Warner Bros. Discovery has announced an exciting extension of its partnership with evision, the media and entertainment arm of global technology group e&. This renewed collaboration promises a significant upgrade in entertainment choices for viewers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, featuring a mix of premium channels, engaging programming, and innovative streaming options designed to captivate audiences of all ages.
Expanding Premium Content in MENA: What Viewers Can Expect
As part of this expanded partnership, Warner Bros. Discovery will continue to offer popular channels to viewers in the United Arab Emirates and beyond. Viewers will enjoy familiar favorites like CNN International HD, Cartoon Network HD, CN Arabic, CN Hindi, and Cartoonito. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery will introduce seven new channels to the MENA audience, each packed with fan-favorite shows and fresh, engaging content that caters to diverse tastes.
New Channels to Enrich the Viewer Experience
The addition of seven channels underscores the commitment of both Warner Bros. Discovery and evision to elevate the entertainment experience across MENA. The new lineup includes:
- Fatafeat – The go-to destination for food lovers, featuring unique culinary programs and cooking shows.
- Discovery Channel – Showcasing thrilling documentaries, nature exploration, and real-life adventure programming.
- TLC – A favorite for reality and lifestyle enthusiasts, TLC offers an array of entertaining and relatable shows.
- HGTV – Focused on home improvement, design, and real estate, HGTV provides inspiration for those who love to transform their living spaces.
- Food Network – Bringing culinary adventures to the screen, with renowned chefs and delectable food journeys.
- Investigation Discovery (ID) – A true-crime channel with compelling stories that dive into real-life mysteries.
- Discovery Family – A family-friendly channel that caters to viewers of all ages with a mix of educational and entertaining content.
These additional channels bring shows like Escape Kitchen, Salvage Hunters, Gold Rush, 1000 lb Sisters, Scariest House in America, Selena+Restaurant, and Born Evil: The Serial Killer and The Savior. By introducing these channels at no extra cost, Warner Bros. Discovery and evision are making premium entertainment even more accessible to audiences across MENA.
Comments from Industry Leaders on the Partnership Expansion
Olivier Bramly, CEO of evision, shared his enthusiasm, stating:
“We are thrilled to enhance our partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery, setting new standards in the entertainment industry and transforming the way premium content is presented and consumed. Our extensive distribution network, combined with Warner Bros. Discovery’s top-tier content, enables us to bring unparalleled entertainment to a broader audience across MENA.”
Francesco Perta, Vice President, Business Development, and Distribution for MENA and Turkey at Warner Bros. Discovery, echoed this sentiment, adding:
“This collaboration strengthens our commitment to delivering diverse and engaging content, ensuring viewers have access to the latest in entertainment, news, and lifestyle programming. The introduction of new channels, alongside CNN Fast and Warner Bros. Discovery Kids Fast, highlights our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our audiences.”
Sunil K. Joy, Head of Content at evision, also emphasized the benefits of this expansion, particularly the Free Ad-supported Streaming TV (FAST) options available on STARZ ON. Joy noted:
“These are exciting times for STARZ ON, as we unveil an expanded roster of free and ad-supported TV channels, offering audiences across MENA greater accessibility to content that resonates with their tastes and preferences.”
New Streaming Options: CNN Fast and Warner Bros. Discovery Kids Fast Channels
To enhance the digital viewing experience, Warner Bros. Discovery is launching two highly anticipated FAST channels on evision’s STARZ ON platform. This move is set to revolutionize how audiences across MENA engage with streaming content by providing free, ad-supported options tailored to local preferences.
CNN Fast: News, Business, Entertainment, and More
The launch of CNN Fast is a first in the MENA region, as it marks CNN’s entry into Connected TV (CTV) via the STARZ ON platform. CNN Fast is designed as a fast-paced, short-form video channel that covers a broad spectrum of topics, from breaking news and business updates to entertainment and sports highlights. This exclusive offering enables MENA audiences to access CNN’s globally recognized news content in a more accessible, on-demand format.
Upcoming Kids FAST Channel
Scheduled for launch in 2025, the Kids FAST channel will serve as a hub for 24/7 family-friendly content. It will draw from Warner Bros. Discovery’s extensive library of kids’ programming, featuring beloved animated series and educational shows that promise hours of entertainment for young viewers. This initiative underscores Warner Bros. Discovery’s commitment to expanding its family-oriented content footprint across the region, providing a safe and engaging platform for children’s programming.
The Impact of Expanded Content on MENA Audiences
The addition of these channels, combined with the continued availability of popular Warner Bros. Discovery content, enhances the viewing options available to MENA audiences, supporting evision and Warner Bros. Discovery’s mission to bring global entertainment closer to home. This expanded lineup will allow viewers to explore a broader range of topics, including culinary arts, home design, reality TV, and crime investigation, among others.
Premium Content without Additional Cost
An important aspect of this partnership is that all new channels and services are offered at no additional cost to evision subscribers, making premium content more accessible to everyone in the region. This cost-effective approach to entertainment not only strengthens evision’s position in the MENA market but also aligns with Warner Bros. Discovery’s goal of broadening access to its rich library of content.
Enhancing the STARZ ON Platform
With this expanded partnership, the STARZ ON platform continues to grow as a central hub for on-demand, ad-supported content in MENA. The addition of CNN Fast and the Kids FAST channel reflects evision and Warner Bros. Discovery’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for flexible, streaming content that is accessible anytime, anywhere. This strategic move supports the global trend of FAST channels gaining popularity, offering a unique viewing experience where audiences can enjoy high-quality programming without subscription fees.
Conclusion
The strengthened partnership between Warner Bros. Discovery and evision demonstrates the power of collaboration in shaping the entertainment landscape. By combining Warner Bros. Discovery’s premium content offerings with evision’s robust distribution network, this partnership delivers unmatched viewing experiences to millions across MENA. From thrilling documentaries on Discovery Channel to true-crime stories on Investigation Discovery and the culinary delights of Food Network, there’s something for everyone.
Warner Bros. Discovery and evision are united in their mission to set new standards in the entertainment industry, enhancing access to quality programming that resonates with the diverse preferences of MENA viewers. As the partnership evolves, MENA audiences can look forward to more groundbreaking content, accessible across platforms and tailored to meet the changing needs of a dynamic audience.
