OSN

Orbit Showtime Network (OSN, stylized as "osn"[1]) is a direct-broadcast satellite provider serving the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), France, and United Kingdom. It offers popular entertainment content such as movies, sporting events and various TV shows from major networks and studios such as Nickelodeon, Paramount, BBC, TV5Monde, Star Select, Disney, ITV Studios, ABC Studios, GMA Network, LBCI, National Geographic, Discovery, Inc., beIN Sports and HBO[2] in addition to local versions specifically for the MENA region. As of 2015 OSN offers 154 television channels and 53 high-definition channels and 3D entertainment. OSN was formed as a result of merger of two of the Mideast's largest TV networks, Orbit and Showtime Arabia in 2009.[3]

Orbit Showtime Network
Private
IndustryBroadcast
Founded12 July 1998 (1998-07-12)
HeadquartersDubai, United Arab Emirates
Area served
Middle East and North Africa
France
United Kingdom
Key people
Faisal Al Ayyar (Chairman, Panther Media Group Limited)
Patrick Tillieux (CEO, OSN)
ProductsDirect-broadcast satellite
OwnerPanther Media Group Ltd
Websitewww.osn.com
Footnotes / references
Coverage Area http://www.nilesat.com.eg/CoverageArea.aspx

The OSN network is owned and operated by Panther Media Group Limited, a joint venture between KIPCO (60.5%) and Mawarid Holding (39.5%) and is registered in the DIFC.[4] OSN's corporate headquarters and Broadcast Center are based in Dubai Media City in the United Arab Emirates.

OSN introduced several technologies and services in the Middle East market. In 2012 the OSN DVR HD was launched. OSN Play, an online TV platform;[5] Plus HD, a 3D, HD, internet-enabled satellite receiver and recorder[6] and OSN on Demand, the region's first VOD service were all launched in the same year.[7]

Overview
OSN's logo from 2013 until 2020.

Orbit Showtime Network (OSN) was created by merger of the two largest pay TV operators in the Middle East: Orbit Communications Company – a member of Riyadh-based Mawarid Holdings, and Showtime Arabia – a subsidiary of KIPCO.[8] Showtime Arabia was launched in 1996 as a joint venture between KIPCO (79%) and NBCUniversal (21%) and six years after its launch became the number one satellite television platform in MENA. Showtime Arabia continued its growth in the region by adding a range of new channels and new services such as the “Showbox DVR’ System in 2005 which allowed subscribers to record different programs. In 2008, Showtime Arabia also introduced a video on-demand service, broadcasting full seasons of premier U.S. series and top Hollywood movies.[9] Bahrain-based Orbit was the first pay TV service in the Middle East though challenging environment —from rampant piracy to stubbornly low subscriber base— drove it to consolidate with the larger Showtime to better compete with popular free-to-air satellite television.[10]

Technology

OSN had launched 2 multi-function interactive decoders:

  • OSN Plus HD
  • OSN HD

Channels
  • Lebanese (Lebanon)
    • Télé Liban
    • ATV
    • Al Iman TV
    • LBC Sat
    • Al Mayadeen TV
    • Al Masa
    • Charity TV
    • Falaksat
    • Lana TV
    • Massaya TV
    • Naba TV
    • Nour TV
    • Shahrazad TV
    • Sheikh Jibri TV
    • Suboro TV
    • Taha TV
    • Al Ittihad TV

References
  1. OSN website.
  2. "OSN strengthens its presence in Qatar with new dealership". Zawya (Press release). OSN. November 19, 2013.
  3. Birkinbine, B.; Gomez, R.; Wasko, J. (2016). Global Media Giants. Taylor & Francis. p. 282. ISBN 978-1-317-40286-2. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  4. "Kuwait's KIPCO hires Rothschild to advise TV arm IPO". Reuters U.K. 22 June 2013.
  5. "OSN Play". OSN.
  6. "OSN launches Plus HD". mediaME. 17 September 2012.
  7. "OSN goes hybrid with new PVR". BroadcastPro Middle East. 5 November 2012.
  8. Pavlik, J.V. (2015). Digital Technology and the Future of Broadcasting: Global Perspectives. Electronic Media Research Series. Taylor & Francis. p. 116. ISBN 978-1-317-48695-4. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  9. "Operator Briefing: Orbit Showtime Network (OSN)". Dataxis. June 2014.
  10. "Shifting Orbit". Arabian Business. April 13, 2008.

Further reading
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