Turner broadcasting to attend a trade show in Dubai

Global entertainment giant Turner Broadcasting has confirmed that it will be exhibiting at the third Dubai International Character and Licensing Fair which takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre between 29th November 2010 and 1st December 2010.

A true reflection of the company’s commitment to delivering a 360-degree approach to business, Turner Broadcasting, Turner CN Enterprises and Turner Media Innovations are joining forces to co-fund the activity at the show that will drive the company’s commercial activities in the Middle East.

The Middle East is an incredibly important market for Turner who are set to launch CN Arabic, its free to air fully Arabic channel in Q4 2010. This means that favourite shows such as Ben 10, Ben 10 Alien Force, Hero 108, The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack and Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends, will be broadcast completely in Arabic 24/7 for the very first time, in addition to the launch of major new boys action property Generator Rex in 2011.

With a reach potential of 35 million homes in the Middle East and North Africa region, Turner’s decision to create an Arabic language channel is a bold move. The accessibility of content in local language will increase demand for related licensed product, retail initiatives and advertising sales promotions. Turner Broadcasting will be setting up a dedicated office in the Middle East to manage all facets of the business that will be directed from Turner’s London HQ by Alan Musa, Vice President and General Manager, Africa, Middle East and Pan Region. Musa commented, “The launch of the dedicated free to air Arabic channel and the opening of our new office in the Middle East further reinforces Turner’s ambition to build upon the business that we have established in the Middle East and our commitment to investing in local talent.”

Jason Rice, Turner CN Enterprises, Director of Licensing for Russia, Africa and Middle East commented, “The Dubai Character and Licensing Show is an important launch platform for our licensing and merchandising programs in the Middle East. Local properties such as Freej will be highlighted following our licensing and development deals with Middle East studio’s Lammtara and Rubicon. We will also be showcasing our ambitious plans for the development of the Ben 10 licensing programme, the success of which will be underpinned by dedicated exposure on the new localised channel.”

Simon Cox, Vice President of Turner Media Innovations adds, “The fusion of content, Licensing and Merchandising, Digital, Creative and ad sales is what our offering is all about in this region. We are really excited at the prospect of working with clients and agencies to develop advertising campaigns which will help to grow the kids market by increasing our commercial customers’ business. We passionately believe that this will give us a competitive edge.”

Alan Musa (Turner Broadcasting, General Manager, Africa, Middle East and Pan Region), Jason Rice (Turner CN Enterprises Director of Licensing for Russia, Africa, and Middle East) and Simon Cox (VP, Turner Media Innovations) will be on-site in Dubai representing Turner at the forthcoming Dubai International Character and Licensing Fair (Stand 4A01). To book an appointment please contact Jennifer Smyth on +44 (0) 207 693 1121 or email jennifer.smyth@turner.com.

Turner will also be registered as an exhibitor for MYCONTENT (www.mycontent.ae), which is running in conjunction with the Dubai International Character and Licensing Fair.