Arab satellite pay TV providers broadcast a total of 151 channels

New research and analysis by the Arab Advisors Group reveals that as of August 2013 the four satellite Pay TV operators, broadcasting from the region, offered a combined total of 151 channels. OSN is the leader in terms of the number of offered channels.

Four satellite Pay TV providers broadcast from the Arab World. Namely: Orbit Showtime Network (OSN), Al Jazeera Sports+, Abu Dhabi Sports and Al Majd. Expectedly, Al Jazeera Sports+ offers the highest number of sports Pay TV channels with 20 sports channels.

A new report, “Satellite Pay TV operators in the Arab World 2013” was released to the Arab Advisors Group’s Media Strategic Research Service subscribers on September 26, 2013. This report can be purchased from the Arab Advisors Group for only US$ 1,200. The 66-page report, which has 25 detailed exhibits, provides a detailed analysis of the landscape of satellite Pay TV and profiles the four operators including OSN, Al Jazeera Sports+, Abu Dhabi Sports and Al Majd. The report also compares the channels, packages, prices, dealers and interactive services of the four satellite Pay TV operators, in addition to full listing of channels, packages, prices and dealers.

Three of the four Pay TV providers also offer HD channels: OSN, Abu Dhabi Sports and Al Jazeera Sports+.

“By August 2013, the four Pay TV providers offered 151 channels. OSN had the highest number with 102 channels (including the 3 pay-per-view channels and On Demand channel), Abu Dhabi Sports and Al Jazeera Sports+ came in second with 20 channels each, while Al Majd TV provided 9 encoded channels.” Ms. Hiba Al Atiyat, Arab Advisors Research Analyst wrote in the report.

“Despite the promotions of Pay TV operators, most of the Arab World remains tuned to free-to-air satellite TV channels. Economically, many viewers seem to favor the free content of FTA channels rather than paying for TV content”. Ms. Hiba Al Atiyat added.