StarzPlay, Sky News Arabia strike content distribution deal

LONDON: On-demand entertainment platform StarzPlay announced a deal with Sky News Arabia on Tuesday to distribute the pan-Arab news network’s content across the Middle East and North Africa region.

As part of the deal, StarzPlay, which rebranded as Lionsgate+ in some countries last September, will add Sky News Arabia programming to its growing roster of news and entertainment options.

“We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Sky News Arabia, a leading multi-platform news network with extensive reach across the Arab world,” said Danny Bates, CCO and co-founder of StarzPlay.

Bates said that the new partnership is “very significant,” and “will unlock the full market potential on channel distribution,” as well as “open a customer base” across the region.

StarzPlay will distribute Sky News Arabia through its partners across the MENA region, making it available to subscribers and increasing the visibility of Sky News Arabia in the marketplace.

“At Sky News Arabia, we constantly endeavor to find new ways of delivering fast, credible news to Arab viewers, wherever they may be,” said Nart Bouran, CEO of Sky News Arabia and International Media Investments.

“In line with this, we recognize the importance of reaching audiences across streaming platforms, and we are pleased to partner with StarzPlay as one of the leaders in that space who will enable us to engage with a wider segment of audiences across the MENA region.”

Since its launch in 2012, Sky News Arabia has offered 24-hour rolling news coverage broadcast to more than 50 million households in the MENA area, as well as the US, UK, South America, Australia and other countries via satellite and cable providers, internet and mobile apps.

In January, the network named Abdou Gadallah as head of news as part of a push to expand its digital reach.

Last September, StarzPlay rebranded in more than 35 countries. However, it maintained its name as Starzplay Arabia in the MENA market.