Fujairah Media Group (FMG) has signed a deal to launch TV and radio stations in a part of South Sudan, which in July will become an independent republic.
FMG, which is part-owned by the Fujairah Government, has signed a deal with Sudan's Central Equatoria state to launch media channels in the area, the company said.
"FMG has undertaken to set up a number of television and radio stations in the state, in addition to co-operating in other key areas," the company said. "The protocol also covers the opening of a trade and services hub in the emirate of Fujairah."
South Sudan voted to separate from the north of the country in a referendum this year after decades of civil war.
The Republic of South Sudan, which will comprise Central Equatoria among other states, will secede in July.
Mekki Abdulla, the chief executive of FMG, was not immediately available for comment.
But another executive with knowledge of the company confirmed to The National the Sudan media deal had been signed.
Last December, Mr Abdulla said FMG planned to roll out a franchise-style TV business across several African nations as part of the group's plan to make up half of its total revenues from Africa by the end of next year.
FMG is a joint venture between the Fujairah Cultural Authority and Arab International Media Services. It operates several TV and radio stations including 92.6 FM Radio and Krazee TV.
The Fujairah Radio Network, which is part of FMG, last year acquired a 50 per cent stake in the European radio station JazzRadio Berlin, in a deal worth a reported ?2.5 million (Dh13.22m) for a two-year commitment.
FMG also manages the Fujairah free zone Creative City, from which it derives most of its revenues.
It says it is building studios to develop TV and cinema production in the emirate.
bflanagan@thenational.ae
