Ericsson, a leader in communications technology and services, has signed an exclusive multi-year broadcast and media services contract with Image Nation Abu Dhabi, a leading content creators based in the Middle East.

 

The contract includes playout, media preparation, media management and archive services for the new Arabic-language TV channel, Quest Arabiya, which is slated to launch in the fourth quarter of this year, said a statement.

 

The free-to-air service, which will broadcast 24 hours a day across the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), is a partnership between Image Nation and top pay TV programmer, Discovery Communications, it said.

 

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, localized for the Arab market.

 

Carl Von Doussa, general manager of Channels at 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 provide this managed service the Quest Arabiya team can focus on their core expertise: delivering exciting and original Arabic programming across the entire region.

 

“Ericsson clearly has a great reputation globally and a proven track record of delivery, and we’re looking forward to working together to deliver great content to 45 million households across the Mena region. We are also pleased that we were able to support Ericsson’s growing hub in twofour54, Abu Dhabi, through this agreement.”

 

Rafiah Ibrahim, president Ericsson - Middle East and East Africa, said: “Today we see the TV industry in the region witnessing this transformation with strong local and international broadcaster base. Our role is to help those broadcasters seize the opportunities of this transformation.

 

“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 honored 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.” 

 

Earlier this year, 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 to serve clients across the Middle East region and beyond. Quest Arabiya will join the growing portfolio of TV channels managed by Ericsson from this hub.

 

Michael Garin, chief executive officer of Image Nation, said: “The partnership with Ericsson is a great example of the benefits of being on the twofour54 campus and part of the Media Zone Authority, where the best of local, regional and international expertise exists in one place in the heart of Abu Dhabi." - TradeArabia News Service