Magic movies for M-Net

The first-run, multi-year deal includes television premieres of Warner Bros' leading movie titles such as Batman Begins, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Oceans 12, The Island and the Harry Potter movies, as well as many award-winning, made-for-television films.

In addition, WBITD/M-Net have signed a separate series agreement, whereby M-Net acquires the rights to first screenings of new US television series, such as Invasion, War at Home, The Closer and Veronica Mars. The series agreement also sees M-Net channels ActionX and M-Net Series secure exclusives in Supernatural and The Evidence and The Bachelor and The Bachelorette respectively.

Popular Warner programmes, which have always premiered on M-Net, will also return to the channel. M-Net viewers can look forward to new seasons of ER, Smallville, Nip/Tuck, Joey, Everwood and Without a Trace etc.

Oracle Airtime Sales' Sales Director, Chris Hitchings, says: "From an Oracle perspective this is great news. Content remains king and securing content of this nature means that M-Net will continue to grow audiences and attract advertisers. M-Net still retains the highest audience share on the pay TV bouquet against some stiff competition from other local and international channels."

M-Net's CEO, Glen Marques, says the new deal guarantees M-Net viewers the best of the best programming: "We've had a long and excellent relationship with Warner Bros. and are pleased that all these movies and series will be seen on M-Net first. As always these movies will be presented uninterrupted only on M-Net."