Dubai TV signs multi-year free TV programming deal with Warner Bros. International Television Distribution

The deal will bring viewers in the Middle East of the newly launched Dubai TV the latest in family viewing, with content from leading global entertainment company including Hollywood blockbusters, award-winning television series and hit animated series. The deal was negotiated on behalf of WBITD by Mickie D. Steinmann, Vice President of Sales, Warner Bros International Television Distribution.

Giving Middle East television new immediacy and allure, the programming alliance will see Warner Bros.' premier 2001 and 2002 releases, as well as feature films from the company's 2003 slate including The Matrix Trilogy, the Harry Potter films, The Last Samurai and The Lord Of The Rings films.

The agreement covers some 90 of Warner Bros.' latest movies, which will air exclusively on Dubai TV in their free television window, as well as feature films from the US film studio's comprehensive film library. The agreement also brings exciting television drama and comedy such as The Sopranos and the new season of The West Wing.

Completing the family offering will be Dubai TV's Warner Bros. Kids hour, a dedicated slot that offers educational and informative viewing.

"As the world's leading media and entertainment firm, Warner Bros. is demonstrating belief in Dubai TV's vision for family viewing in the Arab world," said Mr. Hussain Ali Lootah, DMI's CEO. "Warner Bros. provides the very best in all-round entertainment. Our investment in viewing of this quality underlines our commitment to our audience."

"We couldn't be more pleased than to become a program provider of Dubai TV with this deal, the largest Free Television deal we have ever signed in the Middle East. We are committed to delivering audiences high quality content, including the latest and best movies, television comedies, drama and animation from our company," said Jeffrey R. Schlesinger, President, Warner Bros. International Television Distribution.

Warner Bros. International Television Distribution (WBITV) is one of the world's largest distributors of feature films, television programs and animation to the international television marketplace (broadcast, pay cable, basic cable, satellite, pay-per-view, video-on-demand, digital platforms, etc.). It licenses some 45,000 hours of programming (including more than 6,000 features and 50 current series), dubbed or subtitled in more than 40 languages, to telecasters and cable casters in more than 175 countries.