Fox Networks Group Middle East has a new multiyear agreement with Ericsson to provide playout, media management and global distribution services for three new HD channels.
Fox Crime, Fox Life and Fox Rewayat launched in September and are broadcast 24 hours a day from Ericsson’s broadcast and media services hub in Abu Dhabi.
Ericsson will encode the channels for distribution across Fox’s global affiliate network from its broadcast and media services hubs in Abu Dhabi and Hilversum, using Ericsson’s secure internet distribution platform, according to a news release.
“At Fox Networks Group, as we continue to expand our footprint across the Middle East, we want to ensure our channel experience is unparalleled. Building on our long-term partnership, we are delighted to select Ericsson for the playout, media management and global distribution services on our three new HD channels in the Middle East,” said Sanjay Raina, general manager and senior vice president of Fox Networks Group Middle East, in a statement.
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“Over the last 18 months, we’ve focused on growing our broadcast and media services hub in Abu Dhabi by strengthening our relationships with broadcasters across the region and hiring a talented team to deliver these critical services for our clients. We believe that our global expertise in managing complex playout operations, combined with our local know-how, makes us the partners of choice for broadcasters worldwide. We look forward to building an even stronger partnership with Fox Networks Group in the years to come,” said Steve Nylund, head of Broadcast and Media Services at Ericsson, in a statement.
The new channels are an expansion of Ericsson’s current deal with Fox to manage seven other TV channels: Fox Movies, Fox, STAR Movies, STAR World, Fox Action Movies, Fox Family Movies and FX.