Elif Tatoğlu: “The key growth opportunities lie in diversifying our business models”

Kanal D International launched 'My Mother's Tale,' 'The Family Burden,' and the new season of 'Secret of Pearls' at Mipcom, enhancing the global need for Turkish drama. Señal News talked to Elif Tatoğlu, the company's Distribution Strategy and Sales Director, to describe its strategy to expand its global footprint.

How would you describe Kanal D's global expansion strategy?
"Kanal D International's global expansion strategy focuses on increasing the footprint of our Turkish dramas across multiple regions by partnering with key broadcasters and digital platforms. We aim to leverage the growing interest in Turkish content, tailoring our approach to the specific needs of each market and client. That includes a mix of strategic partnerships, format adaptations, and ensuring our content is accessible through multiple distribution channels such as free TV, pay TV, and digital platforms."

Where are the growth opportunities for Kanal D's shows internationally in terms of business models?
"The key growth opportunities lie in diversifying our business models, including AVOD, SVOD, and partnerships with global streaming platforms. In addition, there is a significant opportunity to syndicate our content to relatively new regions, such as Africa, Asia, and Europe, where Turkish dramas are gaining popularity. Licensing and format adaptations also offer the potential for expanding our footprint."

Kanal D featured new launches at Mipcom; what are the expectations around those titles?
"We are very excited about our new titles launching at Mipcom: 'My Mother's Tale,' 'The Family Burden,' and the new season of 'Secret of Pearls.' These series blend fresh storytelling, high production values, and universal themes that resonate across cultures. Our expectations are high, particularly given the ongoing demand for quality Turkish drama. We're confident these new launches will perform well in key territories, further solidifying our position as a leading distributor of Turkish content globally."

How do you analyze the never-ending growth of Turkish drama worldwide?
"The growth of Turkish drama worldwide is driven by its unique ability to blend traditional values with contemporary themes, making it relatable to diverse audiences. Turkish series are known for their emotional depth, strong character development, and high production quality. As viewers seek fresh, emotionally compelling content, Turkish dramas continue to meet this demand, ensuring sustained growth in global markets."

Kanal D recently closed deals in Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Thailand. How important is the Asian business in Kanal D's global strategy?
"Asia offers immense potential with its diverse and rapidly expanding audience base. We focus on revitalizing interest in Turkish dramas across the region. Our recent deals in Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Thailand underscore our commitment to deepening our Asian presence. That market is a strategic priority for us due to its scale, and we are continuously exploring innovative approaches to expand our footprint, tailoring our strategies to meet each market's unique preferences and dynamics."

What is the growth potential around the European market?
"The European market continues to be a strong growth area for Kanal D, with a deep appreciation for Turkish dramas in regions like the Balkans and Central and Eastern Europe. As streaming platforms grow and evolve, there's an increasing opportunity to reach new audiences across the broader region through digital platforms. Additionally, we are actively expanding the market with format sales, as the Kanal D catalog is unmatched in terms of the quality and richness of its stories, all of which have proven successful locally and globally."