Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has taken a minority stake in Dubai-based OSN Streaming, the streaming subsidiary of Middle East pay-TV firm OSN Group.
The deal, reportedly worth $57m for a 30% stake, sees Warner Bros Discovery grow its footprint in the Middle East streaming landscape. The transaction will be completed in stages and is subject to regulatory approvals.
OSN has a number of long-term partnerships with global entertainment players, including an exclusive deal with HBO that was struck in 2022. OSN Group acquired a majority stake in Arab music streaming platform Anghami in April 2024.
WBD’s latest investment in the region follows its acquisition of Turkish streaming service BluTV in 2023.
Regional firms such as OSN as well as Abu Dhabi-based Starzplay and Saudi broadcaster MBC Group are competing with international rivals such as Netflix and Prime Video for local audiences.
As part of the deal, Warner Bros Discovery and OSN said they would invest more in “quality, locally produced content, ensuring a richer and more diverse offering for viewers.”
Jamie Cooke, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Central Europe, Turkey and Middle East at Warner Bros. Discovery said: “It’s our goal to tell the greatest stories, whilst innovating our products and distribution channels. OSN has been a great partner and custodian of our content, making this union partnership a natural step for WBD.”
Sheikha Dana Naser Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Group Chief Executive Officer of OSN parent company KIPCO, and Chairperson of OSN, said: “The transaction builds on OSN’s strong growth trajectory and market leadership in MENA’s streaming industry, strengthening its competitive position as one of the region’s premier entertainment destinations.”
You are not signed in
Only registered users can comment on this article.
.jpg)
IBC launches study to map the media technology talent pipeline
IBC has launched How Did You Get Here?, a study designed to better understand how people enter and build careers in media technology.
Netflix kicks of landmark distribution deal with France’s TF1
Leading French broadcaster TF1’s live channels and streamer TF1+ are now available on Netflix’s platform in France following a landmark distribution deal between the two companies.
UK government sets out plans to give prominence for PSB news on social media
The UK government has set out plans to make social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook give greater prominence to news from public service media.
Warner Bros. Discovery teams with AWS for agentic AI ad-tech
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has partnered with cloud provider Amazon Web Services (AWS) to develop its next-generation advertising experiences built with AWS agentic AI.
Active International picks Comcast Technology Solutions
Comcast Technology Solutions (CTS) has announced that Active International, the global media and corporate trade group, is using Comcast AdFusion to modernise and scale its broadcast ad traffic and creative distribution operations.
