Orbit Communications increases variety with signing of EuroNews

Dubai: Satellite broadcast TV firm Orbit Communications has expanded its lineup of news offerings with the signing of EuroNews at a press conference in Dubai last week.

The EuroNews channel is the top-rated European cable news outlet with 168 million viewers in 121 countries, topping CNN International, CNBC and BBC World, according to the company.

"Its very important to be associated with a well-known brand such as Euro-News, which presents straight forward news, without commentary, without spin," said Samir Abdulhadi, president and CEO of Orbit, after announcing the partnership.

Orbit, which competes with other broadcasters Showtime Arabia and ART for the Middle East satellite TV market, will have exclusive distribution right for EuroNews in 12 countries including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.

Additionally, Orbit will have non-exclusive rights across 13 countries including the UAE, Jordan, Leb-anon, Egypt and Cyprus. Orbit already broadcasts five news channels Sky, BBC, CNBC, CNN and Orbit News.

However, Abdulhadi said variety was critical to satisfying customer demand and this necessitated bringing on Europe's top news channel.

EuroNews will be available this month to all Orbit subscribers in English and French.