ASLI , which means original in many of the region ’ s languages , is OSN ’ s latest strategic offering and will be live in early 2018 through the company ’ s existing OTT platform WAVO , and will be free for viewers .

By introducing this platform OSN has now become the first entertainment network in the MENA to curate and provide an online platform where regional content creators can showcase their original material . ASLI will champion short to medium form content so that in one click viewers will be able to enjoy diverse content across various genres including ; travel and culture , adventure and lifestyle comedy , music , art , audio podcasts , food and sports .

“ OSN is the region ’ s leading entertainment network ,” noted chief executive officer of OSN , Martin Stewart . “ We have been ASLI for more than two decades , which is why we are deeply committed and fond of this region and its people , who like us , love great entertainment . As we strive to continue to

reshape the entertainment landscape in this region , home to such amazing talent , it is with extreme pride and excitement that we now deliver ASLI ; an online curated publishing platform , where content creators can license and showcase their unique work to reach a vast audience .”

“ Viewers hungry for curated original content from the region will now be able to freely browse a catalogue on ASLI , through WAVO ,” added Ismat Abidi , producer of ASLI and legal counsel at OSN . “ All ASLI content will be subtitled in both Arabic and English and content creators will no longer need to worry about chasing algorithms , selling their work or relying on sponsorships

or commissioned projects . They will automatically be featured in a place quality regional content deserves to be , alongside world class content on WAVO , while retaining the intellectual property rights and full creative control of their work . ASLI overcomes one of the biggest frustrations of content creators in this region . It allows content creators to focus on what they enjoy the most , telling great stories from this region , for the world .”

Launched earlier in 2017 as the network ’ s OTT offering to the region , WAVO capitalises on some of OSN ’ s exclusive partnerships with leading studios such as HBO and Disney , giving subscribers in the region unprecedented access to shows such as Westworld , Game of Thrones and Big Little Lies , as well as Disney family favourites to add tremendous value for subscribers , who will now gain access to original content from regional talent through ASLI .

Some of the region ’ s existing content creators who will initially be featured on ASLI are Peeta Planet , Punny Pun Times , Kerning Cultures , The Planet , What Doesn ’ t Suck , Waastaa / Halla Walla and The Scene Club .

MENA anti-piracy coalition helps close 30 pirate channels

The MENA Broadcast

Satellite Anti-Piracy Coalition has celebrated the shutting down of 30 Arabic and western pirate TV channels since the summer . Another 26 channels have recently stopped violating copyrights . The Coalition hailed measures taken by members in the ongoing efforts against TV piracy between April and September 2017 .

“ With this latest series of actions , the satellite broadcast industry in the region has effectively cleansed itself of the piracy scourge that has been damaging us since 2012 ,” declared Sam Barnett , MBC Group CEO . “ This has only

happened because of the effective collaboration of producers , broadcasters and satellite operators . Even last week , we have heard news of Egyptian film producers signing new deals with legitimate TV stations – deals that previously would not have happened due to piracy . This is a big boost for the sector .”

The Coalition also reaffirmed its commitment to remain fully engaged in protecting content against illegal satellite distribution ,

and agreed to widen its focus to IPTV and OTT piracy .

Members of the Coalition also discussed the growing threat from illegal internet streaming and downloads , and agreed to work together to strengthen their relationship with authorities in his context .

“ We need to build on the great successes achieved by the coalition so far ,” asserted Okke Delfos Visser , head of the legal department of the MPA in Europe and the

Middle East and Africa . “ We now need to solidify our efforts in tackling satellite piracy and open a new front into online , such as IPTV and illicit streaming device piracy .”

Raed Al Hout , IP specialist , Office of the US IP Attaché for the Middle East and North Africa , confirmed that the body would continue coordinating with relevant IP enforcement agencies , including the US National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center ( IPR Center ) in supporting the important work of the Coalition , and “ looked forward to building upon their collaborative endeavours in future initiatives .”

In a joint commitment , the Coalition members also agreed to collaborate and develop an online siteblocking IPTV strategy .

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