FTA satellite channels in the Arab world embrace social media

Arab Advisors Group’s research has revealed an increase in adoption of social media platforms by the 40 analysed free-to-air satellite channels. The 40 analysed channels were selected on the basis of viewership extracted from surveys conducted by the Arab Advisors Group in different Arab countries.

The categories in which the analysed 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 a presence on Facebook and YouTube by mid-June 2013.

A new 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. 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 utilise social media to increase their reach to viewers. Social media platforms provide channels with means to advertise their programmes, provide up-to-date news and interact with their viewers,” said Yasmine El Gharaibeh, Arab Advisors Group Senior Research Analyst.

“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.” Mohammed Al Shawwa, Arab Advisors Group Senior Research Analyst added.