Yahlive extends BBC World Service contract

Sami Boustany, CEO of Yahlive

Abu Dhabi-based SES and Yahsat satellite joint venture Yahlive has renewed and extended its partnership with the BBC to broadcast its Persian and Arabic TV channels across its footprint.

As part of the agreement with the BBC World Service, Yahlive will distribute the broadcaster’s Persian and Arabic television channels as well as the radio programming from its Arabic and Afghan services to audiences across the Middle East and South-West Asia.

Yahlive says that viewership has significantly increased among its Farsi-speaking viewers in the region. Between 2014 and 2015 the total number of viewers over DTH and terrestrial networks grew by approximately 45% from 26 million to over 37 million.

Sami Boustany, CEO, Yahlive said: “Yahlive is one of the fastest-growing regional satellite broadcasters in the region. Working closely with partners such as the BBC is core to our mission to bring viewers a mix of culturally relevant programming. The continuation of our partnership with the BBC is reflective of this and is a significant component of our growing channel portfolio.”

Nigel Fry, head of distribution, BBC World Service said: “The BBC has a strong history of offering a variety of news, business, sport and documentary programming. Since our first signed agreement in July 2014, the continued partnership with Yahlive has given us an opportunity to share our world-class content with more viewers and listeners across the region.”