During April 2008, the Arab Advisors Group examined 377 FTA satellite TV channels broadcasting on Arabsat, Nilesat, and Noorsat satellite systems (i.e. targeting the Arab World) to research their online presence. Of the analyzed stations, 64.5% (243 channels) have an online presence namely a website or a portal tied to the channel.
Spurred by the increasing uptake of the Internet service in the Arab World, many channels in the Arab TV industry have established an online presence. The Arab Advisors Group analysis reveals that a majority of channels with an online presence have an enhanced presence. An enhanced online presence includes channels that have corresponding portals. The portals portray the channels’ services and the Integration between the satellite channel and its online presence is relatively strong. Moreover, many satellite channels with basic online presence (where the integration between the satellite channel and its content and service availability is relatively weak) demonstrate their intention of enhancing their online services.
A new report, “Online Presence of FTA Satellite Channels in the Arab World†was released by the Arab Advisors Group’s Media Strategic Research Service. The 40-page report, which has 24 detailed exhibits, provides a detailed analysis of the online presence of FTA Satellite Channels in the Arab World. The report includes analysis and categorization of the online presence of 377 FTA satellite TV channels broadcasting on Arabsat, Nilesat and Noorsat satellite systems.
“The results show that a majority of the 243 channels that have online presence lean more towards an enhanced online presence.†Miss Hadeel Sakkijha, Arab Advisors Senior Research Analyst wrote in the report.
“Almost 40% of the satellite channels have online presence but do not aim at generating online revenues. Conversely, a total of 24.6% of satellite channels use their supporting websites or portals as an alternative source of revenue. A majority of the channels that have online revenue generating features have an enhanced online presence.†Miss Sakkijha added.
