Discovery Communications has entered into a strategic partnership with Turkey’s Dogus Media Group.
Under it, Discovery will increase its portfolio to 13 channels and strengthen its position as a leading international media company in Turkey.
Commenting on the development, Kasia Kieli, President & MD, Discovery Networks Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “Turkey has been an important market for Discovery for 17 years and we are proud of our position as one of the leading international broadcasters in the country.
“Discovery’s global success is based on building strong local teams and looking for new opportunities that build scale in key markets. Our expanded relationship with Dogus, including ad sales representation, and new investments such as the acquisition of the CNBC-e channel, will see us reach the next level in Turkey.”
Dogus Media Group’s chairman, Erman Yerdelen, added: “Dogus Media Group holds a leading position in the Turkish television industry through the ownership of both thematic and mainstream television channels, as a Turkish media conglomerate that has demonstrated a consistent growth record since 1996.
“From the outset, Dogus Media Group has set successful examples in the international arena by partnering with the world’s leading brands. Today, we are proud to announce that Dogus Media Group and one of the strongest media groups in the world, Discovery Communications, have reached an agreement on the mutual goal of growing and diversifying Discovery’s broadcasting portfolio in Turkey. With this strategic relationship, Discovery’s Turkish viewers will enjoy a greater variety of choice in entertainment.”
The first step of this relationship will see Dogus Media Group appointed as Discovery’s exclusive ad sales representative in Turkey, starting from September 1. In close partnership with James Gibbons, EVP for Discovery’s Emerging Business region and Sissian Margos, in the newly created position of general manager for Discovery Networks Turkey, Dogus will be responsible for selling Discovery’s entire commercial portfolio, including local versions of Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Discovery Science, as well as securing sponsorship opportunities from Turkish advertisers.
Discovery has also agreed to acquire the national free-to-air news and entertainment channel, CNBC-e, from Dogus Media Group. This marks Discovery’s first step into the Turkish free-to-air segment. Assuming customary closing conditions are satisfied, the acquisition is expected to be concluded later this year.
James Gibbons said: “Turkey is a dynamic TV market where free-to-air plays a crucial role. With the addition of a free-to-air channel in our portfolio of documentary, factual entertainment and sports channels, we will have a stronger offering for our viewers and commercial partners, and we look forward to working alongside Do?u? to increase the scale of our business in Turkey.
“This effort will be spearheaded by Sissian Margos, general Manager for Turkey, working closely with our colleagues and partners.”