FTA Satellite Channels in the Arab World Embrace Social Media

Amman, Jordan, July 8, 2013--New research from the Arab Advisors Group analyzes and compares the social media presence of 40 Free-to-Air (FTA) satellite channels in the Arab World. By mid-June 2013, news and current affairs channels BBC World, Al Arabiya and Al Jazeera English took the lead in the number of Twitter followers, while MBC Group had the highest number of YouTube subscribers on its channel.

Arab Advisors Group’s research revealed high levels of adoption of social media platforms by the 40 analyzed Free-to-Air satellite channels, in line with the increasing levels of adoption of social media among Internet users in the Arab world. The 40 analyzed channels were selected based on viewership extracted from surveys conducted by the Arab Advisors Group in a number of Arab countries.

The categories in which the analyzed channels fall are as follows: Children and Youth channels, General channels, Movies and Series channels, Music channels, News and Current Affairs channels, Religious channels and Sports channels. The analysis showed that all the selected channels had presence on Facebook and YouTube by mid-June 2013.

The report, “Social Media Presence of Free-to-Air Satellite Channels in the Arab World 2013”, was released by the Arab Advisors Group on June 24, 2013 to the Strategic Research Service Media subscribers. This report can be purchased from the Arab Advisors Group for only US$ 1,000. The 17-page report, which has 12 detailed exhibits, provides detailed analysis of the social media presence of 40 Free-to- Air channels on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and YouTube.

“Free-to-Air satellite channels utilize social media to increase their reach to viewers. Social media platforms provide channels with means to advertise their programs, provide up to date news and interact with their viewers. ” Ms. Yasmine El Gharaibeh, Arab Advisors Group Senior Research Analyst commented.

“FTA satellite channels across the region are taking advantage of the high adoption levels of social media platforms among Internet users. Successful usage of social media platforms can give FTA channels an edge over others, in light of the high level of competition in the satellite TV market.” Mr. Mohammed Al-Shawwa, Arab Advisors Group Senior Research Analyst added.