The number of FTA satellite channels in the Arab World reached 716 channels by May 2013. The 716 analysed channels broadcast on Arabsat, Nilesat, Noorsat and Yahlive (fully operational channels reached 658). The majority of the analysed FTA satellite channels broadcast in Standard Definition (SD), while 9.7% broadcast in High Definition (HD). The number of […]
The number of FTA satellite channels in the Arab World reached 716 channels by May 2013. The 716 analysed channels broadcast on Arabsat, Nilesat, Noorsat and Yahlive (fully operational channels reached 658). The majority of the analysed FTA satellite channels broadcast in Standard Definition (SD), while 9.7% broadcast in High Definition (HD).
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.
A new report Satellite TV in the Arab World 2013 was released to the Arab Advisors Groups 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 analysed 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. Please contact the Arab Advisors Group to get a copy of the report’s Table of Contents.
“76.6% of the operational FTA satellite channels are privately owned,” commented Dalia Haddad, Arab Advisors Research Analyst. “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.
