Building a Streaming Platform in Pakistan: Competition with Netflix Ft. Jonathan Mark | 449 | TBT

Joining us today is Jonathan Mark Tatti, the Co founder & CEO of Begin Watch, a new Pakistani OTT platform competing with global giants like Netflix and HBO. With over 20 years in the media industry, Jonathan played key roles at Zee TV, CNBC Pakistan, and SAMAA TV, launching some of the region’s most iconic content and channels.

In this episode, we dive into the real story behind Pakistan’s streaming challenges, how Begin Watch was started, the legal and content roadblocks, and how the team plans to build a platform that can rival global players. We also explore sports distribution, E-sports, content licensing, and what it really takes to build a media business in Pakistan today.

This episode answers:
• Why build a streaming platform in Pakistan?
• How does Begin compete with Netflix, HBO & others?
• What’s the biggest challenge in acquiring content rights?
• Can subscription-based platforms survive here?
• What does Pakistan’s future look like?

Stay till the end to hear about Shark Tank Pakistan, Pakistan Idol, and Jonathan’s vision for Pakistan in 2050.

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Podcast Links:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z1cE7F
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/2S84VEd
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3cgIkf

Jump to your favourite topics using the chapters below:
00:00 – 1:56 Teaser
1:57 – 4:22 Intro
4:23 – 8:52 Early Life
8:53 – 13:17 Work at ZeeTV
13:18 – 14:59 CNBC Journey
15:00 – 17:27 Launching Samaa
17:28 – 19:42 Starting Begin Watch
19:43 – 22:07 Tech Behind Begin
22:08 – 24:57 Current Progress
24:58 – 29:22 Competing with Netflix
29:23 – 34:37 Legal Roadblocks
34:38 – 38:27 Buying Show Rights
38:28 – 47:29 Sports League Distribution
47:30 – 49:37 E-Sports Pakistan
49:38 – 50:47 Kabaddi & Viewership
50:48 – 54:57 Revenue & Monetization
54:58 – 1:00:12 Original Pakistani Content
1:00:13 – 1:01:45 Shark Tank Pakistan
1:01:46 – 1:02:47 Pakistan Idol Rights
1:02:48 – 1:06:27 Collaborations & Deals
1:06:28 – 1:16:27 Media Evolution in Pakistan
1:16:28 – 1:18:19 End of Cable TV
1:18:20 – 1:20:02 Paid = Quality Content
1:20:03 – 1:25:32 Pakistan of 2050?
1:25:33 – End Closing Note