The Voice launching on MBC

Successful singing format The Voice will launch in the Middle East and North Africa after regional broadcaster MBC ordered a local version of the show. The format was created by John de Mol’s Talpa and has sold into numerous territories since its launch in the Netherlands in 2010.

Sony reps Talpa formats in the region and the MENA version will be coproduced by Sony Pictures Television’s Middle Eastern division SPT Arabia and MBC.

Maarten Meijs, managing director of Talpa Distribution, the owner of the format, said: “In the Western world, The Voice is recognised as a new generation in its genre. We trust the same will happen in the MENA region, regardless of cultural differences, as all people love music and have their one unique language to discuss who and what they like the most.”

Ali Jaber, group TV director, MBC Group, said: “Talent shows have positively affected the TV viewing habits, patterns and trends in the region, while further enhancing the family viewing experience and raising the levels of engagement with TV content, through social media and other platforms”.

Auditions for The Voice, which was recently also sold into China, are being organised in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Kuwait, Tunisia, Lebanon and Morocco, and others. The show will broadcast from MBC’s studios in Beirut, Lebanon, soon.