Emirates 24|7 reports that football fans in the MENA region have expressed their disappointment in having to pay an equivelant of Dh 1,000 to gain access to the English Premier League (EPL). In the past MENA region deal, new OSN subscribers obtained a free receiver and only had to pay a smaller added monthly subscription fee on top of the baic OSN package to obtain the EPL. Now, users have to Dh 1,000 or more for a high definition (HD) Humax receiver, plus access to the matches for a year.

Arabian Business reports that Sky News has launched a new high definition news channel on Orbit Showtime, the pay TV provider has announced. Content on the channel will include live video feeds from breaking stories and real-time analysis from Sky News specialist correspondents. All 75 channels on Orbit Showtime Network (OSN) will be in high-definition by the end of 2012, the company's CEO and president said last month.

The National, UAE's English-language newspaper published by Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC), has announced the launch of an innovative new panel discussion series, 'National Industry Insights'. The event series will debate current industry issues in the context of the wider Middle Eastern business landscape. Leading regional business figures will convene in Abu Dhabi on July 5th for the inaugural session: 'Addressing the Future of TV Revenues in the UAE.'

Rapid TV News reports that Showtime Arabia, which last July merged with rival pay-TV operation Orbit, is to rebrand itself as OSN, effective February 1st. A new logo and station identity is being promoted through advertisements which have started to run for subscribers, explaining and showcasing the new style.