A long-term, multi-year deal has been announced by beIN and Warner Bros International Television Distribution that will enable beIN to acquire premium content from the leading Hollywood studio.
The announcement was made yesterday by Yousef al-Obaidly, deputy CEO of beIN Media Group, and Jeffrey R Schlesinger, president of Warner Bros Worldwide Television Distribution.
The deal represents “one of the most comprehensive content acquisition deals for beIN”, according to a press statement. Starting this year, beIN will have access to hit series such as Arrow, Gotham and Originals, and will acquire the exclusive “2nd Pay window rights” to Warner Bros theatrical features.
From 2019, beIN will become the exclusive home of Warner Bros’ first-run programming, series and “1st Pay window” feature films. In addition to the pay TV window, beIN has acquired catch-up rights as well as access to the rich library of content from Warner Bros.
While beIN is the premium entertainment market leader in Mena, Warner Bros Worldwide Television Distribution is a leading distributor of feature films, television programmes and animation in the international TV marketplace
“This is a landmark deal for beIN, which made its foray into entertainment content segment just last year. beIN now boasts of one of the most well-rounded pay-TV networks in Middle East & North Africa with over 75 channels broadcasting movies, series, sports, kids’ and general entertainment content,” the statement noted.
Al-Obaidly said “beIN is constantly trying to achieve leadership position within the entertainment space and this deal with Warner Bros will help us become the number one choice for movies and entertainment lovers in Mena”.
Schlesinger added: “We are pleased that our feature films and television series will have a home across beIN’s channels in the Middle East and Africa, with our content making its regional debut across these channels starting in 2019.”