Demand For Arabic Content On Rise; Content Production To Drive Growth Of Middle East Broadcast Industry

Global broadcast sector pegged at $326.2 billion is the focus of Middle East Television organised in association with twofour4

The demand for broadcast content is rife as the region’s broadcast sector is set to grow at twice the average rate of international markets, according to Neil Manwaring, organiser of the Middle East Television (METV) in association with twofour54, Abu Dhabi’s content creation community. The event is scheduled for November 17-19 2009 in Abu Dhabi.

The Middle East broadcast industry is forecast to expand at double-digit annual rates over the next five years, far outstripping the average of 6.6 per cent growth per annum, worldwide.

Manwaring said that the global broadcast sector is experiencing significant revenue growth and is on-course for a 15 per cent increase in the three years to 2010. This is up from US$284.1 billion in 2007 to an estimated $326.2b.

He said that METV looks set to highlight the growth and pin-point the areas for potential:
“Industry players, specifically broadcasters and content producers, have an opportunity to deliver new content that appeals to viewers in the region, in particular Arabic content to feed the large consumption markets of Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

He said that by 2015, more than 13 million households in the GGC and Egypt are expected to have medium to high income levels, which in turn will lead to an increase in TV purchase.

Meanwhile, the Middle East and North Africa will be home to 11 million pay-TV subscribers by the end of 2014.

“The Middle East and North Africa will be home to 11 million pay-TV subscribers by the end of 2014. This potential is already fuelling growth and has led to the entry of a plethora of free-to-air TV channels,” he said. Manwaring is the managing director of Nexus Global Events.

He cited a report from the Arab Advisors Group that suggests that the Arab World’s free-to-air (FTA) Satellite TV channels have grown by a massive 270 percent between 2004 and 2007 to reach 370. This had increased a further 28 per cent, or a total of 470 channels, by March 2009. Pay TV channels hover at 140.

“It is imperative for the region’s TV content industry to come together at METV and collectively build a road map, ensuring the stability and viable future for the industry as a whole,” he stated.

Meanwhile, a recent AT Kearney study confirms that disposable income in the Arab world is on the increase and that a substantial portion of this is likely to go towards entertainment. Manwaring suggested that this could lead to an increase in broadcast entertainment spend, specifically IPTV and mobile channels.

He said that an improving regulatory environment and the burgeoning youth population are both driving increased demand.

“Fifty per cent of the population in the MENA region are below 30 years of age and this is set to further drive opportunities for new technology. Presently, MENA has a 19 per cent annual growth rate in the internet and online media sector, whilst elsewhere the sectors are stagnant or in decline.

“Much of mainstream broadcasting is news-focused, however entertainment and religious broadcasting has shown significant growth,” concluded Manwaring.

METV and Middle East Broadcast Solutions (MEBS) in association with twofour54, Abu Dhabi’s content creation community are to run concurrently over three days (from November 17 2009) at Abu Dhabi’s National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The events will be complemented by a cutting-edge conference portfolio of leading speakers and experts.
 

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