As one of the key events on the global content industry’s annual calendar, DICM offers an ideal opportunity to turn our attention to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), one of the most influential markets in international broadcasting and the digital ecosystem. We are delighted to welcome you to this special issue dedicated to the region.
MENA has long been an established market for international content, offering far more than impressive viewing figures. It is also a dynamic landscape where traditional broadcasters, digital platforms, regional powerhouses and global players are competing to shape the future of entertainment. As audience habits evolve, established approaches to episode lengths, distribution windows and content adaptation are being reconsidered. The idea of a one-size-fits-all strategy is increasingly becoming a thing of the past. Buyers in the region are no longer simply looking to acquire successful productions; they are increasingly interested in stories that can connect with local audiences, as well as the potential of co-productions and format adaptations tailored to regional markets.
We begin our interview series with TRT Sales, a company that has built a strong connection with audiences across the region through its large-scale historical productions and is now broadening its international offering with contemporary family dramas and its digital platform, tabii. Mustafa İlbeyli, Head of Advertising and Sales at TRT, shares his insights into how the company is adapting its content strategy to meet evolving audience preferences across MENA. He also explores the growing importance of regional partnerships as the industry continues to expand beyond traditional broadcasting into the digital space.
Next, we turn to OGM UNIVERSE to explore the region’s appetite for female-driven narratives and emotionally compelling storytelling. Ekin Koyuncu Karaman, Global Distribution & Partnership Director at OGM UNIVERSE, discusses the potential of regional collaborations and Arabic format adaptations, offering a broader perspective on how successful stories can travel beyond traditional content sales. The conversation also highlights the company’s flagship titles, Deep in Love and FERDA.
Our next conversation takes us to Inter Medya, a company bringing together the international appeal of Turkish drama and emerging storytelling formats. With titles such as Caged Love, developed in partnership with Rise Studios, and Halef, one of the standout dramas of the current television season, Inter Medya continues to expand its international presence. We also explore the company’s growing interest in vertical storytelling and micro-dramas, mobile-first formats that are creating new possibilities for producers and distributors while responding to increasingly diverse viewing habits.
The balance between traditional television broadcasting and digital platforms, particularly in terms of distribution windows, is another key theme explored in our conversation with Kanal D International. Elif Tatoğlu, Distribution Strategy & Sales Director at Kanal D International, discusses the company’s multi-layered approach to the MENA market, highlighting titles such as Torn Apart, Dignity and Sins & Roses. She also shares insights into the launch of Kanal D Drama Arabic and the adaptation of successful dramas into Arabic formats, including Mercy.
Finally, we turn our attention to the shifting economics of international content distribution and the growing impact of technology on the broadcasting business. Milena Đuričić, Co-Founder and COO of Videomite, examines how technology is reshaping traditional distribution models. From AI integration to unlocking the value of intellectual property across YouTube and AVOD platforms, she explores how technology-driven approaches can extend the commercial life of content and open up additional revenue streams.
Through the perspectives of industry leaders and companies operating at the forefront of the MENA market, this special issue explores the strategies, partnerships and emerging business models shaping the next chapter of international content distribution. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together.
Enjoy the issue!
