Lebanon’s MTV says It’s Only TV

Lebanese broadcaster MTV has licensed a local version of a French TV-themed comedy panel show.

Studiovision will produce a 39x60mins weekly primetime version of It’s Only TV for the network that will be known as Menna w Jerr launching next month.

The follows a licensing agreement with format rights holder Banijay International, the sales arm of the Banijay Group.

It’s Only TV has aired in France as Touche Pas à Mon Poste since 2010 on digital terrestrial channel D8, and has been taking good rating shares of more than 10%, according to Sebastien Burkhardt, senior VP, international distribution at Banijay International.

The format sees a witty host put a panel of guests through their paces throughout a series of fast-paced segments that make fun of new TV shows and the latest news.

“This is a highly flexible and adaptable format for local markets, hilariously capturing the current zeitgeist and showcasing each country’s most popular famous faces and comedians,” said Sebastian Burkhardt, senior VP, international distribution at Banijay International.

“It also carries a strong social media element which allows broadcasters to expand and grow audience engagement, creating real appointment TV wherever it airs.”

Burkhardt told TBI the Middle East was hungry for both English-language formats and shows developed in languages such as French. “There are a whole breadth of genres that work in the Middle East due to cultural links,” he said. “A lot of French formats have been adapted in the region in the past, and it is not just English-language content that works.”