English Entertainment
MGM Networks to launch channels in Portugal, Korea
MGM Networks, a unit of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. has entered into agreements to launch MGM-branded channels in Portugal and South Korea.
These channel agreements, combined with MGM Networks’ launch in the Middle East earlier this year, nearly doubles the number of countries in which MGM has established a channel presence to date. MGM now has equity interests in foreign channels that reach more than 40 countries around the world, according to an official release. In India, the network has a joint venture with broadcaster Zee for its English movie channel Zee MGM.
In Europe, an MGM Movie Channel is planned to launch in May in Portugal. MGM commenced its Europe footprint by launching the MGM Movie Channel in Malta on 1 February and in Russia on 1 March this year. The MGM Movie Channel was launched in Malta on Melita Cable, the release states. In Russia, MGM Networks inked a deal with Metromedia International, which introduced the MGM Movie Channel into the market of the former U.S.S.R. on 1 March, initially launching on the Kosmos MMDS system in Moscow. In Portugal the MGM Movie Channel will commence on cable systems owned by Cabovisao, S.A.
The MGM Movie Channels in Russia and Malta are owned 100 per cent by MGM Networks. The Portuguese service will be provided by MGM Networks Latin America LLC, which operates the MGM Networks Latin America business. In South Korea, MGM has announced an alliance with the country’s leading DVD distributor, Spectrum DVD, to launch a customised Korean language service later this month. The MGM Movie Channel – Korea will be carried on the new Skylife DBS platform. MGM Networks will own 33 per cent of this channel, the maximum permitted under Korean law.
All the channels offer round-the-clock offerings from MGM’s celebrated 4,000-title library, the largest modern film library in the world, claims the company. Films include the pyschological thriller Hannibal, the Reese Witherspoon comedy Legally Blonde, and Heartbreakers which is about a pair of mother-daughter con artists.
The library also includes 19 Woody Allen films, and the popular James Bond, Rocky and Pink Panther franchises.
English Entertainment
ZEE5 UK partners Narrative Entertainment to add UK channels
Six FAST channels added as platform sharpens hybrid play in Britain
LONDON: ZEE5 UK struck a first-of-its-kind deal with Narrative Entertainment, bringing mainstream UK television channels onto an Indian streaming platform as it pushes to deepen its footprint in a crowded, mature market.
The partnership adds six of Narrative’s FAST channels to the service, including Great! Movies, Great! Romance, Great! Mystery and kids brands POP, Tiny Pop and POP UP, widening ZEE5 UK’s appeal across genres and age groups.
The move reflects a clear shift in strategy. ZEE5 UK is betting on a hybrid model that blends on-demand content with curated, always-on channels to drive discovery and increase time spent on the platform.
“This partnership represents a meaningful evolution in how we serve audiences in mature markets like the UK, where viewers are defined by habits, convenience and choice rather than geography or language alone,” said Parul Goel, territory head, Europe, Zee Entertainment. “By bringing trusted mainstream UK channels together with our premium originals, movies and kids’ content, we are building a more consumer-centric platform that simplifies viewing while increasing depth and relevance.”
Fateha Begum, commercial director, Narrative Entertainment, said the tie-up would fuel growth for both sides. “Our portfolio of quality programming, with such wide and enduring appeal, is a perfect complement to ZEE5 UK. This is a strong partnership that will support growth for both parties, and we share Zee Entertainment’s vision of an increasingly partnership-led future for the industry.”
ZEE5’s global library spans over 4,000 films and more than 500 originals, with over 130 new titles added annually. The addition of Narrative’s channels strengthens its kids offering and introduces genre-led linear experiences alongside its on-demand catalogue.
The deal also gives Narrative access to ZEE5 UK’s fast-growing user base, extending reach without diluting brand identity, while reinforcing ZEE5 UK’s network of more than 40 live channels.
As streaming wars intensify, ZEE5 UK is widening its playbook, blending content, convenience and partnerships in a bid to win screen time in one of the world’s toughest markets.
