OSN Logo

Orbit Showtime Network, commonly known as OSN, is a Dubai-based satellite TV company, serving the Middle East and North Africa region. OSN mainly broadcasts programming from TV networks owned by Paramount Global, Warner Bros. Discovery, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, DreamWorks and the BBC, as well as regional Arabic, Turkish, and Pinoy content.

OSN has introduced several technologies and services to the region since 2012, such as the DVR, an online TV platform, 3D HD, and internet-enabled satellite receivers, since it was founded in 2009.

History

OSN was formed in 2009 by the merger of the two largest subscription TV networks in the region: Orbit (a member of Riyadh-based Mawarid Holding which included the formerly separate ART network), and Showtime Arabia, a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Kuwait-based KIPCO. The merger of KIPCO and Mawared resulted in a new holding company; Panther Media Group, with its headquarters in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Showtime Arabia continued its growth in the region by adding a range of new channels and services, such as the Showbox DVR System in 2005, allowing subscribers to record different programmes. In August 2007, Showtime Arabia expanded its video-on-demand service.

On the other hand, Bahrain-based Orbit was the first pay TV service in the Middle East; due to the challenging environment, it was driven to consolidate with the larger Showtime to better compete with popular free-to-air satellite television.

The new network ended the satellite radio stations both services used to offer that were ad-free and specialized in different musical genres.

OSN TV

OSN TV is a program that combines OSN+ and live TV channels. It started on 1 June 2023.

OSN+ (OSN Plus)

In March 2022, OSN rebranded its subscription video-on-demand streaming service from 2020 to OSN+ (or OSN Plus). A more colorful logo accompanied the rebrand, as well as an update to the interface and search engine.

The platform continued to provide content from its partners, including HBO, Paramount, and NBCUniversal, deepening its exclusive partnerships. In January 2022, OSN announced the extension of its exclusive partnership with HBO, as well as an expansion of its NBCU relationship to include more premium television exclusives and box sets from Peacock and Sky Studios. Announcements of new deals for premium series from Endeavour Content and All3Media also followed, supplementing existing partnerships with Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery, Sony, MGM, and Lionsgate.

Furthermore, OSN+ provides regionally produced content, producing originals. For example, a local adaptation of the American TV series '' Suits'', launched in April 2022.

On 24 March 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery acquired a 30% stake.

On 19 May 2025, OSN has chosen Magnite, the independent sell-side advertising company, to power its new “Advanced TV” advertising solution. This marks the first time OSN will offer addressable advertising across its set-top box (STB) linear broadcast and video-on-demand (VOD) inventory. Using Magnite’s SpringServe video platform, targeted ads will now be delivered to OSN set-top boxes across the MENA region.

References

Further reading

*

External links

*

OSN+ (or OSN Plus)

Company profile
at Zawya

Flysat OSN Package


Turner switch off on OSN

{{Coord, 25, 5, 49, N, 55, 9, 26, E, type:landmark_region:AE, display=title

Telecommunications companies established in 2009
Mass media companies established in 2009
Direct broadcast satellite services
Mass media in Manama
Mass media companies of Bahrain
Television in Bahrain