According to a report in the Saudi newspaper al-Madina, satellite television uptake is growing apace. The number of satellite TV channels has more than doubled over the past three years, according to the report.
Currently 370 Arabic satellite TV networks broadcast to the Middle East; 56 belong to private companies, 54 are music channels and 38 are state owned. Since January 2004, the sector has grown some 270 per cent.
Media researcher ?Ysa Qasusi told al-Madina that about 22 per cent of Arabic satellite networks are based in the United Arab Emirates; 15 per cent are in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and 11 per cent are in Egypt.
