MBC Group has acquired the exclusive rights to broadcast the international TV format The Voice in Arabic on multi-platforms across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The contract was signed by MBC Group and producer Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Arabia, which represents Talpa formats in the region. SPT and MBC Group will […]
MBC Group has acquired the exclusive rights to broadcast the international TV format The Voice in Arabic on multi-platforms across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The contract was signed by MBC Group and producer Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Arabia, which represents Talpa formats in the region. SPT and MBC Group will co-produce the show in Arabic and will be broadcast from MBCs studios in Beirut, Lebanon. The show has been tentatively scheduled to air after Ramadan.
Speaking about the deal, Ali Jaber, group TV director, MBC Group, said: We are pleased to announce this multi-year agreement today, in our capacity as the exclusive broadcaster of this international format that has gained much popularity and viewership across the world. We now offer the three strongest talent show formats in the region, across multi-platforms, and look forward to continuously bring the best of entertainment to our loyal viewers, browsers and followers.
Jaber added: Talent shows have positively affected the TV viewing habits, patterns and trends in the region, while further enhancing the family viewing experience and raising the levels of engagement with TV content, through social media and other platforms.
Maarten Meijs, managing director of Talpa Distribution, the owner of the format claimed that the format is well recognized in the West.
We trust the same will happen in the MENA region, regardless of cultural differences, as all people love music and have their one unique language to discuss who and what they like the most.”
Ziad Kebbi, president of SPT Arabia, added that social media and digital extension will play a major role in our production activity; both key elements in uniting the audience across various territories.
From May 14, promos calling for singers from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Kuwait, Tunisia, Lebanon, Morocco, and other parts of the Arab world to audition for The Voice will run on all of MBCs channels. Details of the auditions will be available soon on mbc.net.
