CBeebies Launching in MENA Region

LONDON: CBeebies is set to launch April 1 as a linear channel in the Middle East and North Africa exclusively to subscribers of beIN.

According to BBC Worldwide, this is the first time the CBeebies preschool brand has entered the MENA market as a full channel. It will be available 24 hours with original English audio. Among the key titles premiering on the network are Go Jetters, an original commission for the international CBeebies channel; Hey Duggee, an animated series aimed at 2- to 5-year-olds; the second seasons of Katie Morag and Sarah and Duck; and the contemporary version of the British classic Clangers.

Natasha Hussain, the VP and general manager for the Middle East and Mediterranean region at BBC Worldwide, said: “CBeebies is the number one channel for preschoolers in the U.K., and that success has spread internationally, from Australia to South Africa. We have a fantastic lineup of brand-new programs for viewers in the Middle East and North Africa region which we know will entertain and educate local preschoolers in equal measure.”

Yousef Al-Obaidly, the deputy CEO of beIN MEDIA GROUP, said: “beIN is focused on providing a wide range of exclusive and premium content for children. This is in line with our vision of catering to the needs of the whole family. Our partnership with BBC enhances our kids’ entertainment portfolio even further.  I am sure that CBeebies content will be consumed by our subscribers throughout the region.”

CBeebies is also available in Australia, Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar), Mexico, Latin America, Poland and South Africa.