BBC Arabic extends North Africa reach via Yahlive platform

Ammar Baranbo

UAE-based satellite broadcaster Yahlive has reinforced its long-term partnership with UK-based broadcaster the BBC.

Under a new agreement, the platform is extending the reach of BBC Arabic to Arabic-speaking audiences in North Africa (aka the Maghreb). The expansion means BBC Arabic will now reach 42 million viewers in North Africa, in addition to the 62m targeted via Yahlive’s East beam.

Ammar Baranbo, COO, Yahlive commented: “The Arabian Maghreb has been a key focus for us.  We are thrilled to increase our channel offering, giving our Arabian Maghreb viewers even greater choice of quality content and channels. This partnership is in line with our strategy to bring relevant, most watched content to each of the culturally diverse communities under our coverage”.

Yahlive, a joint venture between SES and UAE-based Yahsat, beams over 260 channels in more than six languages to 115 million viewers across the Middle East, North Africa, and South West Asia. The BBC deal follows a recent carriage extension with Turner Broadcasting System’s news channel CNN.