FME & MBC Enter Multi-Year Pact

CANNES: FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) and the Middle East Broadcasting Company (MBC) have struck an agreement that sees the Idols format licensed in the Middle East, the Got Talent format getting an additional two seasons as well as a complete three-year volume deal on FME’s tape catalogue.

MBC Group will produce three seasons of a pan-Arabic Idols series. The two companies will work closely to launch the show on- and off-screen. 

The first season of Arabs Got Talent debuted on MBC4 in january, with an audition process that spanned 13 countries across the Middle East. 

MBC Group has aired a number of FME programs, including America’s Got Talent, Celebrity Apprentice, Project Runway and Merlin. 

Jamie Lynn, the senior VP of distribution for the Middle East, Southern Europe and Africa at FME said, “We are thrilled to be working closely with MBC Group to introduce Idols to the Middle East. Arabs Got Talent has already proven very popular with MBC viewers and we are confident that the Idols format will also establish itself as a must-watch TV title for them. We plan to launch the show on a scale that has not been seen in this region before and trust that Idols will become part of Arabic society as it has done in other territories aired. Along with the format deals we are particularly pleased to conclude an extensive content deal. The Middle East is one of the fastest growing markets and we are looking forward to doing more business in the region.”

Tim Riordan, the group TV director at MBC Group ,said: “Our partnership with FremantleMedia Enterprises has proved to be a great formula for success in the recent past and we look forward to taking the next step with additional International formats to the Arab world. MBC Group is the pioneer in introducing new hit shows that revolutionize the viewership trends in the pan-Arab region. We are confident that the Idols formats will do the same for our loyal viewers and our adamant advertisers alike.”