Private FM radio stations slightly outnumber government-owned ones in the Arab World, according to a report by the Arab Advisors Group. Arab Advisors research of FM radio stations in the region revealed that 264 local private FM radio stations broadcast in 19 Arab countries by September 2014. Additionally, the report analysed eight regional radio stations […]
Private FM radio stations slightly outnumber government-owned ones in the Arab World, according to a report by the Arab Advisors Group. Arab Advisors research of FM radio stations in the region revealed that 264 local private FM radio stations broadcast in 19 Arab countries by September 2014. Additionally, the report analysed eight regional radio stations that broadcast on FM frequencies in several Arab countries.
The number of private radio stations continues to grow in the Arab World due to liberalisation in many Arab countries. Still, a few countries (Qatar, UAE and Yemen), do not yet allow private radio stations to broadcast. Algeria allowed the licensing of private radio stations. However, by September 2014, all local FM radio stations in Algeria were still state owned.
In addition to the liberalisation of the sector, all 19 countries analysed in the report offered online streaming of their content via the stations website. Fueled by the increasing internet penetration across the region, stations have been embracing online streaming to reach a wider audience. 68% of stations in the 19 analysed countries offer live online streaming of their programmes.
Speaking about the report, Joud Hazineh, Arab Advisors research analyst said: The region has been undergoing a wave of political and social changes, with many governments altering their regulatory and licensing policies. Consequently, a large number of private radios have been licensed, increasing private radio channels in the MENA region by 48%, between 2011 and 2014.
Iraq and Palestine continue to lead the way with the highest number of radio stations, and private radio stations, in the region. Algeria, on the other hand, had the highest number of state-owned radio stations, and alongside Qatar had all of their radio stations providing online streaming.”
