Netflix signs partnership deal with OSN

CAIRO – 18 February 2018: Netflix has signed its first Middle-East partnership deal with OSN, ensuring more content available for OSN customers. This commences a step forward for further industry collaboration, according to a press release by Netflix on Sunday.
The current media environment sees a greater amount of programming to watch and a higher demand for high quality streaming services. OSN will see the launch of a new OSN Box with access to the library of Netflix content, estimated to be released in the second quarter of 2018.
Customers will even get a chance to pay for their Netflix bill alongside their OSN bill through one combined bill. There is no information on whether this will lead to the production of original Arabic language content on Netflix, however the possibility might become more likely as the Netflix is already working on generating more content catering demands of the Arab region.
OSN CEO Martin Stewart mentions in a press release attained by Egypt Today “that the future of the entertainment industry in the MENA region will be shaped by providers who offer value and choice at every turn, and through this groundbreaking partnership with Netflix, we are demonstrating our customer-centric focus on delivering convenience and flexibility for all.”
While on the other side Neil Martin, OSN's Chief Commercial Officer stated the breadth of OSN’s programming portfolio in the region is unbeatable and cemented by long-term partnerships with major international studios previously including Disney, HBO, NBC Universal, Fox, and Sony to name a few.
“Now with the addition of Netflix, OSN continues to ensure entertainment lovers in the region have more choice and easy access to a stellar line-up of unique content via one interface,” he added in the released statement.
Netflix and Amazon accounted for 21 percent of the Middle East and North Africa market in 2017, according to Variety. With this new deal, Netflix will have finally gained some traction in establishing a foothold in the region, which it has previously struggled with.
Maria Ferreras, Netflix's VP Business Development for EMEA stated; "With this regional partnership and thanks to hundreds of Netflix's original titles slated for 2018, OSN's customers will be able to seamlessly access and enjoy all the best entertainment in one place.”
Examples of some of the new content now available to OSN subscribers include Will Smith's latest film 'Bright', Netflix flagships 'Stranger Things' and 'Orange is the New Black', Egypt's darling 'Narcos', amongst many others, available in Ultra HD 4K and HDR.