MENA free-to-air satellite channels now number 854
Rebecca Hawkes
| 08 August 2016
The number of free-to-air (FTA) satellite channels in the Arab world has reached 854, carried by four satellite operators: Arabsat, Nilesat, Noorsat and Yahlive.
Of these 854 channels, 821 were fully operational by the end of May 2016, up from 762 in September 2014, said Jordan-based researchers Arab Advisors Group.
The group’s latest report, Satellite TV in the Arab World 2016, claims there has been 736% growth rate of standard definition (SD) FTA channels in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) since January 2004.
Noor Al Asmar, senior research analyst, Arab Advisors Group, said: “91.5% of the operational FTA satellite channels broadcast in standard definition (SD) only, 2.1% broadcast in high definition (HD) only, while 6.6% air in both transmission methods.”
Hiba Al Atiyat, senior research analyst, Arab Advisors Group, added: “35.3% of the total 821 fully launched and operational FTA satellite channels are headquartered in the African region. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Levant regions follow with percentages of 28.4% and 19.7%, respectively”.
Rebecca Hawkes
| 08 August 2016
The number of free-to-air (FTA) satellite channels in the Arab world has reached 854, carried by four satellite operators: Arabsat, Nilesat, Noorsat and Yahlive.
Of these 854 channels, 821 were fully operational by the end of May 2016, up from 762 in September 2014, said Jordan-based researchers Arab Advisors Group.
The group’s latest report, Satellite TV in the Arab World 2016, claims there has been 736% growth rate of standard definition (SD) FTA channels in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) since January 2004.
Noor Al Asmar, senior research analyst, Arab Advisors Group, said: “91.5% of the operational FTA satellite channels broadcast in standard definition (SD) only, 2.1% broadcast in high definition (HD) only, while 6.6% air in both transmission methods.”
Hiba Al Atiyat, senior research analyst, Arab Advisors Group, added: “35.3% of the total 821 fully launched and operational FTA satellite channels are headquartered in the African region. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Levant regions follow with percentages of 28.4% and 19.7%, respectively”.