The future of television in the Middle East discussed at Broadcast Pro Summit
Dubai, UAE: 18 November 2012- High Definition television (HDTV) is establishing itself as the 'new normal' for viewers across the Middle East and north Africa, according to YahLive, the High Definition (HD) television satellite platform for the MENA region.
Speaking at the Broadcast Pro Summit in Dubai, Mohamed Youssif, CEO of YahLive, said: "Television technology rolls in twenty year cycles. Two decades ago we witnessed the birth of digital broadcasting and the subsequent explosion in television channels across the region. Now we are seeing the rapid emergence of the next generation of technology and that is High Definition."
Joining a panel discussion on establishing a sustainable business model for Middle East television, Mohammed Youssif added: "The MENA market has a strong appetite for content choice and a quality viewing experience. Standard definition broadcast channels will lose viewers to those which offer an immersive, 'being there' experience in High Definition.
"HD is becoming the 'new normal' for TV channels across the region and consumer demand is driving broadcasters to convert to High Definition. The benefit of YahLive is that we offer a platform exclusively for HD channels which television households across the MENA region can access simply by installing a satellite dish at 52.5 degrees East."
Presently there are about 650 channels broadcasting to the MENA region with the vast majority being Free To Air. However, in response to the increasing demand for HD, broadcasters will need to upgrade their production and play out broadcast centers to deliver HD content, which is a costly process.
"We believe the future direction of the regional television market will be driven by the willingness of consumers to pay a modest price for content and quality. As capacity constraints become a challenge for broadcasters, and with advertisers unwilling to pay for a premium for HD advertising, broadcasters will be forced to find alternative revenue streams. Those that make the transition to HD will be the winners," Youssif added.
Other panelists at the Broadcast Pro Summit included Dr. Riyadh Najm, Deputy Minister of Information Affairs, Saudi MOCI; Nart Bouran, Head of Sky News Arabia, Peter Einstein, Deputy CEO, Rotana and Mohammed Al Shahi, CEO, Dubai Media Inc.
In less than one year since launch, YahLive has already created an exclusive HD bouquet of more than 40 quality channels including Saudi TV, Dubai Media Incorporated, Abu Dhabi Media, Cartoon Network Arabia, GEM, MBC and three from Europe that appeal to diverse audiences. By year-end 2012, YahLive's bouquet will increase to 50 channels.
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About YahLive
YahLive is a satellite broadcast platform that exclusively provides HD television channels across the Middle East and North Africa region. It currently offers a diverse bouquet of more than 40 international and regional TV channels in high-quality HD. Launched in 2011, YahLive offers state-of-the art broadcasting, news gathering, distribution and contribution feed capacities from its Y1A satellite, positioned at 52.5 degrees East, covering the Middle East, Africa and West Asia. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, YahLive is a joint venture between Al Yah Satellite Communications Company, Yahsat and SES, a global satellite operator.
YahLive offers broadcasters access to its extensive satellite programming with HD and interactive TV broadcasting options. Leveraging YahLive's platform and extensive capacity, broadcasters are able to introduce new HD or interactive channels, while expanding their audience and geographic reach. YahLive is committed to bringing a new era to TV viewing with its high-definition services, whilst becoming the HD hot spot of the region. For further information, please visit: www.YahLive.tv
For more information, please contact:
Asala Faddah
Hill + Knowlton Strategies
Mob: +971 56 696 0787
Tel: +971 2 447 2805
E-Mail: asala.faddah@hkstrategies.com
© Press Release 2012
