Lessons from Leaders: Maaz Sheikh co-founded Starz Play, the subscription video on demand service that streams to 20 countries across the Middle East and North Africa. AS CEO, he has led the company’s corporate and operational activities since it was established in 2014
streaming media
Netflix
Netflix mulls show extras such as director, actor commentaries
Video-on-demand giant Netflix says it is looking at offering more behind-the-scenes extras for fans
Arabic series
Opinion: why Netflix is right, whether we like it or not
The streaming platform’s controversial Jordanian series Jinn has started a long overdue conversation about behaviours that do exist in our Arab society
Aeromexico
Streaming Netflix and Amazon content to passengers would be ‘a challenge’, says Emirates VP
A number of airlines have announced plans to allow users to stream content to their own devices while in flight
Arabic original series
Jordanian prince calls for tolerance amid backlash over Netflix’s Jinn show
Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, head of the Royal Film Commission of Jordan, has called for tolerance
Arabic streaming services
Video: What is Netflix’s head of content binge-watching
The first Middle East Original drama series will be broadcast globally on Netflix on Thursday.
Arabic original series
Netflix defends Jinn amid Jordan backlash
Supernatural thriller causes controversy and calls for censorship
Amman
Netflix launches Jinn, first Middle East Original drama series
Jinn is being told across five 30-45 minute long episodes on the streaming service from Thursday
Arabic streaming services
How streaming services are battling Netflix for Arab audiences
US giant Netflix is set to release its first Arabic production in June, chasing a slice of the potentially lucrative Middle East market
Bangkok
Netflix to serialise Thailand cave rescue that gripped the world
Financial details weren’t revealed, though earlier local reports said the soccer team members would each get $94,000 for the rights.
Amman
Netflix’s first Middle East Original drama to launch this summer
Jinn will be told across five 30-45 minute long episodes on the streaming service
digital streaming
Streaming not main reason behind struggling pay TV market, says StarzPlay CEO
While pay TV has suffered in some markets, it is an emerging business in areas like sub-Saharan Africa, according to Maaz Sheikh
digital streaming
Friends sitcom will remain on Starz Play ‘whether it’s on Netflix or not’, says CEO
US giant Netflix paid $100 million in 2018 for rights to continue streaming the show in 2019
Arabic streaming services
UAE’s Starz Play says subscriber numbers top 1 million
UAE-based subscription video on demand service announces achievement, five years after launch
digital streaming
Traditional TV to phase out in 5-7 years, says Starz Play CEO
Millennials are leading industry shift from linear television to on demand video streaming
Academy Award
Steven Spielberg says Netflix films shouldn’t be eligible for Oscars
Steven Spielberg said streaming services like Netflix should only be consider for Emmy awards
Badr Jafar
Spotify appoints Lebanese-Syrian rapper to manage Middle East artists
Exclusive: Wissam Khodur was the executive director of LA-based Quincy Jones’ and Badr Jafar’s LA-based entertainment company Global Gumbo Group (G3)