Yahlive, the Abu Dhabi-based satellite joint venture between the world leading satellite operator SES and UAE satellite company Yahsat, announced on August 16 that it has signed a contract renewal with the BBC World Service. As part of the ongoing agreement, the BBC will continue the broadcast of its Persian and Arabic television channels as well as the radio programming from its Arabic and Afghan services to audiences across Yahlive's wide and culturally diverse footprint.
Commenting on the strength of the partnership, Sami Boustany, chief executive officer, 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.""
The BBC remains a key broadcaster in some of Yahlive's main coverage regions such as the Middle East and South West Asia. Viewership has significantly increased across Yahlive's Farsi-speaking viewers in the region. Between 2014 and 2015 the total number of viewers over direct-to-home and terrestrial networks grew by approximately 45% from 26 million to over 37 million.
Yahlive delivers a selective choice of premium television channels through its free-to-air platform and has become the market leader for Farsi-speaking audiences in the Middle East and South West Asia.
