Arabsat signs capacity deal with Ninetnine. Photo: Arabsat

Arabsat has signed a new capacity deal with Ninetnine that sees the content provider launch its live, linear entertainment TV channel Helwa TV on Arabsat. The two companies announced the deal, Dec. 5. Operated by Ninetnine and co-owned with BluTV, Helwa TV, which launched in March 2022, broadcasts premium Turkish series and North African TV shows.

The channel will be available free-to-air on Arabsat’s BADR-6 satellite, which reaches 550 million people in the Middle East and North Africa. Helwa TV has have proved successful on European cable networks and Dish Network’s OTT service Sling TV in the U.S., where Ninetnine has 10 premium linear North African channels.

Following Arabsat new strategy expanding our cooperation with key partners, we succeeded in creating an ecosystem of international media partners that allows us to build strong ties with our clients. Ninetnine’s innovative media distribution approach aligns with our vision and strategy. This partnership is the first brick of more projects to be announced in 2023,” Arabsat CEO Alhamedi Alanezi said in a statement.