B4U Plus intends to ramp up its drama programming by acquiring drama series from Pakistan and India. It has also expressed plans to invest in local drama productions with local talent.
B4U Plus, which has previously featured only movies and other variety entertainment programming for its Middle East viewers, has recently launched three drama series from Pakistan on the channel. B4U Network, the channels parent company, has plans to acquire more drama series from both India and Pakistan, while also investing in local drama productions.
The three series launched on the channel include Nayab, a love triangle that involves two sisters and a landlord; Akeli Reh Gai Main, the story of a young female protagonist, who braves many challenges; and Weham, a horror show.
Speaking to BroadcastPro Middle East, Zeeshan Sajid Amin, Business Head of B4U MENA said: B4U Plus was one of the first free-to-air general entertainment channels (GEC) to target the South Asian audience in the Middle East. At present, we are rated as the #2 Asian channel among female viewers in the 25-44 age bracket, according to IPSOS. This age bracket is the core target audience within the GEC business.
So far, the channel has showcased a mix of classic and new movie releases, cooking and reality shows as well as music-based, lifestyle and Bollywood-insider shows. The addition of drama series and local productions will make the channel more complete, added Amin.
Drama series from Pakistan have always been well received because of their strong story lines and we intend to acquire some good Indian series as well. We have always had good content from Bollywood. Our plans are to ramp up our drama series at present. We are also looking at creating a local series with local talent.
B4U Plus is available on Nilesat.
