Mid East first for TLC

Discovery Networks CEEMEA has announced the first local commission for its TLC channel in the Middle East.

Zainab Salbi hosts Nida’a

Female-skewing talkshow Nida’a will premiere on TLC exclusively on the OSN platform in October, fronted by humanitarian, activist and reporter Zainab Salbi.

The show’s title translates as The Calling in Arabic and is the first original local production for TLC since the channel launched in the region on OSN in March 2014.

The 10-part series will be primarily in Arabic and will feature in-depth interviews and inspiring stories, aimed at giving Arab women a voice and a platform for their views and issues. Contributors already confirmed include former US president Bill Clinton and fashion designer Donna Karan.

There will also be a 25-minute slot with Arab Idol winner Mohammed Assaf, a Palestinian who spent 25 years in a Gaza refugee camp before rising to fame on the show.

Kasia Kieli, president of Discovery Networks CEEMEA, said: “Discovery has a proven track record for finding local stories and showcasing them to a wider audience. Zainab, with her impressive background in philanthropy and social activism, is the best person to bring these fascinating stories to life in an interesting and entertaining way.”