MGM Worldwide Television has concluded its first pan Middle Eastern pay-TV and VOD agreement with Showtime Arabia, a pay-TV network in the Middle East and North Africa, and its Show On Demand, the region’s first VOD service.
“As the leading pay-TV provider throughout the region, Showtime Arabia is a great partner for MGM,” said Chris Ottinger, executive VP Worldwide Television, MGM, in a statement. “We are pleased to collaborate with Showtime Arabia in bringing MGM’s theatrical blockbusters to the movie fans throughout the Middle East and believe that the Show On Demand platform will be a tremendous asset in gaining exposure for MGM’s films and growing our global VOD business model. Paul Bischoff, VP, Rights and Acquisitions at MGM served as a key member of our team in making this important deal happen.”
“MGM’s brand and its diverse selection of popular feature films will enrich our customers’ experience,” said Marc-Antoine d’Halluin, president & CEO, Showtime Arabia. “We’re very proud to add MGM’s popular film franchises to Showtime’s pay-TV and VOD services and look forward to exploring other opportunities with the studio.”
According to the terms of the five-year agreement, Showtime Arabia carry such MGM titles as the recent James Bond franchise hits Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, the final installment in the Rocky franchise Rocky Balboa, the political thriller Lions for Lambs starring Tom Cruise, Robert Redford and Meryl Streep, and Pink Panther 2, starring Steve Martin.
About Robert Briel
"In an industry that experiences rapid change and often a confusing subsequent
constant supply of news, it is often refreshing to read an insightful perspective. Broadband
TV News and its editorial team regularly provide a context and
helpful analysis to breaking news.”
Broadband TV News is the must-read publication for those working in the Business of the Multiscreen Television. We deliver news, insight and data direct to your desktop. As well as our constantly updated website you can sign-up to our Daily and Weekly email bulletins. 
Connected TV Forecasts NEW REPORT. The number of TV sets connected to the Internet will reach 551 million by 2016 for the 40 countries covered in this report from Digital TV Research, up from 124 million at end-2010. The report states that this translates to 20% of global TV sets by 2016, up from only 6% at end-2010. Published in November 2011, this 83-page PDF report is the most geographically comprehensive to ever be published.