OSN names first content chief officer

Middle East pay TV operator OSN has named Emad Morcos to the new position of chief content officer.

Morcos will be responsible for driving OSN’s consolidated content strategy and is also mandated with the acquisition of programming rights across all OSN platforms.

OSN has become embroiled in a very competitive battle for content with upstart beIN Media Group, which has been aggressively snapping up sports and entertainment rights and recently bought Miramax for US1 billion.

Morcos was previously senior vice-president, media partners and digital at OSN. He has been part of the group’s senior management team since 2007 and was responsible for the launch of digital platforms OSN Play and Go. He also led the acquisition of channel provider Pehla, which enabled OSN to target the sizeable Filipino migrant community in the Gulf.

Morcos will report to OSN CEO David Butorac, who said: “The differentiating strength of OSN is its extensive portfolio of exclusive and premium content tailored for all our platforms including linear TV, OSN Play and Go online TV. Emad brings strong industry insights and experience that will enable us to continue to build on our leadership position. Emad’s new role will mean consolidation of content across platforms which is key to our success going forward.”

Morcos said: “Today’s audiences are discerning about how and what they view. They demand the newest content at the same minute as global audiences. This calls for a comprehensive world-view on our content strategy for all our platforms to add sustained value for our subscribers.

“We will continue to focus on building global partnerships with the world’s premier content and channel providers, alongside an emphasis on local content creation to maintain our cutting edge as the premier provider of world-class entertainment.”