854 FTA satellite channels in the MENA region

854 Free to Air satellite channels broadcast in the MENA region by end of May 2016

The number of FTA satellite channels in the Arab World reached 854 channels by May 2016. The 854 analyzed channels broadcast on Arabsat, Nilesat, Noorsat and Yahlive (fully operational channels reached 821). The majority of the analyzed FTA satellite channels broadcast in Standard Definition (SD), while 2.1% broadcast in High Definition (HD).

The number of Free to Air (FTA) satellite channels targeting the Arab region continues to grow. The FTA landscape had a major growth of 736% in the number of FTA satellite channels which broadcast in SD between January 2004 and May 2016. Based on Arab Advisors Group research, by May 2016, the total number of unique FTA satellite channels reached 854 on Arabsat, Nilesat, Noorsat and Yahlive. The number of the fully launched and operational channels; excluding channels in the test transmission phase, reached 821, up from 762 in September 2014.

A new report “Satellite TV in the Arab World 2016” was released to the Arab Advisors Group’s Media Strategic Research Service subscribers on July 3, 2016. This report can be purchased from the Arab Advisors Group for only US$ 2,000. The 114-page report, which has 36 detailed exhibits, provides a comprehensive analysis of the FTA satellite channels targeting the Arab region as of May 2016. The channels are analyzed according to their type, broadcast language, headquarters (main offices), ownership (state owned, private or mixed ownership) and satellite carriers.

“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” Mrs. Noor Al Asmar, Arab Advisors Senior Research Analyst.
“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” Ms. Hiba Al Atiyat, Arab Advisors Senior Research Analyst wrote in the report.