Yahlive adds 16 new channels for Maghreb region

Ammar Baranbo

Middle East satellite platform Yahlive has added 16 new exclusive channels to its bouquet for the Maghreb region of North Africa.

The move takes the number of channels on the Maghreb service to 65, including 36 that are exclusive to Yahlive.

Fifty-seven of the channel on the bouquet are from Algeria. Yahlive is a also offering a line-up of entertainment and local channels including Echourouk News, El Heddaf TV and Ennahar TV as well as international channels including France 24, BBC Arabic, Abu Dhabi TV, Abu Dhabi Drama, Abu Dhabi Sports 1 & 2, National Geographic Abu Dhabi and Fashion 4K.

“Our business model focuses on delivering relevant channels to the communities that we serve. The Arabian Maghreb is a key focus for us and we are thrilled to have increased our channel offerings to these viewers within the last year. We look forward to sustaining the momentum and bringing more original, premium channels to viewers across this region,” said Ammar Baranbo, chief operating officer for Yahlive.

“Building and maintaining long-lasting relationships with our broadcast partners is of utmost importance to us. The increase in the number and quality of channels available through our satellite network is also creating opportunities for regional broadcasters to bring international and regional content to the right audience. This is just one of many initiatives, as we seek to work with more broadcasters.”

Yahsat signed a deal last year in Paris with Algeria’s Sahli Media Group to provide satellite channels in the region. CEO Samir Sahli said: “Our partnership with Yahlive goes from strength to strength and is focused on delivering an excellent mix of content for viewers in this region. We work closely together to increase the available number of local and international premium TV channels.”

The Algerian TV landscape has changed dramatically since a state monopoly on broadcasting ended three years ago. However, government attitudes to commercial broadcasters remain uncertain. Earlier this year, the country’s prime minister Abdelmalek Sellal prdered a crackdown on private broadcasters in the country.