Kazakh Broadcaster Partners Endemol

A world leader in entertainment programming, Endemol, has just announced a long term partnership with leading Kazakh broadcaster, Channel 7.
Endemol company Weit Media will become the principal production partner to Channel 7, whilst Endemol Worldwide Distribution will supply a diverse line up of finished programming from its international library.
In total Endemol will be responsible for delivering approximately 25% of Channel 7’s new schedule, making this the largest volume deal between a broadcaster and producer in the CIS region.
The partnership underpins Channel 7's new programming and branding strategy, which launches this week and will see the broadcaster broadening its output and significantly increasing its volume of original and locally produced content for the Kazakh market.
Weit Media's productions for Channel 7 will include a Kazakh version of the UK originated hit game show The Money Drop (Show Sorok Millionov Tenge), which will launch on 22nd January. Hit international shows from Endemol Worldwide Distribution will include Wipeout USA, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Make Me a Supermodel and Water Rats as well as UK hits Supersize vs. Superskinny and Snog Marry Avoid.
Bibigul Zheksenbai, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Channel 7 commented: "The market for locally produced TV content in Kazakhstan is in its early stages and represents only 20% of the output currently broadcast by the biggest TV channels.
"This is the reason we decided to join forces with a credible partner with world class expertise in TV content production and a diverse portfolio of titles for broadcast and adaptation."
Marina Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Central and Eastern European Operations at Endemol Group added: "This represents another significant step forward in Endemol’s growth strategy across the CIS region. In particular this partnership will see Weit Media become one of the first local producers of TV content in Kazakhstan, where there is enormous potential for growth in original output."
Timur Weinstein, Producer and co-owner of Weit Media commented: "The Central Asian TV market is extremely attractive with a growth rate that outpaces the European TV sector by approximately 50%. Channel 7 is one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing broadcasters here and we are extremely excited to be playing a role in their future."
(BMcC/KMcA)