The Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), the MENA region's largest media group, entered into a long-term partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery to launch 'Asharq Discovery,' a new Arabic language channel exclusively for audiences in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region.
Asharq Discovery will be the newest addition to SRMG's fast-growing media and international offerings.
Asharq Discovery aims to connect audiences in the Middle East and North Africa region with the world while providing content that tells unique Arabic content and presents unique experiences and memorable stories that allow audiences a step outside their established media consumption habits.
The partnership comes in the context of the MENA expansion strategy of Warner Bros. Discovery and SRMG's growth strategy, brought together by a shared goal of diversifying content and improving its accessibility, and help propel MENA's maturing entertainment industry to become one of the largest globally.
General Manager for CEE, Middle East, and Türkiye, Jamie Cooke, indicated that the entertainment industry in the MENA region is experiencing a fantastic transformation and exponential growth, providing opportunities for content players and consumers.
Cooke explained that after establishing the Discovery brand in linear channels, and successfully launching Discovery+ last year, "we believe launching a new FTA channel in MENA with the homegrown powerhouse, SRMG is a solid step for us to build a 360 ecosystem of entertainment."
"This partnership will also support our MENA business development strategy to increase our presence in KSA," he asserted.
SRMG CEO Jomana al-Rashid said that the new strategic collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery would further enhance the group's ability to provide more dynamic and innovative Arabic content through multiple formats and platforms.
"This partnership is a further demonstration of SRMG's unrelenting focus and commitment to its consumer-centric approach; bringing our audiences engaging and premium content - when, where, and how they want it," said Rashid.
She indicated that Discovery has an unrivaled legacy of producing cutting-edge, high-quality documentaries.
"We look forward to working together to deliver co-commissioned quality content, provide new job opportunities and best-in-class training, and tap into a new global network for our growing audiences."
Asharq Discovery will offer thousands of hours of premium content, including originals, premieres, and exclusives, across a wide selection of genres spanning pop science and engineering, motoring and turbo, wildlife and nature, adventure and travel, reality and lifestyle, crime mystery documentaries.
Warner Bros. Discovery and SRMG have earmarked co-productions of high-quality local programming to be distributed globally through the Discovery Global network, adding more cultural and market relevance to the mix.
Asharq Discovery is set to be launched to MENA users in 2023 through broadcasts, streaming, and third-party local apps, with a catch-up facility available on over-the-top (OTT) platforms.
