24 October 2017
The MENA Broadcast Satellite Anti-Piracy Coalition has celebrated the shutting down of 30 Arabic and western pirate TV channels since the summer in their latest meeting. Another 26 other channels have recently stopped violating copyrights.
The coalition’s 11th meeting in Amsterdam, attended by the region’s major broadcasters and satellite providers, hailed measures taken by members in the ongoing efforts against TV piracy between April and September 2017.
MBC Group CEO, Sam Barnett, said during the meeting: “With this latest series of actions, the satellite broadcast industry in the region has effectively cleansed itself of the piracy scourge that has been damaging us since 2012. This has only happened because of the effective collaboration of producers, broadcasters and satellite operators.” He continued, “Even last week we have heard news of Egyptian film producers signing new deals with legitimate TV stations – deals that previously would not have happened due to piracy. This is a big boost for the sector.”
The Coalition also reaffirmed its commitment to remain fully engaged in protecting content against illegal satellite distribution, and agreed to widen its focus to IPTV and OTT piracy.
Guillaume Forbin, OSN Head of Platform & Content Security, detailed the latest industry research showing IPTV piracy still growing heavily.
Sophie Moloney, OSN Chief Legal Officer, said: “This is another great achievement for the coalition. With the growing threat from illegal internet-based piracy threats and emerging methods for pirating content, the strength and unity of the MENA Broadcast Anti-Piracy Coalition in conjunction with collaborations with local authorities is increasingly important. OSN is grateful to Noorsat for their efforts in removing the pirated channels over the past months; we look forward to a long and sustainable partnership in the ongoing battle for content protection.”
Members of the Coalition also discussed the growing threat from illegal internet streaming and downloads, and agreed to work together in order to strengthen their relationship with authorities in his context.
Okke Delfos Visser, Head of the Legal Department of the MPA in Europe and the Middle East and Africa, stated that “we need to build on the great successes achieved by the coalition so far. We now need to solidify our efforts in tackling satellite piracy and open a new front into online, such as IPTV and illicit streaming device piracy.”
In a joint commitment, the Coalition members also agreed to collaborate and develop an online site-blocking IPTV strategy.
Etisalat Senior Manager for Mobile and Satellite Products, Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Jasmi, revealed the existence of an IP blocking tool in coordination with the authorities within the UAE and promised their full commitment towards the coalition.
Intellectual Property (IP) Specialist, Office of the U.S. IP Attaché for the Middle East and North Africa, Raed Al Hout participated in the meeting and shared that “we will continue coordinating with relevant IP enforcement agencies, including the U.S. National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) in supporting the important work of the MENA Broadcast Satellite Anti-Piracy Coalition, and look forward to building upon our collaborative endeavors in future initiatives.”
The coalition was set up in 2014, bringing together major broadcast satellite providers, (Eutelsat, Arabsat, Nilesat, Noorsat, Gulfsat, Viewsat, STN and JMC) and content production, distribution companies and telecommunication (MBC, OSN, Rotana, ART, CNE, Du, Etisalat, Mediagates, My HD, Paramount, Rdatv, Sony pictures, Warner bros, Universal, WWE, Sound & light and cinema, International advertising association, Cedars art, Eagle films, Almassa art production, Egyptian Chamber of cinema industry, Media production city, Misr international films, Spot 2000, and the MPA) to fight the battle of piracy.
(Source: MBC press release)
17 October 2017
Education For Employment (EFE), the leading organization linking unemployed youth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to tangible job opportunities, and MBC Hope, the CSR branch of the largest private media company in the Middle East, MBC GROUP, has launched #FirstJob – an awareness and action campaign that seeks to boost youth employment in the MENA region by changing how youth and employers view a first job. Major corporate entities such as EFE partner Citi Foundation have collaborated in the campaign. The campaign uses narrative storytelling and social media to enable inspiring individuals to share with unemployed youth the story of how they secured their first job and used it as a springboard to success, supporting EFE’s commitment to helping unemployed youth enter and thrive in the world of work. Since 2010, youth unemployment rates in the Arab have become the highest of any region at over 27%, with the percentage continuing to rise.
Andrew Baird, President & CEO of Education For Employment – Global (EFE-Global) said: “We’re pleased to launch our first regional campaign in partnership with MBC GROUP, and with long-standing EFE partners like Citi Foundation at our side. Through the #FirstJob campaign, we are engaging some of the region’s top business leaders, as well as young professionals early in their career, to share inspiring stories of their pathway to professional success. We believe that this is an innovative way to encourage youth to proactively seek job opportunities while motivating employers to hire first-time job seekers. The campaign also seeks to inspire more companies and foundations to invest in youth employment initiatives.”
Mazen Hayek MBC Group’s Official Spokesman, Group Director of Commercial, PR & CSR said: “Unemployment has become a pressing issue in the Arab world. According to Union of Arab Banks research, the number of unemployed workers in the Middle East has risen to 120 million. To address this challenge, we must invest heavily to increase economic growth rates and build knowledge economies, which will create millions of job opportunities annually. We must also educate the youth and equip them with theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as prepare them to enter the marketplace. This asserts the importance of #FirstJob and its role in educating the youth and utilizing their capabilities in their first job, which will in turn foster their competitive-edge in the future.”
Commenting on the launch, Karim Seifeddine, Head of Public Affairs, Citi, Middle East and Africa from Citibank said: “Citi is honored to be partnering with Education for Employment in the #FirstJob campaign to support young people in the region to develop sustainable economic futures and help reduce youth unemployment. At Citi Foundation, we continue to support programs that catalyze economic growth and provide our youth with economic opportunities to thrive and promote continued progress through entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and leadership development.
Dima Najim, EFE’s Managing Director – UAE noted that: “The #FirstJob campaign was launched in celebration of EFE’s tenth anniversary. Since the first youth graduated EFE programs a decade ago, over 50,000 unemployed youth across the MENA region have been connected to the world of work with support from EFE. This impact is made possible by the support of over 2,300 EFE partners, such as MBC Hope and Citi Foundation.”
- To hire EFE alumni, partner to support their work, or enroll in an EFE training program, please visit www.efe.org
(Source: MBC press release)
20 March 2017
Arab Satellite Communications Organization – Arabsat – participates in the Broadcast, Satellite & Digital Media Event for the Middle East and North Africa, “Satellite MENA 2017”, from March 21st to 23rd at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
As an active member of the Satellite Interference Reduction Group, Arabsat sponsors IRG workshop with the presence of many broadcasters in both public and the private sectors on Monday 20th March 2017 at the Address Hotel in Dubai.
Eng. Khalid bin Ahmed Balkheyour, President & CEO of Arabsat, said that Arabsat will showcase its latest agreements to promote its exclusive orbital position 26⁰ East, such as the agreement with MBC Group – MBC has already begun to shift all its important channels to be broadcast exclusively on Arabsat satellites – in addition to many other similar agreements.
Balkheyour also added that Arabsat will showcase the capabilities of its new successfully launched satellite Badr-7 and the 6th generation satellites. This includes at present 4 satellites, three of which are being manufactured: one is scheduled to be launched by the end of 2017 and the other two will be launched in 2018. The 4th satellite 6-D agreement was recently signed in a partnership with Taqnia Space.
(Source: Arabsat press release)
8 March 2017
MBC studios in Dubai Studio City has commenced production and broadcast of a wide range of programmes for its television channels and online media portals, primarily through MBC1
MBC Group has officially announced the launch of its new television studios in Dubai Studio City, a move that aims to develop unrivalled media content in the region with the latest industry tools, including cutting-edge, state-of-the-art equipment of international standards. Following a few final changes to the hub, MBC in Dubai Studio City is now open for production and broadcast of a wide range of currently popular – as well as new programmes – set to air on MBC Group’s network and online media portals, primarily through MBC1 and MBC3, marking a major breakthrough in the presentation of content.
One of the most technologically advanced additions to MBC’s new studios is the ‘Social Tower’, a first-of-its-kind in the world that works to keep up-to-the-minute with the global new media industry. It also allows for viewers to connect and interact directly during broadcast.
The first shows to be produced from these brand new studios during phase one include ‘Sabah Alkhair Ya Arab’ with Badr Zydan, Ghada Mousilli, Hani Al-Hamed and Sarah Mourad – showcasing a new look for the show – as well as ‘Akhbar Altase’a’ (9 O’clock News Bulletin) with Suhair al-Qaisi, Hamoud Al Fayez and Ola Al Fares. Also broadcasting from the new studios will be ‘Sada Al-Mala’eb’ with Mustafa Al-Agha, ‘MBC Fi Isbo’o’ (MBC In A Week) with Suha Nuylaty and Ali Al-Ghufaily, ‘Badriyah’ with Badriyah Al-Bishr, ‘Bil-Mokhtasar’ presented by Yasser Al-Amro, and ‘Ma Lam Tarra’ with Ibrahim Al-Farhan. More programmes are expected to be added later on in the year.
Commenting on the launch, Dr. Amina Al Rustamani, CEO of TECOM Group said that Dubai Studio City is “the ideal hub and business environment to support companies operating in the fields of film, television and music production and broadcasting in the Middle East. It is Dubai’s leading centre for the creation and production of premium media content, offering the latest in advanced industry technology of the best international standards,” and that MBC Group “is always one step ahead in terms of investing in the right locations and equipment, thus enhancing television production and techniques in the region in close partnership with us.”
On his part, Ali Jaber, Group TV Director of MBC Group stated: “The presence of MBC today in Dubai Studio City started with the launch of our partnership with O3 Productions in 2013 for the production and distribution of drama and film content. Following that, our studios were soon equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology that puts us on par with the world’s top studios. Our goal is to strengthen our offerings on our various channels and platforms, offering a value-added media experience. This can only contribute towards enhancing the quality of daytime programming submitted to MBC’s channels, driving it to become on par with our primetime evening content, including those of our international branded entertainment shows that have been adapted into Arabic. Today, we follow through with what we started four years ago – to enrich the region with the most creative media and entertainment content that ranges from drama productions right through to live programming. Hence, stems the strategic importance of this partnership that constitutes a quantum leap that will inevitably lead to the development of content in all its forms across MBC Group’s channels and other media platforms. Through this partnership, we will also be able to attract top talent, the right expertise, and bright, creative minds of the various disciplines that are related to the creative and production fields.”
It is worth noting that the launch of MBC Group’s new studios in Dubai Studio City complements Dubai’s efforts to enhance and develop the media infrastructure in the UAE and beyond, thereby reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global media, entertainment and content hub. This includes the latest in advanced digital technology and audio-visual production.
The 7 MBC1 shows that will be broadcast from MBC Group’s new state-of-the-art studios in Dubai Studio City
Ø ‘Sabah Alkhair Ya Arab’
Translating into ‘Good Morning, Arab World’, this family breakfast show – now with a new look and hosted by Hani Al-Hamed, Ghada Mousilli, Badr Zydan and Sarah Mourad – comprises a variety of features that touch upon everything from education and the arts, to sports and technology.
Ø ‘Akhbar Altase’a’ (9 O’clock News Bulletin)
Commonly known as the ‘9 O’clock News’, this daily bulletin will present the day’s headlines, along with an in-depth segment on Saudi news. With Suhair al-Qaisi, Hamoud Al Fayez and Ola Al Fares.
Ø ‘Sada Al-Mala’eb’
Sports journalist Mustafa Al-Agha and his show ‘Sada Al-Malaeb’ need no introduction. This immensely popular show focuses on Saudi football league results and hosts stars from the world of sport and entertainment.
Ø ‘MBC Fi Isbo’o’ (MBC In A Week)
With Suha Nuylaty and Ali Al-Ghufaily, ‘MBC Fi Isbo’o’ recalls the major events of the week gone, especially those highlighted on social media that occurred on the streets of Saudi Arabia, as well as the rest of the GCC and Arab world.
Ø ‘Badriyah’
In this current affairs programme, Saudi writer and novelist Badriyah Al-Bishr discusses a variety of issues every episode, particularly those affecting Saudi families. Each topic will be further explored using detailed research and analysis, as well as public opinion that explains different viewpoints and approaches.
Ø ‘Bil-Mokhtasar’
Broadcast live daily, Yasser Al-Amro invites Arab personalities who are considered pioneers in their field for a friendly chat about their personal lives and what makes them tick.
Ø ‘Ma Lam Tarra’
Fronted by Ibrahim Al-Farhan, ‘Ma Lam Tarra’ investigates social issues by uncovering hidden facts and events that may have not been available or apparent to begin with. It demonstrates how the absence of information can influence an incident.
MBC3 in Dubai Studio City – Revamped programmes thanks to advanced technology:
Aimed at children, MBC3 will broadcast a number of revamped and updated productions from its new home in Dubai Studio City. The studios have been designed to incorporate high-quality digital production methods, as well as modern systems to facilitate and enhance the broadcast experience. With content suitable for the whole family, viewers can expect updated shows, including ‘Tasaly’, ‘Khatawat Na’aema’ and brand new entertainment content for in-between shows.
(Source: MBC press release)
20 February 2017
Ooredoo and MBC GROUP hosted a star-studded event at the Museum of Islamic Art last night to launch the exclusive new MBC+ Ooredoo Channel for Ooredoo TV subscribers.
The event was attended by Ooredoo Qatar CEO Waleed Al Sayed, MBC GROUP CEO Sam Barnett and a host of MBC talent including: “Sabah Al Khair Ya Arab” star Khaled Al Shaer, reporter and broadcaster Ali Al Ghofaily, journalist Ola Al-Fares, as well as presenter Ghada Mussali from MBC1 and presenter Mariam Said from ET Bil Arabi.
The MBC+ Ooredoo Channel launch is part of a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Ooredoo and MBC GROUP signed last year, which gave Ooredoo exclusive rights to some of the GROUP’s most popular High Definition (HD) channels in Qatar.
With this latest partnership, Ooredoo TV customers will now be able to exclusively enjoy a brand new channel and that will include a selection of MBC’s best Arabic content.
MBC+ Ooredoo Channel is available on channel 180 now and content will include: Tabakh Al Sultan, Scoop, Dahsha, El Hokm, El Hob Al Halal and much more.
Talking at the event, Waleed Al Sayed, Ooredoo Qatar Chief Executive Officer, said: “Since its launch Ooredoo TV has offered the latest and best content, whether live, On Demand or on the go via the Ooredoo TV App. This is the latest step in our vision of offering leading local and international content to Qatar and we hope you enjoy the wide range of programmes we have selected especially for Ooredoo TV customers in HD.”
MBC Group CEO, Sam Barnett said: “It’s a privilege to be partnering with such an innovative telecommunications company.
The speed and sophistication of the network provided by Ooreedoo means that viewers in Qatar are able to experience audiovisual content at industry leading levels of quality”.
Barnett further added: “It was only a few months ago when we announced our intention to work together, and now today our combined teams are ready to launch both MBC+ Ooreedoo and our premium Video On Demand service SHAHID PLUS”.
To ensure that Ooredoo’s entertainment portfolio stays ahead of the growing switch to digital content, Ooredoo and MBC GROUP have recently announced that all Ooredoo customers can now exclusively enjoy MBC’s SHAHID PLUS online service in Qatar. They can catch-up with the latest & the exclusive shows, award-winning content among many dramas and movies with no ads.
With MBC’s SHAHID PLUS service, Ooredoo customers enjoy MBC’s premium VOD service and enjoy its strong content offering (exclusive Arabic series, shows and the latest Arabic movies) on-the-go in an uninterrupted experience with no ads.
Existing Mozaic TV customers who want to upgrade to Ooredoo TV to take advantage of the MBC+ Ooredoo Channel can simply visit any Ooredoo retail shop to register and collect a free Ooredoo TV play device.
Ooredoo TV offers features such as 4K resolution, time shift, Android apps, parental control, thousands of hours of on-demand content and much more at no extra cost. Ooredoo TV is available from Ooredoo Shops, Starlink, TechnoBlue and Jumbo outlets. The service has no upfront charges, no equipment costs and no ongoing contracts.
Visit ooredoo.qa/portal/OoredooQatar/ooredoo-tv_2 for more.
About Ooredoo
Ooredoo is Qatar’s leading communications company, delivering mobile, fixed, broadband internet and corporate managed services tailored to the needs of consumers and businesses. As a community-focused company, Ooredoo is guided by its vision of enriching people’s lives and its belief that it can stimulate human growth by leveraging communications to help people achieve their full potential.
(Source: MBC press release)
