubai Media City, Dubai, UAE Dubai
+971 (0) 4 367 7084 +971 (0) 4 450 7600
zahabia.motiwala@osn.com nivine.william@bm.com
Eileen Morrison Jennifer Hahn
VP, Communications Director, Publicity & Communications
NBCUniversal Networks & Distribution NBCUniversal International Distribution
London, United Kingdom Universal City, CA, USA
eileen.morrison@nbcuni.com jennifer.hahn@nbcuni.com
© Press Release 2016
