Discovery Networks has signed an agreement with du as its official playout and distribution service provider across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. As a result of the agreement, du will offer its expertise to manage the transmission of Discovery’s latest channels, DKids HD, DLife HD and DMAX HD.
DKids HD, DLife HD and DMAX HD are the new channels from Discovery Networks, showcasing a mixture of children’s, lifestyle and fact-based programming, curated for the entire family and all presented in High Definition (HD) format. All three channels join Fatafeat as Discovery’s portfolio of local networks, broadcast from Dubai via du’s facilities. These channels were launched exclusive with beIN.
“We are incredibly pleased to extend our partnership with du as our preferred playout service provider for DKids, DLife and DMAX,” said Amanda Turnbull, VP & Country Manager, Discovery Networks MENA. “du has been our trusted partner since several years, having broadcast Fatafeat since 2006. Thanks to their unparalleled expertise, we can now expand our regional presence even further, with a portfolio of truly localized channels, curated for and to be enjoyed by our MENA audiences.”
“We are excited to continue being a trusted partner of Discovery in their regional expansion plans. This demonstrates our position as a top provider of broadcast services in the region, and we are committed to continue providing Discovery with world-class and award-winning facilities, manned by best-in-class talent from du,” said Hany Fahmy Aly, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Business, du.
Discovery Networks has been broadcasting across the MENA for over seventeen years and boasts a strong presence in the region, with a portfolio of eleven Pay-TV channels and one free-to-air channel, Quest Arabiya in partnership with Image Nation. More than just a linear broadcaster, Discovery also has a growing off-air presence, including a digital offering led by its flagship food channel Fatafeat, and most recently a retail store and consumer experience activation for Discovery Channel. The addition of DKids, DLife and DMAX, strengthens Discovery’s position as one of the leading international broadcasters in the region.
Jamal Al Sharif, Managing Director of Dubai Studio City (DSC), said, “We are pleased that many global media players like Discovery Networks are benefiting from our modern facilities and high-tech media infrastructure. The fact that these new channels will be broadcast from Dubai as the first site in the region, and among only a few globally, is a testament to Dubai’s position as the regional leader in the media industry.”
“The media sector’s vital role in shaping socio- economic ecosystems is undeniable, and Dubai continues to drive this transformation in the region. Dubai Studio City has been at the forefront of all of the industry’s developments, and we are committed to continue pioneering its growth through our media communities and playing a leading role in the implementation of UAE Vision 2021 and the innovation strategy,” Mr Sharif concluded.
