Discovery launching TLC in Middle East, North Africa

The international division of Discovery is launching its TLC HD channel in the MENA region, sealing a carriage deal with OSN.

The pay TV platform will exclusively carry the female-skewing channel on its service.

The channel will be programmed with international and US TLC content as well as showcasing content from Discovery’s OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

TLC HD will roll out on OSN on March 24. The addition of the channel to the pay operator’s line-up means it will carry a six strong bouquet of Discovery channels sitting alongside Discovery Channel HD, Discovery Science HD, Animal Planet HD, Discovery World and Investigation Discovery.

Discovery said the MENA feed of the channel will target Middle Eastern women with a weekly wedding night with shows including Brides of Beverley Hills. Other programming highlights include Ultimate Shopper, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo (pictured) and Breaking Amish.

James Gibbons, senior VP & country manager, Discovery Networks CEEMEA said: “There is clearly a gap in the market for a channel like TLC and its success globally is proof of how well the content works across cultures.”

David Butorac, CEO, OSN, said: “Discovery Networks has been an integral part of OSN’s growth story, enabling us to provide viewers with world class exclusive content found nowhere else. TLC HD will further complement our existing lifestyle channels.”