Over 700 Free-to-Air Channels in the Arab World
Amman, Jordan, August 19, 2013--The number of FTA satellite channels in the Arab World reached 716 channels by May 2013. The 716 analyzed channels broadcast on Arabsat, Nilesat, Noorsat and Yahlive (fully operational channels reached 658). The majority of the analyzed FTA satellite channels broadcast in Standard Definition (SD), while 9.7% broadcast in High Definition (HD), according to a new report from Arab Advisors.
The number of Free to Air (FTA) satellite channels targeting the Arab region continues to grow. The FTA landscape had a major growth of 599% in the number of FTA satellite channels which broadcast in SD between January 2004 and May 2013. Based on Arab Advisors Group research, by May 2013, the total number of unique FTA satellite channels reached 716 on Arabsat, Nilesat, Noorsat and Yahlive. The number of the fully launched and operational channels; excluding channels in the test transmission phase, reached 658, up from 565 in March 2012.
The report, “Satellite TV in the Arab World 2013” was released to the Arab Advisors Group’s Media Strategic Research Service subscribers on July 22, 2013. This report can be purchased from the Arab Advisors Group for only US$ 1,850.
The 91-page report, which has 29 detailed exhibits, provides a detailed analysis of the FTA satellite channels targeting the Arab region as of May 2013. The channels are analyzed according to their type, broadcast language, headquarters (main offices), ownership (state owned, private or mixed ownership) and satellite carriers. The satellite systems included in the analysis are Arabsat, Nilesat, Noorsat and Yahlive; this is due to the fact that the majority of FTA satellite channels targeting the Arab World are aired on one or more of these satellites. This report also includes an overview of channels that target the Arab World and broadcast exclusively through Eutelsat.
"76.6% of the operational FTA satellite channels are privately owned." Ms. Dalia Haddad, Arab Advisors Research Analyst, commented. "In terms of the types of channels, General-Private Sector channels constitute 18.5% of the operational FTA satellite channels followed by News and Current Affairs channels". Ms. Haddad added.
“A plurality of FTA channels are headquartered in Egypt which hosts 19.1% of the fully launched and operational FTA channels. The UAE and Saudi Arabia follow with percentages of 13.8% and 12.3%, respectively “Ms. Hind Qweider, Arab Advisors Research Analyst, said.
Any investment in this report will count towards an annual Strategic Research Service subscription should the service be acquired within three months from purchasing the report, or could count towards attending Arab Advisors’ 2nd Smart Handheld Summit 2013 on November 26 & 27, 2013 in Dubai - UAE. Telecom and Media operators can send up to 2 delegates to attend at no charge. Press members can also attend at no charge. More information on The 2nd Smart Handheld Summit 2013 can be viewed on: http://www.arabadvisors.com/SmartHandheld/schedule.htm
