A new Arab Advisors Group report has found stable growth in the Middle East radio broadcasting sector despite the recession. The report found that a total of 346 FM radio stations broadcast in 18 Arab countries, while private FM radio stations constitute 48% of the total local stations.
The regional landscape varies widely: Algeria and the UAE have the highest number of local government-owned FM radio stations while Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon have the highest number of private local radio stations.
Liberalisation in several Arab countries was a key factor for the growth in private FM radio stations, the report stated. Of the 18 countries, five do not allow private radio stations, with Libya and Oman being the latest to liberalise their markets in 2006.
In addition to the liberalisation of the sector, the need to broadcast in multiple languages to cater for expatriates enhances the number of FM radio stations even in countries where private FM radio stations do not exist. The UAE is a clear example of this as it hosts FM radio stations broadcasting in Arabic, English, Malayalam, Hindi, Urdu and Filipino.
“State-owned radio stations in the Arab World still outnumber private radio stations, although the number of private ones is growing and approaching the number of state-owned radio stations,” said Faten Bader, Arab Advisors senior research analyst. “State-owned radio stations reached 176 by July 2009, up from 157 stations by February 2008, a growth rate of 12.10%. Private radio stations increased from 150 stations by February 2008 to 162 by July 2009, equating to an 8% rise.”
“Algeria ranks first with 50 state-owned radio stations (28.41% of the total number of state-owned radio stations). The UAE follows with 24 state-owned radio stations. On the opposite side, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine lead all Arab countries with the number of private radio stations.” Bader added.
(Source: Digital Production Middle East)
