Discovery to Launch New Net in Middle East

Discovery said it is launching a new free-to-air network in the Middle East in partnership with BHS Media called Home & Health Farsi.

BHS will use Discovery content with a localized approach to meet the needs of the Farsi-speaking community.

“Discovery has been investing in the Middle East for over 17 years, with globally-recognizable channels and popular program franchises that have helped to position us as one of the leading multiplatform broadcasters in the region,” said Amanda Turnbull, VP and country manager, Discovery Networks MENA. “The launch of Home & Health Farsi represents Discovery’s commitment to also deliver a more localized offering, with content that has been specifically curated to meet the needs of the currently underserved Farsi-speaking communities.”

Home & Health Farsi aims at female viewers. Programming will include shows from popular Arab chefs such as Mohammad Orfali in Modern Cuisine and Wafaa Alkandari in Salt & Pepper, and international lifestyle series including Craft Wars and Gordon’s Great Escape.

With other partners, Discovery has recently launched a number of channels across the Middle East and North America.

Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.