In another shocking move, beIN will carry six Discovery channels on its platform as part of a new deal with Discovery Communications, BroadcastPro ME can reveal. Of these, five will be carried exclusively on beIN. Four of these channels are brand new entrants to the region including Discovery Kids HD, Dlife HD, DMAX HD and […]
In another shocking move, beIN will carry six Discovery channels on its platform as part of a new deal with Discovery Communications, BroadcastPro ME can reveal. Of these, five will be carried exclusively on beIN. Four of these channels are brand new entrants to the region including Discovery Kids HD, Dlife HD, DMAX HD and DTX HD while the fifth, Fatafeat, which has, thus far, been broadcast free-to-air and in SD, will now be carried exclusively on beIN in HD. Animal Planet HD is the sixth channel in the line-up but this remains a non-exclusive arrangement. The channels will be on air on beIN from April 1, 2016.
beIN, which has been well known for its sports broadcasting deals, shocked the region in November 2015 by announcing its entry into the entertainment space. Since then, it has aggressively partnered with several global TV brands and studios to make approximately 30 channels available as part of its entertainment portfolio with more in the offing.
beINs entry into this space and its low monthly subscription fees of just USD 10 for an entry level package and premium packages at $25 and $30 seems to have also initiated a gradual migration of some channels from the FTA space into pay a pattern that analysts and some other regional industry pundits claim will gain momentum in the future. A recent deal between beIN and Fox, for instance, saw Fox Movies and Fox HD move from FTA to its pay platform.
Speaking about the partnership, Yousef Al-Obaidly, Deputy CEO of beIN Media Group, said: Partnering with Discovery Communications further strengthens our position as the number one family entertainment platform in the region. Discoverys channels offer unique content, packaged exceptionally well for the most discerning global audiences. We look forward to working closely with Discovery to bring great new content to MENA.
Commenting on this new relationship, JB Perrette, President, Discovery Networks International, added: “For over 30 years, Discovery has been satisfying viewers curiosity through engaging and entertaining content through a list of powerful and loved media brands. In partnership with beIN, we are providing a stronger offering to our viewers and commercial partners, and we look forward to working alongside beIN to increase the reach of our content in the Middle East and Africa.
As a result of this partnership agreement, beIN will be enhancing its factual, reality, edutainment, kids programming as well as offering a new HD version of Fatafeat.
In 2016, beIN expects to significantly grow its pay TV platform in the region on the back of further additions to its portfolio. beIN has plans to launch more channels in HD in the coming months, although further details are under wraps.
