How does on determine major players or the top television broadcast media in the MENA region? One possible way to know top players is to look at some of the rankings and reports that are available online, such as:
• Forbes Middle East’s ranking of the top TV channels online in the Arab world, which is based on the number of website visits, Facebook likes and Twitter followers of the channels. The ranking features three entries from the UAE, Qatar and Russia, namely Al Jazeera English, RT Arabic and Dubai TV.
• Statista’s report on the top 10 watched TV channels in Saudi Arabia in 2021, by channel which is based on the share of viewing of the channels. The report shows that MBC1 was the most watched TV channel in Saudi Arabia in 2021, with a 14.3 percent viewing rate, followed by MBC2 with a 4.5 percent viewing rate.
• Newsbridge’s list of the top 10 broadcast media trade shows and conferences to attend in 2021, which includes events that showcase the latest trends, innovations and opportunities in the TV industry. The list includes CABSAT, which is the No.1 broadcast, satellite and content event in the MEASA region, held in Dubai.
These sources are not exhaustive or conclusive, but they can provide some insights into the popularity, performance and potential of some of the television broadcast media in the MENA region. However, it is important to note that the TV industry in the region is dynamic and evolving, as new technologies, platforms and players emerge and compete for market share and audience attention. Therefore, the rankings and reports may change over time and may not reflect the full diversity and complexity of the TV landscape in the region.
Based on these sources, here is a possible list of 15 television broadcast media in the MENA region, along with a brief description of each:
• Al Jazeera English: A Qatari-based international news channel that broadcasts in English to more than 250 million households in over 130 countries. It covers global news with a focus on regions often under-reported by other media outlets.
• RT Arabic: A Russian-based international news channel that broadcasts in Arabic to more than 350 million viewers across 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. It covers global news with a Russian perspective and offers alternative views on current affairs.
• Dubai TV: A UAE-based general entertainment channel that broadcasts in Arabic to viewers in the UAE and other Arab countries. It offers a variety of programs, such as dramas, comedies, talk shows, sports and documentaries.
• MBC Group: A Saudi-based media conglomerate that operates several TV channels across different genres and languages. Some of its channels include MBC1 (general entertainment), MBC2 (movies), MBC3 (children), MBC4 (women), MBC Action (action), MBC Drama (drama), MBC Max (movies), MBC Masr (Egyptian entertainment), MBC Iraq (Iraqi entertainment) and MBC Bollywood (Indian entertainment).
• OSN: A UAE-based pay-TV network that offers a range of premium channels across different genres and languages. Some of its channels include OSN Movies (movies), OSN Series (series), OSN Sports (sports), OSN Kids (children), OSN Comedy (comedy), OSN News (news) and OSN Ya Hala (Arabic entertainment).
• beIN Media Group: A Qatari-based media conglomerate that operates several TV channels across different genres and languages. Some of its channels include beIN Sports (sports), beIN Movies (movies), beIN Series (series), beIN Drama (drama) and beIN Gourmet (food).
• Rotana Media Group: A Saudi-based media conglomerate that operates several TV channels across different genres and languages. Some of its channels include Rotana Cinema (movies), Rotana Khalijia (Gulf entertainment), Rotana Classic (classic entertainment), Rotana Aflam (Arabic movies), Rotana Masriya (Egyptian entertainment) and Rotana Music music.
• Al Arabiya: A Saudi-based international news channel that broadcasts in Arabic to viewers in the Middle East and North Africa. It covers regional and global news with an Arab perspective and offers analysis and commentary on current affairs.
• Alhurra: A US-based international news channel that broadcasts in Arabic to viewers in 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. It is funded by the US government and aims to provide accurate and objective news and information to its audience.
• Sky News Arabia: A UAE-based international news channel that broadcasts in Arabic to viewers in the Middle East and North Africa. It is a joint venture between Sky News and Abu Dhabi Media Investment Corporation and covers regional and global news with a focus on the Arab world.
• Shahid: A Saudi-based OTT video platform that offers a range of Arabic and international content, such as movies, series, documentaries, sports and live TV. It is owned by MBC Group and claims to be the largest Arabic streaming service in the world.
• Starzplay: A UAE-based OTT video platform that offers a range of international content, such as movies, series, documentaries and kids’ shows. It is a subsidiary of Starz, a US-based premium cable and satellite network, and operates in 20 countries across the Middle East and North Africa.
• Netflix: A US-based OTT video platform that offers a range of original and licensed content, such as movies, series, documentaries and kids’ shows. It operates in more than 190 countries worldwide, including the Middle East and North Africa, where it offers content in Arabic, English and other languages.
• Amazon Prime Video: A US-based OTT video platform that offers a range of original and licensed content, such as movies, series, documentaries and kids’ shows. It operates in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, including the Middle East and North Africa, where it offers content in Arabic, English and other languages.
• Disney+: A US-based OTT video platform that offers a range of original and licensed content, such as movies, series, documentaries and kids’ shows. It operates in more than 30 countries worldwide, including the Middle East and North Africa, where it offers content in Arabic, English and other languages.
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