Middle Eastern broadcasters Rotana, Dubai Media Incorporated and Al Rayyan have signed content distribution deals with Sony Pictures Television (SPT) in order to air SPT feature films. The agreement is a first between SPT and Al Rayyan and a first between SPT and Rotana. Meanwhile, the deal with national broadcaster Dubai Media Incorporated updates a previous contract for movies to be shown on its Dubai One channel.

Hollywood-based visual effects studio Digital Domain is set to establish a regional office in Abu Dhabi's twofour54 media zone. The media zone will host a new animation, visual effects and motion capture studio, as well as a Digital Domain Institute media school. Work on the 14,000 square metre entertainment production complex will begin in 2013 and is expected to be operational by the end of 2015. The project is set to employ around 500 people.

MBC has acquired exclusive rights to NBC's 'The Voice'. Sony Pictures Television Arabia will co-produce the local version of the reality singing show with MBC. "We are pleased to announce this multi-year agreement, in our capacity as the exclusive broadcaster of this international format that has gained much popularity and viewership across the world. We now offer the three strongest talent show formats in the region, across multi-platforms, and look forward to continuously bring the best of entertainment to our loyal viewers, browsers and followers," said Ali Jaber, group TV director, MBC.

Highlights from the English Premier League will now be shown on Sky News Arabia following a deal with Abu Dhabi Media, the league's regional TV rights holder. Sports news segments on the channel will include highlights from the closing stages of the season, with pre and post-match and half time footage available. Meanwhile, news about next season's English Premier League will also be provided two hours after each match.

Al Jazeera English is to close its China bureau after authorities refused to renew its correspondent's press credentials and journalist's visa. Melissa Chan had been Al Jazeera English's China correspondent since 2007, covering stories about the rapidly growing economy, domestic and foreign policy as well as controversial topics including social justice as well as labour and human rights.

Sky News Arabia has signed a number of distribution deals for extended coverage. Starting from May 6th, the subscription satellite TV platforms OSN and Abu Dhabi TV will broadcast the 24-hour Arabic channel in high definition (HD) region-wide. Meanwhile, Etisalat's eLife and du TV will carry Sky News Arabia in standard definition (SD) via their internet protocol television (IPTV) networks.

Egyptian satellite operator Nilesat has installed video acquisition, encoding and digital content management technology from Cisco. The new digital contribution system between Nilesat and the state broadcaster, the Egyptian Radio and Television Union (ERTU), now carries 32 TV channels and 40 radio stations, to be broadcast across the Middle East via satellite. The Nilesat DVB centre also now processes over 150 private TV and radio channels using Cisco video solutions.

TF1's advertising department is set to handle beIN Sport’s ad sales. The account was won after The Qatar group, managed by Nasser Al-Khelafi, launched a call for bids from advertising units that wanted to sell the channels’ ad space over the next three years. TF1 beat several other contenders including France Télévisions, Amaury and Lagardère. TF1 also sells Eurosport's ad spaces.

Al Jazeera’s BeIn Sport channel has signed a distribution deal with French IPTV operator 'Free'. According to reports, parent company Al Jazeera has confirmed the acquisition of Euro 2012 and Euro 2016 pay-TV rights and will launch its two channels before the 8th of June. Al Jazeera is reportedly still in talks with other French IPTV and satellite operators to get the channels carried.

A new survey commissioned by Digitas has revealed an urgency for brand investment in online video, as nearly two-thirds of US-based adults look at online content while watching television. Almost half (46%) of online video viewers in the US say that if they are watching a video online that mentions a new product or brand, they would be at least 'somewhat likely' to look that brand up afterwards. Nearly half of those who follow brands on social networks say that if a brand that they follow posts a video online, they are at least 'somewhat likely' to click on the link to watch it and learn more.