Food Network Arrives in the Middle East

Scripps Networks Interactive's Food Network debuted on Orbit Showtime Network this past Sunday [Feb. 1] in the Middle East. The channel is airing on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week schedule in English with Arabic subtitles.

The international expansion of Food Network began last year when Scripps entered into a joint venture with Liberty Global's Chello Zone. In November, the foodie channel premiered in the U.K.

"The introduction of Food Network to viewers in the Middle East is another major step in our developing international expansion strategy," says Greg Moyer, president of Scripps Networks International, the international development division of Scripps Networks Interactive. "Orbit Showtime is a great distribution partner for Food Network and we look forward to working closely with them as we capitalize on the universal appeal of food programming and grow this business."

Brandgenuity represents the Food Network brand in the U.S. Its licensing program spans more than 500-branded housewares at Kohl's, as well as categories in travel, interactive, social expression, food and lottery.