News
SAWA Rights Management Enters Strategic Distribution Partnership with Fast-Growing Newsmax TV Channel to Bring US Perspective and Engaging Programming to MENA Region
<p>Dubai, 12th March 2024 – SAWA Rights Management, a leading TV channel rights and media distribution company, is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with Newsmax, a prominent US-based news network. This collaboration signifies a significant step forward in expanding the news landscape in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, providing viewers with an enriched news experience from an American perspective.</p><p><br>Newsmax TV, a fast-growing news network, has captivated audiences across the United States with its compelling programming and unbiased reporting. With close to 50 million pay TV subscribers in the US, the network has experienced remarkable growth and garnered a substantial viewership.</p><p><br>As the US elections loom on the horizon, Newsmax TV is providing comprehensive live coverage leading up to this pivotal event.</p><p><br>Through its exclusive distribution partnership with SAWA Rights in the region, Newsmax TV’s insightful programming and engaging content will now be accessible to the subscribers in the MENA region through SAWA Rights-partnered authorized platforms such as Du, Etisalat, etc. allowing them to experience the network’s high-quality news coverage, expert panels, and comprehensive live coverage of US elections.</p><p><br>Newsmax TV offers a wide range of engaging content, including popular shows such as “The Record with Greta Van Susteren,” “Rob Schmitt Tonight,” and “Greg Kelly Reports”. These shows feature balanced reporting, insightful analysis, thought-provoking discussions, and exclusive interviews with prominent figures in American politics, current global affairs, business, and more. By partnering with Newsmax TV, SAWA Rights aims to bring these top-rated shows and other valuable US-based content directly to subscribers through authorized platforms in the MENA region, allowing them to access high-quality American news and perspectives.</p><p><br>The collaboration also includes the fully published Electronic Program Guide (EPG) data to access the channel’s schedule and program details enhancing the viewer experience.</p><p><br>“We are excited to partner with Newsmax and provide our subscribers and Telco providers with a valuable US-based perspective,” said Ali Ajouz, Group CEO at SAWA Rights Management. “This collaboration aligns with our commitment to delivering diverse and high-quality content that caters to the evolving needs of our viewers in the MENA region.”<br>139, Building 9, Dubai Media City, PO Box 643911, Dubai, UAE | t: +971 4 513 6866 | www.srmtv.com</p><p><br>Andy Biggers, SVP, Global Content Distribution at Newsmax adds: “We are delighted to have SAWA Rights as our key partner in the region. We look forward to providing viewers across MENA with an expert US-perspective on global issues and US foreign policy that affect our shared interests. With the run-up to the 2024 US Presidential election already well underway, we believe MENA viewers will want to tune-in to see where US affairs with global implications are headed.”</p><p><br>SAWA Rights Management, in collaboration with local authorized platforms, aims to ensure widespread access to Newsmax TV across the MENA region, fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting informed discussions on global affairs.</p><p><br>The partnership with Newsmax TV expands the offerings for SAWA Rights Management’s subscribers, providing them with a unique opportunity to stay up to date with US news, gain insights from expert analysis, and engage thought-provoking discussions on various topics. With its extensive range of programming, Newsmax enriches the news landscape and adds a valuable US perspective to SAWA’s channel lineup.</p>
SAWA RIGHTS MANAGEMENT Enters Exclusive Distribution Partnership with PADEL Time TV for MENA Region
<p><strong>Dubai, 15th February 2024</strong> – SAWA Rights Management, a leading channel rights distribution and media service provider company, has announced a strategic distribution partnership with Padel Time TV, securing exclusive channel rights for the MENA region. This collaboration aims to bring the exhilarating world of padel to audiences across the MENA region and expand the reach of Padel Time TV’s captivating sports content. </p><p>Under this exclusive distribution partnership, viewers in the MENA region can now access Padel Time TV’s diverse range of shows and highlights through the authorized platforms, ensuring widespread distribution and accessibility to padel enthusiasts. </p><p>The collaboration between SAWA Rights and Padel Time TV primarily focuses on the regional telcos and the hospitality industry; with SAWA Rights working closely with telcos platform providers and stakeholders in the hospitality sector. By leveraging its expertise in channel rights management and its extensive distribution network, SAWA Rights aims to ensure a seamless integration and distribution of Padel Time TV. </p><p>This partnership provides the opportunity for our customers to access top-quality padel content, further enhancing our market presence as a leading provider of channels to both PAY-TV customers and the hospitality industry. </p><p>“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Padel Time TV, which allows us to bring their exceptional content to the MENA region”, said Ali Ajouz, Group CEO of SAWA Rights Management. </p><p>“By combining our expertise in channel rights licensing and our extensive channel distribution network, we aim to deliver unparalleled entertainment experiences to our partners and viewers.”</p><p>In addition to channel exclusive rights, SAWA Rights is committed to covering local live Padel events and championships in the MENA region.</p><p>Padel Time TV has gained significant popularity for its captivating shows and highlights. Viewers can look forward to programs such as “Padel Pro Tour”, which showcases thrilling matches and exclusive interviews with top players, and “Padel Legends”, a show that celebrates the achievements of iconic players who have made a lasting impact on the sport. Other shows include “Padel Tactics”, offering valuable insights and strategies to improve one’s game, and “Padel around the world”, which takes viewers on a virtual journey to different countries’ padel scenes. </p><p>“I'm delighted to be launching the world's first international Padel channel with SAWA Rights as our key partner in the region. We can’t wait to make Padel a leading global sport in the Middle East.”, said Arnaud Verlhac, Co-Founder of Padel Time TV.</p><p>Padel is a growing market and it’s experiencing exponential growth worldwide, with over 30 million amateur and professional players in more than 90 countries and aspires to become an Olympic discipline in the coming years.</p><p>The exclusive partnership between SAWA Rights and Padel Time TV presents an exciting opportunity for telecom operators in the MENA region to offer their subscribers exclusive access to premium padel content. With the increasing popularity of padel sport in the region, the collaboration is poised to cater to the growing demand for engaging sports programming. </p>
SAWA TECHNOLOGIES and TRIAX Announce Another Year of Strategic Partnership
<p><i>TRIAX to provide SAWA Technologies with Headend Solutions including Coax and IP</i></p><p><strong>Dubai, United Arab Emirates – January 1st, 2024</strong> - SAWA TECHNOLOGIES, a subsidiary of the renowned SAWA Group of Companies ‘SAWA ENTERTAINMENT’, is thrilled to announce the extension of its strategic partnership with TRIAX, a leading global supplier of reliable and innovative products and solutions for video, audio, and data signal reception and distribution. </p><p>Building on the success of their previous collaborations, SAWA TECHNOLOGIES and TRIAX have reaffirmed their commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market. Under the terms of the renewed agreement, TRIAX will continue to provide SAWA TECHNOLOGIES with comprehensive headend solutions and TV channels distribution systems, solidifying its position as the exclusive main supplier for said products SAWA Technologies in the UAE. </p><p>“We are excited to extend our partnership with TRIAX for another year, it aligns perfectly with our strategy to expand our offerings and provide a comprehensive range of products and services to our customers and hospitality partners in the region”, said Suheil Zurub, Managing Director of SAWA TECHNOLOGIES. </p><p>TRIAX’s reliable and innovative headend and distribution solutions play a crucial role in delivering seamless experiences to commercial customers in general and the hospitality sector in particular. These solutions are easy to install and manage, and they contribute to enhancing the user/guest experience while maximizing revenues. </p><p>As part of the agreement, TRIAX will be providing SAWA Technologies with headend solutions and channels distribution systems. TRIAX’s products and solutions are used in homes, businesses and operator networks by broadcasters, satellite, cable, and telecom operators.</p><p>This strategic partnership between SAWA TECHNOLOGIES and TRIAX signifies their shared vision of delivering excellence and innovation. By combining their expertise, the two companies are poised to accelerate advancements in the industry and shape the future of TV technologies across many industries. </p>
M6 INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHES IN MIDDLE EAST
<p>With the launch of its international flagship in the UAE, the M6 Group significantly strengthens its international presence, notably in the Middle East. THEMA, a Canal+ Group company, in collaboration with UAE-based content licensing management company, SAWA Rights Management (SRM), has announced the launch of M6 International channel on du’s TV platform in the UAE.</p><p>It is being offered in du’s add-on French Package, which costs AED69 (€15.8) a month to receive. Du operates under the umbrella of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC).</p><p>Commenting on the launch, Karim Benkirane, acting CCO, du, said: “Delighting our customer base has always been a topmost priority for du. Because the UAE is now home for millions of expats from around the world, it is our responsibility to cater to the needs of all communities and cultures. We have made tremendous progress in this direction over an extended period of time, and the launch of M6 on our TV platform reaffirms our commitment to the audiences we serve. Moving forward, French nationals across the UAE will be able to enjoy even more options in the world of entertainment, something that has become a reality thanks to our partnership with Thema.”</p><p>Laurent de Lorme, M6 Group Programme Director & Programme Marketing Director, added: “M6 International gathers the best of M6 TV channel programming as well as successful flagship programmes from M6 Group channels (W9, 6ter, Paris Première et Téva). M6 International now allows francophone and French expatriate access to a diversified selection of high-quality content”. Séverine Garusso, Head of EMEA Distribution at Thema, continued: “We are delighted to add M6I into du offer. We are sure the channel will ravish the francophone community and the French expatriates living in the UAE as it will allow them to relish the best programs from the M6 Group”.</p>
SPI’S DRAMA BRAND DIZI LAUNCHES ON DU IN THE MIDDLE EAST
<p>Dizi offers Turkish series as well as telenovelas and soap operas from around the world, depending on the demand in local markets. SPI/FilmBox, in collaboration with Sawa Rights Management, has launched Dizi on telecommunications service provider du’s TV platform in the UAE. SPI’s long-standing partner du will offer SPI’s premium Turkish drama hub Dizi in the “Arabic Essential” package.</p><p>Commenting on the launch, Murat Muratoğlu, Head of Distribution at SPI International, said: “Turkish series became a global phenomenon in recent years and they are exceptionally popular in the Middle East. It is our absolute pleasure to make the riveting world of Dizi accessible to more households in the UAE with du through our partnership with Sawa.”</p><p>Established in April 2019, Dizi broadcasts popular Turkish series dubbed in multiple languages. Dizi reaches millions of households worldwide, rapidly growing its global footprint with recent launches in Sub-Saharan Africa, CEE and Western Europe. Over 600 hours of popular series including Endless Love, Money Love and other successful productions starring A-list stars such as Tuba Büyüküstün, Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, and Farah Zeynep Abdullah will be available to subscribers, dubbed in Arabic.</p><p>Ali Ajouz, Chief Executive Officer, Sawa Rights Management, added: “Once again, we are delighted to bring to our platform clients across the Middle East, the opportunity to add Dizi, a top-quality and entertainment-rich TV channel that will satisfy the most demanding of TV viewers. In addition to adding Dizi to du’s Essential-Arabic package, we are working hard to add Dizi on as many platforms as possible.”</p><p>Du already carries family entertainment channels from the SPI’s portfolio such as its flagship channel FilmBox HD, bringing viewers Hollywood blockbusters; FightBox HD which broadcasts some of the most electrifying combat sports live events and multi-discipline mixed martial arts coverage and DocuBox HD, which delivers a collection of award-winning documentaries.</p>
SAWA RIGHTS MANAGEMENT INKS MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH SES
<p>Sawa to distribute 14 TV channels across the MENA region via MonacoSAT satellite located at 52 degrees East. Sawa Rights Management, a strategic service provider to the MENA broadcast industry, has signed a multi-year agreement with global content connectivity solutions provider SES, where it will be delivering TV channels to commercial properties.</p><p>Under this agreement, Sawa will utilise MonacoSAT, a satellite located at 52 degrees East, to broadcast the first 14 channels that are licensed by regional and international providers such as Fox, Rotana and ReelPX. Commenting on the partnership, Ali Ajouz, CEO of Sawa, said: “Our agreement with SES plays a key role in further expanding our services into the MENA region targeting IPTV, OTT and cable platforms as well as commercial properties such as hotels, hospitals, restaurants and cafés. Thanks to the partnership with SES, known for the unparalleled reach and reliability of service they deliver globally via prime orbital positions, we are now able to efficiently expand our territory to cover the full Middle East and North Africa Region.”</p><p>Hakan Sjodin, Vice President of EMEA, Video Sales at SES, added: “We are delighted to partner with SAWA, a well-known player in the market, and enable them to expand their service throughout the region. Not only will their customers receive access to high-quality content, they can also count on the best-in-class broadcast service we provide.” Sawa’s TV channel distribution business reaches all main IPTV and OTT platforms as well as over 750 commercial properties across the MENA region. In addition, Sawa holds international rights to over 40 TV channels which are currently being licensed to both commercial properties and consumer platforms worldwide.</p>
SAWA RIGHTS MANAGEMENT SELECTS NAGRA CAS SOLUTION
<p>Using its newly launched satellite channels at 52.50E, Sawa plans to expand its commercial distribution capabilities across the region.</p><p>Dubai-based Sawa Rights Management, a service provider to the MENA broadcast TV industry, has selected NAGRA cloud-based CAS solution to encrypt and secure its premium channels for distribution to commercial properties such as hotels, hospitals, cafés and a wide range of public viewing spaces.</p><p>Speaking about the partnership, Ali Ajouz, CEO of Sawa, said: “We are excited to work with NAGRA to secure our channels and expand our footprint for many of our channel partners. Our channels are now encrypted and protected with NAGRA’s cloud-based CAS. Working with NAGRA was an easy decision given its history and expertise in the CAS industry. We are now able to securely expand our territory to cover the full Middle East and North Africa Region.” Sawa’s TV channel distribution business reaches all main IPTV and OTT platforms as well as over 750 commercial properties across the MENA region. In addition, Sawa holds international rights to over 40 TV channels which are currently being licensed to both commercial properties and consumer platforms worldwide.</p><p>Thierry Legrand, SVP EMEA, NAGRA, added: “As the first hybrid cardless and card-based deployment in the region, our solutions continue to have an impact in helping service providers across the globe meet their content protection needs. We take great pride in being Sawa’s premium content security provider, and look forward to ensuring the continued integrity and growth of their service for years to come.”</p>
SAWA RIGHTS MANAGEMENT BRINGS EIGHT NEW RUSSIAN TV CHANNELS TO UAE
<p>A wide range of content line-up will be available to the Russian community in the UAE. UAE-based content rights management company Sawa Rights Management (SRM) has announced the addition of eight new and exclusive Russian entertainment TV channels to its extensive portfolio of more than 20 Russian channels that are now available to the hospitality and residential properties in the region.</p><p>The new channels include TNT, TNT4, Friday!, TV3, 8TV, UA|TV, Detski Mir and Lubimoe Kino. Russian-speaking community will get a wide range of content line-up ranging from comedy series to movies, reality shows, cartoons, sitcoms and more. Speaking about the new channels, Ali Ajouz, CEO of SRM, said: “We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of Russian TV channels in the region. The Russian speaking community in the region comprises over one and a half million residents as well as tourists and it is growing year on year. The new agreements we just signed expands our Russian offering to over 20 channels that are available on Etisalat, du and to all hotels in the region.”</p><p>In addition to the channels mentioned above, SRM’s portfolio of Russian channels also includes Channel One Russia, Carousel, Dom Kino, Dom Kino Premium, Gulli Girl, Katyusha, Muzika Pervogo, O!, Poehali, Telecafe, Tiji and Vremya.</p>
SRM SIGNS MULTI-YEAR DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT WITH FIGHT NETWORK
<p>The announcement marks a continuation of SRM’s partnership with Fight Network, having previously completed a distribution agreement with du, Jawwy TV and TOOLi. SAWA Rights Management (SRM) has signed a multi-year distribution agreement with combat sports television channel Fight Network.</p><p>As part of this deal, viewers will get access to combat sports content ranging from Impact Wrestling, KSW and Fight Nights Global, to Combate Americas and World Lethwei Championship, among many others. The announcement marks a continuation of SRM’s partnership with Fight Network, having previously completed a distribution agreement to air the popular channel on du, one of the platforms in Dubai, OTT platform Jawwy TV and TOOLi, a satellite DTH and OTT platform. Fight Network offers combat sports coverage, with more than 300 hours of live fights from top promoters across the globe.</p><p>Additionally, Fight Network also features a slate of original programming packed with exclusive content, documentary features and unscripted series. Highlights include popular offerings Retrospective, Diary, In 60 and After The Fight, as well as an impressive roster of classic fights and compilations, and weekly events such as Boxing World Weekly, Total Combat and IMPACT Wrestling. “We are excited to finally bring Fight Network back to the MENA region,” said Ali Ajouz, SRM CEO. “The return of the channel will undoubtedly satisfy the most demanding fans of Combat Sports.”</p><p>“Combat sports have enjoyed a significant increase in popularity with viewers around the world, cementing the medium as a truly global phenomenon,” said Ariel Shnerer, GM of Fight Network. “We are proud to have the opportunity to continue building on our partnership with SRM, and we look forward to providing even more viewers across the MENA with the exclusive live events, acclaimed series and original content that only Fight Network can provide.”</p>
SAWA RIGHTS MANAGEMENT LANDS MIDDLE EAST DISTI DEAL FOR US TV CHANNELS
<p>The distribution deal with Herring Networks gives viewers access to original lifestyle programming from the US.</p><p>UAE-based content rights management company Sawa Rights Management (SRM) has signed a distribution agreement with US-based Herring Networks’ TV channels, AWE(A Wealth of Entertainment) and OAN (One America News Network). According to the deal, SRM will be able to license the channels to all platforms across the MENA region.</p><p>The channels have already launched on the Du TV platform in Dubai and negotiations with other pay-TV platforms are on-going, SRM revealed. Commenting on the partnership, Ali Ajouz, CEO of SRM, said: “I am delighted to bring OAN and AWE to the MENA region, two unique HD channels offering viewers never before seen original lifestyle productions and the latest up to date news from the US”.</p>
SAWA SIGNS DEAL WITH NHK WORLD-JAPAN ON DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS IN MENA
<p>MENA hotels to whom SAWA provides TV entertainment channels will now include NHK World-Japan as part of their entertainment bouquet TV channel aggregator SAWA Rights Management has signed an agreement with broadcaster NHK World-Japan for the rights of commercial distribution across the MENA region.</p><p>The agreement was finalised during MIPCOM at Cannes, France in October 2019. NHK World-Japan’s 24-hour programming cycle includes its news show, NHK Newsline along with programmes such as Great Gear, Dining with the Chef,J-Arena, and Journeys in Japan. In addition, the channel offers documentaries and specials, including Asia Insight and NHK Documentary.</p><p>Commenting on the agreement, Ali Ajouz, CEO of SAWA Rights Management, said: “At SAWA, we continuously strive to offer the most relevant and first-class entertainment options to our hospitality customers across the MENA region and this agreement is yet another example of our commitment towards our hospitality customers region wide. NHK World-Japan delivers a blend of programming featuring hourly live international news from Tokyo and news bureaus from around the globe, along with programmes on Japanese lifestyle, culture, food, travel, technology, science and history – offering a great treat for our viewers and partners in the MENA region.” Masaru Shiromoto, President and CEO of Japan International Broadcasting responsible for the worldwide distribution of NHK World-Japan, added: “With this collaboration with SAWA, our viewers in the MENA region can connect with NHK World-Japan. We have the opportunity to reach even more viewers, making our wide variety of programmes more accessible to new audiences across the globe and serve them with a perspective on Japanese and Asian culture, lifestyle and news.”</p>
SAWA RIGHTS MANAGEMENT LICENSES ESPORTS CHANNEL TO JAWWY TV
<p>SAWA Rights Management is focused on the esports genre and recently licensed the ES24 to STC's Jawwy TV.</p><p>The ES24 covers all the major leagues in the sports world. Sawa Rights Management, the licensing arm of Sawa Media, has announced that it has licensed ES24, an esports channel, to Saudi Telecom‘s Jawwy TV.</p><p>In an exclusive interview with BroadcastPro ME, Ali Ajouz, CEO of Sawa Media said: "Esports is an emerging genre and we are managing the leading sports channels in the region. We represent two esports channels, Game 2 and ES24, and they are popular. ES24 covers all major leagues in the sports world. We have licensed this to Saudi Telecom (STC) for its Jawwy TV platform, along with 36 other channels. We recognise the importance of esports in the region and are focusing on it now."</p><p>Sawa Media has around 250 TV channels, which we license to all kinds of pay-tv channels through Sawa Rights Management (SRM). At SRM, we have agreements with almost every single telco platform that runs an IPTV solution in the Middle East. We cover the full spectrum for supplying channels to pay-TV channels across the region,“ he concluded.</p>
INSIGHT TV SIGNS MENA DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH SAWA RIGHTS MANAGEMENT AND LAUNCHES IN THE MIDDLE EAST ON JAWWY TV PLATFORM
<p>Insight TV is announcing the launch of its linear HD channel in the Middle East on Intigral’s new OTT streaming service, Jawwy TV. Insight TV is announcing the launch of its linear HD channel in the Middle East on Intigral’s new OTT streaming service, Jawwy TV. The deal was managed by SAWA Rights Management (SRM), an award-winning content provider and producer and new Insight TV channel distribution partner in the region.</p><p>SRM offers a rich line-up of broadcast TV channels and third-party titles to platforms throughout the Middle East and North Africa. This is the first time that viewers in the region will have access to Insight TV’s full line up of authentic and topical content, 24/7. JAWWY TV, a wholly owned OTT platform by Intigral Internatinal FZ LLC, provides subscribers with a wide range of entertainment from live TV and the latest on-demand premium content to digital sports. Subscribers will now be able to watch Insight HD TV via the Jawwy set-top box or the Jawwy TV app starting this April. Shows include Morbidelli Rising, THRU, Travel with a Goat, Story of Masters and many more.</p><p>“We’re delighted to make this double whammy announcement,” says Graeme Stanley, COO, Insight TV. “The launch of Insight TV in the MENA region and our new, non-exclusive distribution partnership with SRM will enable us to reach more viewers who are hungry for our adrenaline-fuelled content featuring action heroes, content creators, trending communities and inspirational topics.”</p><p>Ali Ajouz CEO of SRM adds, “Insight TV is an exciting prospect for viewers across the MENA region as its content is totally unique and compelling. We’re looking forward to working on future projects and making further announcements over the coming months.”</p>