BBC Studios expands in MENA, Türkiye

BBC Studios is increasing its offering across MENA and Türkiye, with the launch of an array of channels across the region and the expansion of its BBC Player streaming service.

The commercial arm of the BBC has struck a deal with digital distribution firm CosmoBlue Media on the ventures, which will see BBC Player becoming available via its CosmoGO platform.

CosmoBlue will also work with BBCS to expand the reach of linear channel brands including drama-skewing BBC First, factual-focused BBC Earth, and kids offering CBeebies.

Arran Tindall, president of EMEA for BBCS’s Global Channels & Streaming division, described the deal as a “significant step” for its operations in the region and said it would allow the organization to “harness the full potential” of its brands and content.

Berk Uziyel, co-founder and group chief exec at CosmoBlue, said the expansion of BBC Player would allow it to reach new audiences and “strengthen the digital ecosystem.”

Earlier this week, BBCS revealed it was expanding its FAST channels in Spain as part of a broader push to expand its reach across EMEA.

Those deals saw MasOrange in Spain carrying BBCS-owned quartet Top Gear, BBC Series, BBC Earth, and BBC Lifestyle. BBC Player also debuted on Movistar Plus+ in Spain last month.