OSN inks new deal with NBCUniversal
January 14, 2016 Television
MENA pay-TV network OSN has added to its portfolio of channels and content partnerships by signing a new and extended deal with NBCUniversal International.
OSN now has exclusive rights to pop culture channel E! Entertainment Television in Arabic, with sci-fi entertainment channel Syfy to be available from mid-2016 with almost 80 percent of its 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 long-term deal also extends OSN's carriage agreement for CNBC and secures first pay window rights for OSN, in addition to exclusive over-the-top (OTT) content access on digital platform OSN Play and non-subscriber based online TV service GO.
Belinda Menendez, President of NBCUniversal International Distribution & Networks, said: "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."
In addition to popular box office hits including Minions, Furious 7 and Jurassic World, viewers can look forward to series such as Suits, Mr. Robot, Bates Motel, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Grimm, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, as well as late-night talk shows such as the award-winning The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
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