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28 March 2024

MBC signs deal with Paramount for free TV output

GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra has so far grossed more than $269m. (SUPPLIED) 

Published
By Staff Writer

MBC Group, region's leading television network, has signed a long-term free television output deal with Paramount Pictures Corporation, the global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

As part of the deal with Paramount, MBC will have exclusive rights in the region to broadcast some of the studio's stand-out theatrical hits including this year's, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, which grossed more than $829 million (Dh3.04 billion) on worldwide box- office and continues to climb; and Star Trek, which earned more than $385m on worldwide box-office.

In addition, the deal includes rights to Paramount's recent worldwide hit, GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra, which is also still in threatres around the world and has already collected more than $269m on worldwide box-office.

"We're delighted to tie up with Paramount to show some of the biggest box-office hits of the year for the first time on free TV," said Tim Riordan, MBC Group TV Director.

"This is a wonderful news for viewers of our movie channels, MBC2 and MBC MAX, and is further proof of our commitment to movies in the region," said Riordan.

Speaking on behalf of Paramount, Hal Richardson, President of Worldwide Television Distribution, expressed enthusiasm for the new free television deal. "We are very pleased to have concluded this arrangement with one of the leading free-to-air entertainment broadcasters in the Middle East and look forward to expanding the successful working relationship we have developed with our friends at MBC."

Other blockbuster titles included in this exclusive free television deal are Marvel's Iron Man and DreamWorks Animation's Monsters vs Aliens, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.

MBC Group was established in 1991 as the first pan-Arab free-to-air satellite broadcasting company in the Arab World. Over the past 17 years, MBC group has grown to become a well-established media group that enriches people's lives through information, interaction and entertainment.

MBC Group includes seven TV channels: MBC1 (general family entertainment), MBC2 and MBC MAX (24-hour movies), MBC3 (children's entertainment), MBC4 (entertainment for new Arab women), MBC Action (action series and movies) and Al Arabiya (the 24-hour Arabic language news channel).

 

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