Globus Fairs and Basic Lead, organizers of DISCOP Istanbul, announced record-breaking pre-registration numbers for the annual market, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. These latest figures underline Turkey’s fast growing influence on the global televised entertainment industry and the vital role regional trade in this part of the world plays, alongside the significant evolution of MENA’s media sector (Middle East and North Africa) which is poised to grow annually by 7 percent in the next five years.

1.200+ delegates representing 500+ companies from 75 countries will converge in Istanbul from February 24 to 26. Three days of pre-organized meetings and networking opportunities will be fuelled by the rapid digitization, growth in population size and consumer spending of one of the world’s fastest developing television marketplaces, encompassing CEE, MENA and CIS countries, despite the diminishing buying power of countries impacted by the fall of Russia’s ruble.

“Attendance from the Middle East and North Africa has grown three times since the 2014 edition,” says Özlem Adigüzel, CEO of GLOBUS FAIRS, who adds “These numbers show that with growing digital and advertising revenue in MENA countries, buyers are looking for new engaging content for their audiences. Furthermore, and in an effort to expand the reach of the three-day market beyond its natural perimeter, TET, a governmental body promoting the export of content, goods and services produced in Turkey and the Turkish Ministry of Economy, have supported us in inviting key international television content acquisition, commissioning and programming executives from South America, Western Europe and the Far East under a ‘Hosted Buyers’ Program’.”

International dramas, thriller and costume series, sports and children’s content, documentaries and competition shows will be, for the first time, competing with premium local content as the demand for homegrown programming is expected to quadruple in the coming years.

Distributors of global and branded TV channels will also be in Istanbul as Pay TV business in most of the countries represented at DISCOP Istanbul is forecast to grow by a minimum of 10 percent, especially in MENA where satellite TV continues to dominate the television landscape.

Scripted and unscripted formats will also take center stage with a whole day, THE FORMAT DAY (February 26), dedicated to the challenges in adapting these story lines and concepts so they remain relevant across diverse markets and cultures. The day will feature a morning presentation of today’s most adaptable dramas with international appeal. This will be followed by a discussion and analysis of under-the-radar and innovative, unscripted TV format concepts. The afternoon will host a format pitching competition for independent international producers who will present their original non-scripted TV format concepts to a panel and audience of TV executives looking for the next big talent.

“The global demand for universal concepts that can resonate locally is driving renewed interest for scripted series and innovative formats showing strong export potential, and the bustling metropolis of Istanbul, at such an important cultural crossroad, provides the right background for such exchanges,” says Patrick Zuchowski, CEO of BASIC LEAD, who adds, “This is why for the first time, DISCOP Istanbul will host the world launch of a new talent competition format presented by one of Turkey’s leading distributors.”

In addition to THE FORMAT DAY, the general program will also include a series of thematic days centered on the digital transition, innovative ideas transforming the business of television and on licensing and merchandising opportunities in Turkey. Guest speakers, panelists and experts will include representatives from VICE Media, Armoza Formats, Global Agency, Dogan Media Group, FRAPA, LIMA, Eutelsat, All3Media, Eurodata TV, MBC, Rotana Holdings, Sony, Televisa, and many more.