OSN extends partnership with NBCUniversal

OSN, the region’s leading pay-TV network, has struck new multi-year licensing agreements with NBCUniversal (NBCU) for exclusive pay-TV rights in the MENA region. The deals give OSN access to NBCU’s premium content, including the latest blockbusters, popular series, news and talk shows. 

As the unrivalled home for all NBCU content in the region, the partnership gives OSN first pay-TV rights to the studio’s latest movies. This means that OSN subscribers will be among the first in the region to enjoy Universal films such as the Academy Award^®-winning Les Misérables; the animated sequel Despicable Me 2; the blockbuster hit Fast & Furious 6; Oblivion, the sci-fi thriller starring Tom Cruise; and 47 Ronin, the upcoming action-adventure fantasy film shot in 3D and starring Keanu Reeves. 

Content covered by the new agreements will be available to OSN subscribers through its eight movie channels, three series channels and through its ‘On Demand’ service in true HD. OSN subscribers with 3D compatible equipment will also have access to select titles in 3D. 

Via a separate agreement, E! Entertainment Television will continue to be exclusively available on the OSN platform. The agreement with E! also grants OSN live streaming and catch-up rights for key shows on OSN Play, the region’s first online viewing platform. 

David Butorac, OSN CEO, said: “We are delighted to extend our long-standing relationship with NBCUniversal. This partnership is key to our strategy of providing viewers a diverse range of world-class original and premium content before anyone else in the region so subscribers see it first and exclusively on OSN. These deals not only strengthen our content offering, but also establish OSN as the network of choice for leading international studios and entertainment companies.” 

Belinda Menendez, President, NBCUniversal International Television Distribution & Universal Networks International, added: “We are pleased to extend the partnership between NBCUniversal International Television and OSN; these new deals for our compelling TV series, films and branded channels ensure that OSN subscribers will continue to have access to the hit films and high-calibre programming that we are so proud of.”

These multi-year licensing deals also cover exclusive broadcast rights for NBCU’s critically acclaimed television series, including the multiple award-winning Downton Abbey; Chicago Fire; Grimm; Bates Motel, starring Oscar^® and Emmy^® award nominee Vera Farmiga and Critics Choice Award winner Freddie Highmore; and the upcoming drama series Dracula, starring Golden Globe^® Award winner Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Additionally, popular talk shows such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and news programs like The Today Show and NBC Nightly News will be telecast exclusively on OSN. 

Khulud abu-Homos, SVP Programming and Creative Services of OSN, added: “This is an industry-defining partnership. NBCUniversal’s premium entertainment portfolio is hugely sought after. By joining hands, we have not only strengthened our competitive advantage, but are also demonstrating our commitment to bringing premium television experiences first and exclusively to our customers.”