Ericsson has signed a multi-year broadcast and media services contract with content creator Image Nation Abu Dhabi, which includes playout, media preparation, media management and archive services for the new Arabic-language TV channel, Quest Arabiya, which is scheduled to launch in Q4 2015.
The free-to-air service, which will broadcast 24 hours a day across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is a joint venture between Image Nation and global pay-TV programmer Discovery Communications. Quest Arabiya will air a combination of regionally-produced original content along with factual and reality programmes from Discovery’s vast library of non-fiction shows, localised for the Arab market.
Earlier in 2015, Ericsson announced a partnership with twofour54, the home of Abu Dhabi’s media industry. As part of this partnership, Ericsson established a broadcast and media hub in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to serve clients across the Middle East and beyond. Quest Arabiya will join the growing portfolio of TV channels managed by Ericsson from this hub.
Carl Von Doussa, general manager of Channels, Image Nation, said: “Partnering with an industry leader like Ericsson will ensure that Quest Arabiya’s playout and content management operations are in good hands. The agreement is part of our outsourced model, meaning that while Ericsson provides this managed service the Quest Arabiya team can focus on their core expertise: delivering exciting and original Arabic programming across the entire region.”
Thorsten Sauer, head of broadcast and media services, Ericsson, added: “We look forward to working with Image Nation on the launch of its new, eagerly-anticipated TV channel. There is huge appetite for original, Arabic-language content across the Middle East and we are honoured to play an integral role in delivering this service 24/7 from our newly-established hub in Abu Dhabi. Our global expertise, local know-how and extensive experience in managing playout operations make us the partner of choice for media companies.”
