Seven Arabic language TV channels are being delivered to Hotwire Communications’ IPTV viewers in the US following a tie-up with media services provider Globecast.
The channels – Alaraby, Dubai TV, Sama Dubai, Kuwait TV, Panorama Films, Panorama Drama and Sky News Arabia – will be delivered by Hotwire’s fibre network to its residential, commercial and government customers.
“In the past year, we have experienced an increased demand for Arabic language content. These channels meet the demand and allow Hotwire Communications to expand its library of content for Arabic-speaking viewers. Partnering with Globecast on this project was an incredible opportunity to work with global experts of international content,” said Jonathan Bullock, VP of development and government at Hotwire Communications.
Globecast is aggregating the channels at its California facility in Culver City and delivering them directly to Hotwire’s headend in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, using satellite, fibre and IP networks.
Natalie Rouse, vice president of content acquisition, aggregation and distribution at Globecast Americas said: “Over the past few months, we’ve worked very closely with Hotwire to develop a deep understanding of their markets, the demographics of their customers and the types of content they were asking for. We feel the addition of these seven Arabic language networks will go a long way in addressing their customer needs and providing content that their customers will enjoy.
“Given Hotwire’s growing Arabic audience, we’re confident these new channels will be successful.”
Globecast Americas now delivers 29 channels of international content to its customers.