FremantleMedia Enterprises Sells 150 Hours To Middle East

FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has announced a major sales success with the multi-channel pan-Arabic broadcasters, Middle East Broadcasting Centre (MBC).
MBC has bulked up its 2009 schedule with more than 150 hours of FME's premium content including the 8th season of international juggernaut 'American Idol', as well as a host of other US-originated programmes, which will now be seen by the largest television audience in the Middle East.
In addition to 'American Idol: Season 8', MBC has picked up the documentary: 'Britney: For The Record', which drew an audience of 3.8 million viewers and a 3.3% share - 267% higher than MTV's prime time average - when it aired in the US in November 2008.
MBC has also opted for a wide selection of FME's American blue collar factual shows: 'America's Toughest Jobs', '1,000 Ways To Die', 'America's Port', 'Black Gold', 'LA Hard Hats' and 'Verminators', which are all set to have viewers on the edge of their seats in 2009.
In addition to the US slate, MBC has chosen a range of FME programmes from the UK, Germany and Australia. MBC has bought the highly-successful 'Merlin', which has already sold to more than territories worldwide, as well as Europe's biggest awards ceremony, 'The BRIT Awards 2009'. The compelling crime drama set on Australia's Gold Coast, 'The Strip' also proved irresistible to MBC.
Jamie Lynn, VP Sales (Middle East, Israel, Turkey, Greece & Cyprus), FremantleMedia Enterprises brokered the deal and commented: "We're delighted to be able to provide the Arab world's most popular broadcaster with such an exciting selection of our new programming. We look forward to building on this successful relationship."
Jemma Yates, Channel Manager, MBC4, said: "This is great news for our audience. 'American Idol' is one of the world's great event shows and for the first time our viewers will be able to see it in the same week as the US, free and exclusive. Along with Idol, FME have some fabulous programmes and we're delighted to conclude such an exclusive deal with them."
In addition to these new sales, FME has also brokered renewals for 'Project Runway' and 'She's Got The Look' with MBC.
(KMcA/BMcC)