SRMG, the largest integrated media group from the MENA region, has launched Asharq Discovery, a new free-to-view Arabic-language infotainment platform, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).
The launch of the new platform responds directly to changing viewer preferences and the surging demand for Arabic-language content.
Catering to a regional audience, the platform will offer a wide range of genres, including pop science and engineering, crime and mystery, motoring, adventure and travel, food and cooking, wildlife and nature, lifestyle, and reality.
Asharq Discovery will feature content in Arabic from Discovery’s catalogue, as well as regionally acquired content and original productions.
Programmes from WBD catalogue include titles from Discovery, Animal Planet, TLC, Investigation Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, and Fatafeat. These will be dubbed and receive graphics in Arabic.
The platform will be available across the region through satellite coverage on Arabsat and Nilesat, and Asharq NOW and Asharq Discovery’s social media platforms.
The SRMG and Warner Bros. Discovery partnership
According to SRMG, the launch of the platform is the result of a long-term strategic partnership between it and WBD.
The partnership allows SRMG to select content from WBD and involves co-production of regional shows with both companies and HBO.
It also allows Warner Bros. Discovery to globally distribute the regionally co-produced content through the Warner Bros. Discovery platforms and services.
Jomana R. Al-Rashid, CEO of SRMG, said: “The Asharq Discovery platform is unique as it provides a wide range of exceptional content in Arabic, and for the first time, for free.
“Our partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery is testament to our ambition to produce and showcase award-winning, authentic content that captivates and inspires audiences both here in our region and across the globe.
“The launch is just the start; we have extremely ambitious plans for co-production, and I look forward to watching the platform’s growth.”
Jamie Cooke, GM CEE, Middle East & Turkey of Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “The entertainment industry in the MENA region is an area of major global talent and transformative growth. We have seen immense changes over the last few years, and MENA audiences are eager for fresh and new content.”
“I am excited to start developing Arabic content that can inspire viewers not just in the region but Arabic speaking audiences around the world.
“Warner Bros. Discovery has the greatest and broadest collection of brands, franchises, and storytelling IP in the world, and we’re excited to provide a new free-to-view channel where we can reach new audiences and bring them our stories through our partnership with SRMG.”
Asharq Discovery is the latest addition to SRMG’s award-winning ‘Asharq News Network’, which includes Asharq News and Asharq Business with Bloomberg, recently launched Asharq Documentary.
