CHUM Takes Channel Formats to the Middle East

TORONTO,
October 9: CHUM International (CI) and Takhayal Entertainment announced today
the official launch of Citytv Beirut, an Arabic terrestrial service reaching
more than 5 million people in Lebanon, as well as plans to develop a regional
version of MuchMusic.

Citytv Beirut,
which replaced the existing news channel NBN, soft-launched this past July. Its
schedule includes local and international news, a breakfast show and locally
produced magazine shows. Citytv Beirut is also carrying content from CHUM’s
catalogue in the fashion, lifestyle and music genres. Currently broadcasting
from the existing NBN studios, the station will soon move to a street-front
location in downtown Beirut.

CHUM has
also signed an agreement with Takhayal for the development of MuchMusic
Arabyeah!, a satellite-delivered music service that will be seen throughout the
Middle East. MuchMusic Arabyeah! will feature locally produced programming and
viewer interactivity, as well as music series, reality shows and both Arabic
and Western videos. The service will broadcast from the same downtown facility
as Citytv Beirut with a planned launch in the late fall.

“The Citytv
channel format has resonated with the people of Beirut,” said Kevin Byles, the
VP and GM of CHUM International. “We now look forward to building on our
wonderful relationship with Youssef El Deeb, and his talented team at Takhayal
Entertainment to create a MuchMusic channel tailored to the tastes of viewers
in the Middle East.”

“We are
delighted to be in partnership with CHUM International in bringing the first
international entertainment television brands to the Middle East,” said Youssef
El-Deeb, the chairman of Takhayal Entertainment. “Citytv goes against the
current trend of pan-Arab generic television catering to audiences spread over
two continents, and focusing rather, on a unique and vibrant city, Beirut, the
heart and soul of the Middle East. Similarly, with MuchMusic Arabyeah! we will
introduce music television that offers a unique blend of international and
local artists and programming.”

CHUM’s
successful Citytv channel format is seen throughout Canada in Toronto,
Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg, and has been adopted in Bogota,
Manchester, Jakarta and soon in Puerto Rico.