• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • News
  • TV/Radio Deals
  • Film partnerships
  • New appointments
  • Production
  • TV Channels
Al Jazeera and ADM: Life after the Premier League rights saga

Al Jazeera and ADM: Life after the Premier League rights saga

August 13, 2013
Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth to begin this month

Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth to begin this month

October 4, 2023
Latest TOD original series claims top spot

Latest TOD original series claims top spot

October 4, 2023
Delegates attend US-Africa commercial space stakeholders meeting

Delegates attend US-Africa commercial space stakeholders meeting

October 4, 2023
World Space Week starts today

World Space Week starts today

October 4, 2023
New multiplex cinema to rise in Saudi Arabia’s financial district

New multiplex cinema to rise in Saudi Arabia’s financial district

October 4, 2023
Sony LIV will adapt Yes Studios’ crime thriller “Magpie”

Sony LIV will adapt Yes Studios’ crime thriller “Magpie”

October 4, 2023
Toshiba announces ‘Build Your Own Data Centre’ initiative in MEA

Toshiba announces ‘Build Your Own Data Centre’ initiative in MEA

October 4, 2023
Netflix surpasses 200m paid subscriptions

Netflix contemplates price rise

October 4, 2023
Paratus and Starlink ink reseller agreement for Africa

Paratus and Starlink ink reseller agreement for Africa

October 3, 2023
NASA Space Apps hackathon to take place in Oman next week

NASA Space Apps hackathon to take place in Oman next week

October 3, 2023
Arabsat launches new global content delivery platform

Arabsat launches new global content delivery platform

October 3, 2023
Saudi Space Agency participates in International Astronautical Congress

Saudi Space Agency participates in International Astronautical Congress

October 3, 2023
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Magazine Archive
  • Directory
  • Contact
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
BroadcastPro ME
  • News
    • All
    • Podcasting
    • Cinema Theatres
    • Esports
    • TV/Radio Deals
    • Film partnerships
    • New appointments
    • Production
    • Mergers/Acquisitions
    • Satellite/Comms
    • AV
    • OTT/Video Streaming
    • International News
    • Analyst Reports
    • Satellite/Broadcasting
    Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth to begin this month

    Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth to begin this month

    Latest TOD original series claims top spot

    Latest TOD original series claims top spot

    Delegates attend US-Africa commercial space stakeholders meeting

    Delegates attend US-Africa commercial space stakeholders meeting

    World Space Week starts today

    World Space Week starts today

    New multiplex cinema to rise in Saudi Arabia’s financial district

    New multiplex cinema to rise in Saudi Arabia’s financial district

    Sony LIV will adapt Yes Studios’ crime thriller “Magpie”

    Sony LIV will adapt Yes Studios’ crime thriller “Magpie”

    Toshiba announces ‘Build Your Own Data Centre’ initiative in MEA

    Toshiba announces ‘Build Your Own Data Centre’ initiative in MEA

    Netflix surpasses 200m paid subscriptions

    Netflix contemplates price rise

    Paratus and Starlink ink reseller agreement for Africa

    Paratus and Starlink ink reseller agreement for Africa

    NASA Space Apps hackathon to take place in Oman next week

    NASA Space Apps hackathon to take place in Oman next week

    Trending Tags

    • broadcast
    • MENA broadcast
    • ConnecTech2019
  • Tech Features
    • All
    • CASE STUDIES
    • Virtual Production Series
    • REVIEWS
    • TV/Radio Deals
    • New Media
    Sony LIV will adapt Yes Studios’ crime thriller “Magpie”

    Sony LIV will adapt Yes Studios’ crime thriller “Magpie”

    Decoding AI and new technologies in media

    Decoding AI and new technologies in media

    Embracing the diversified media supply chain

    Embracing the diversified media supply chain

    Exploring the evolution of graphics with next-level data handling

    Exploring the evolution of graphics with next-level data handling

    How the IS-12 control protocol can help simplifying IP workflows

    How the IS-12 control protocol can help simplifying IP workflows

    Creating cricket for a multi-platform viewership

    Creating cricket for a multi-platform viewership

    Is Arabic content ready to compete at the Content Olympics?

    Is Arabic content ready to compete at the Content Olympics?

    Shaping the narrative

    Shaping the narrative

    Lights, Camera, Generative AI!

    Lights, Camera, Generative AI!

    Monitoring solutions transition to active mode

    Monitoring solutions transition to active mode

    Trending Tags

    • Videos
      Panel Discussion : TV Broadcasting 2.0: Innovations in Generative AI, Cloud, and Streaming for the Future

      Presentation: Optimising Playout Costs: Maximising Automation Potential

      Panel Discussion : TV Broadcasting 2.0: Innovations in Generative AI, Cloud, and Streaming for the Future

      Panel Discussion : TV Broadcasting 2.0: Innovations in Generative AI, Cloud, and Streaming for the Future

      AR Rahman at the launch of the Reinvent docu-series from Firdaus Studio, Expo City Dubai

      AR Rahman at the launch of the Reinvent docu-series from Firdaus Studio, Expo City Dubai

      The BroadcastPro ME Manufacturer Awards 2023 – a more detailed video

      The BroadcastPro ME Manufacturer Awards 2023 – a more detailed video

      The BroadcastPro ME Manufacturer Awards 2023 – highlights

      The BroadcastPro ME Manufacturer Awards 2023 – highlights

      Tajani Bouqentar highlights ST Engineering iDirect’s new products at CABSAT

      Tajani Bouqentar highlights ST Engineering iDirect’s new products at CABSAT

      Said Bacho speaks about Editshare’s special presence at CABSAT

      Said Bacho speaks about Editshare’s special presence at CABSAT

      Tim Banks shares Grass Valley’s Middle East success stories at CABSAT

      Tim Banks shares Grass Valley’s Middle East success stories at CABSAT

      Exclusive: Video of the construction of the AlUla studio complex

      Exclusive: Video of the construction of the AlUla studio complex

    • Opinion
      IBC2023, the premise of a hybrid world?

      IBC2023, the premise of a hybrid world?

      Made in the UAE – with pride

      Insights from IBC 2023

      Generative AI Applications in OTT Development: A Paradigm Shift

      Generative AI Applications in OTT Development: A Paradigm Shift

      Unlocking the power of data

      Unlocking the power of data

      New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

      KSA drives content transformation in GCC

      Exploring the landscape of Arab cinema: Insights from Amman Projects Market 2023

      Exploring the landscape of Arab cinema: Insights from Amman Projects Market 2023

      An exploration of challenges brands face when implementing AR/VR at events

      An exploration of challenges brands face when implementing AR/VR at events

      Tapping into the metaverse for news production

      Tapping into the metaverse for news production

      New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

      The impact of AI on the broadcast industry

      FAST Track to Success: The New Era of Streaming

      FAST Track to Success: The New Era of Streaming

    • Interviews
      • All
      • Lounge
      Plotting an independent path

      Plotting an independent path

      New ASBU cloud platform offers silver lining to members

      New ASBU cloud platform offers silver lining to members

      Exclusive: Omar Hilal on ‘Voy! Voy! Voy!’ ahead of theatrical release

      Exclusive: Omar Hilal on ‘Voy! Voy! Voy!’ ahead of theatrical release

      Building on the Bedrock of Streaming

      Building on the Bedrock of Streaming

      Total inspiration

      Total inspiration

      Exploring France Médias Monde’s Middle East quest

      Exploring France Médias Monde’s Middle East quest

      Advanced Media’s Pejman Ghorbani on DJI’s new launches in MENA

      Advanced Media’s Pejman Ghorbani on DJI’s new launches in MENA

      Reel of Fortune

      Reel of Fortune

      Wired for adventure

      Wired for adventure

      Shaping the narrative

      Shaping the narrative

    • Products
    • Magazine Archive
      • BroadcastPro ME Magazine
      • PRO Directory
    • Events
      • Upcoming Events
      • News from Events
      Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth to begin this month

      Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth to begin this month

      Bahrain Film Festival to kick off on October 5

      Bahrain Film Festival to kick off on October 5

      Dubai International Content Market 2023

      Dubai International Content Market 2023

      E-Ramadan Content Market 2023

      E-Ramadan Content Market 2023

    No Result
    View All Result
    BroadcastPro ME
    • News
      • All
      • Podcasting
      • Cinema Theatres
      • Esports
      • TV/Radio Deals
      • Film partnerships
      • New appointments
      • Production
      • Mergers/Acquisitions
      • Satellite/Comms
      • AV
      • OTT/Video Streaming
      • International News
      • Analyst Reports
      • Satellite/Broadcasting
      Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth to begin this month

      Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth to begin this month

      Latest TOD original series claims top spot

      Latest TOD original series claims top spot

      Delegates attend US-Africa commercial space stakeholders meeting

      Delegates attend US-Africa commercial space stakeholders meeting

      World Space Week starts today

      World Space Week starts today

      New multiplex cinema to rise in Saudi Arabia’s financial district

      New multiplex cinema to rise in Saudi Arabia’s financial district

      Sony LIV will adapt Yes Studios’ crime thriller “Magpie”

      Sony LIV will adapt Yes Studios’ crime thriller “Magpie”

      Toshiba announces ‘Build Your Own Data Centre’ initiative in MEA

      Toshiba announces ‘Build Your Own Data Centre’ initiative in MEA

      Netflix surpasses 200m paid subscriptions

      Netflix contemplates price rise

      Paratus and Starlink ink reseller agreement for Africa

      Paratus and Starlink ink reseller agreement for Africa

      NASA Space Apps hackathon to take place in Oman next week

      NASA Space Apps hackathon to take place in Oman next week

      Trending Tags

      • broadcast
      • MENA broadcast
      • ConnecTech2019
    • Tech Features
      • All
      • CASE STUDIES
      • Virtual Production Series
      • REVIEWS
      • TV/Radio Deals
      • New Media
      Sony LIV will adapt Yes Studios’ crime thriller “Magpie”

      Sony LIV will adapt Yes Studios’ crime thriller “Magpie”

      Decoding AI and new technologies in media

      Decoding AI and new technologies in media

      Embracing the diversified media supply chain

      Embracing the diversified media supply chain

      Exploring the evolution of graphics with next-level data handling

      Exploring the evolution of graphics with next-level data handling

      How the IS-12 control protocol can help simplifying IP workflows

      How the IS-12 control protocol can help simplifying IP workflows

      Creating cricket for a multi-platform viewership

      Creating cricket for a multi-platform viewership

      Is Arabic content ready to compete at the Content Olympics?

      Is Arabic content ready to compete at the Content Olympics?

      Shaping the narrative

      Shaping the narrative

      Lights, Camera, Generative AI!

      Lights, Camera, Generative AI!

      Monitoring solutions transition to active mode

      Monitoring solutions transition to active mode

      Trending Tags

      • Videos
        Panel Discussion : TV Broadcasting 2.0: Innovations in Generative AI, Cloud, and Streaming for the Future

        Presentation: Optimising Playout Costs: Maximising Automation Potential

        Panel Discussion : TV Broadcasting 2.0: Innovations in Generative AI, Cloud, and Streaming for the Future

        Panel Discussion : TV Broadcasting 2.0: Innovations in Generative AI, Cloud, and Streaming for the Future

        AR Rahman at the launch of the Reinvent docu-series from Firdaus Studio, Expo City Dubai

        AR Rahman at the launch of the Reinvent docu-series from Firdaus Studio, Expo City Dubai

        The BroadcastPro ME Manufacturer Awards 2023 – a more detailed video

        The BroadcastPro ME Manufacturer Awards 2023 – a more detailed video

        The BroadcastPro ME Manufacturer Awards 2023 – highlights

        The BroadcastPro ME Manufacturer Awards 2023 – highlights

        Tajani Bouqentar highlights ST Engineering iDirect’s new products at CABSAT

        Tajani Bouqentar highlights ST Engineering iDirect’s new products at CABSAT

        Said Bacho speaks about Editshare’s special presence at CABSAT

        Said Bacho speaks about Editshare’s special presence at CABSAT

        Tim Banks shares Grass Valley’s Middle East success stories at CABSAT

        Tim Banks shares Grass Valley’s Middle East success stories at CABSAT

        Exclusive: Video of the construction of the AlUla studio complex

        Exclusive: Video of the construction of the AlUla studio complex

      • Opinion
        IBC2023, the premise of a hybrid world?

        IBC2023, the premise of a hybrid world?

        Made in the UAE – with pride

        Insights from IBC 2023

        Generative AI Applications in OTT Development: A Paradigm Shift

        Generative AI Applications in OTT Development: A Paradigm Shift

        Unlocking the power of data

        Unlocking the power of data

        New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

        KSA drives content transformation in GCC

        Exploring the landscape of Arab cinema: Insights from Amman Projects Market 2023

        Exploring the landscape of Arab cinema: Insights from Amman Projects Market 2023

        An exploration of challenges brands face when implementing AR/VR at events

        An exploration of challenges brands face when implementing AR/VR at events

        Tapping into the metaverse for news production

        Tapping into the metaverse for news production

        New normal inspires fresh storylines and alternative filming strategies

        The impact of AI on the broadcast industry

        FAST Track to Success: The New Era of Streaming

        FAST Track to Success: The New Era of Streaming

      • Interviews
        • All
        • Lounge
        Plotting an independent path

        Plotting an independent path

        New ASBU cloud platform offers silver lining to members

        New ASBU cloud platform offers silver lining to members

        Exclusive: Omar Hilal on ‘Voy! Voy! Voy!’ ahead of theatrical release

        Exclusive: Omar Hilal on ‘Voy! Voy! Voy!’ ahead of theatrical release

        Building on the Bedrock of Streaming

        Building on the Bedrock of Streaming

        Total inspiration

        Total inspiration

        Exploring France Médias Monde’s Middle East quest

        Exploring France Médias Monde’s Middle East quest

        Advanced Media’s Pejman Ghorbani on DJI’s new launches in MENA

        Advanced Media’s Pejman Ghorbani on DJI’s new launches in MENA

        Reel of Fortune

        Reel of Fortune

        Wired for adventure

        Wired for adventure

        Shaping the narrative

        Shaping the narrative

      • Products
      • Magazine Archive
        • BroadcastPro ME Magazine
        • PRO Directory
      • Events
        • Upcoming Events
        • News from Events
        Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth to begin this month

        Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth to begin this month

        Bahrain Film Festival to kick off on October 5

        Bahrain Film Festival to kick off on October 5

        Dubai International Content Market 2023

        Dubai International Content Market 2023

        E-Ramadan Content Market 2023

        E-Ramadan Content Market 2023

      No Result
      View All Result
      BroadcastPro ME
      No Result
      View All Result
      Home News

      Al Jazeera and ADM: Life after the Premier League rights saga

      Guest Columnist by Guest Columnist
      August 13, 2013
      in News, Opinion, Analyst Reports
      ShareTweetPostEmail

      Now that the MENA broadcast rights for the Premier League have been awarded exclusively to Al Jazeera Sport, Karim Sarkis, who was part of the team that negotiated the rights for Abu Dhabi Media for the previous three seasons, sheds light on some of the challenges that lie ahead for the region The saga of […]

      Now that the MENA broadcast rights for the Premier League have been awarded exclusively to Al Jazeera Sport, Karim Sarkis, who was part of the team that negotiated the rights for Abu Dhabi Media for the previous three seasons, sheds light on some of the challenges that lie ahead for the region

      The saga of the renewal of the Premier League television rights recently culminated with their award to Al Jazeera on an exclusive basis. As usual, the price paid has not been announced. Given the nature of the auction process and judging by its extended duration, it would probably be safe to assume the rights cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

      If there is one thing that everyone agrees on, it is that the process took far too long. The result was announced roughly a month before the scheduled start of the 2013 season, leaving fans and subscribers confused as to how and where they will be able to watch the games. That the PL allowed the process to drag on for so long must imply that they reaped a financial benefit above and beyond what they would have gained by accepting the initial bids. Nevertheless, the proceedings did not help the reputation of the sports rights sales processes in MENA, which are in general quite ambiguous in nature.

      Unless Al Jazeera has been quietly preparing for winning the PL rights, the short duration until the season’s kick-off leaves them with a considerable challenge. Undoubtedly, Al Jazeera will provide a high standard of coverage with a star line-up of pundits, presenters and commentators. If, as has been speculated, the PL has mandated that cards be paired with decoders, Al Jazeera has a limited amount of time to make sufficient decoders available in the market. Ironically, ADM’s decoders are compatible with Al Jazeera’s cards, but pairing will require the co-operation of ADM, which may be difficult to secure. There is a marketing challenge in defining and communicating pricing, availability and technical requirements to potential subscribers. Finally, there is a customer service challenge in signing up a significant number of new subscribers within a short period of time. The coming weeks will confirm whether Al Jazeera is able to meet these various challenges.

      The exclusivity of the PL rights firmly answered the question of co-operation among MENA rights holders. Many speculated that ADM and Al Jazeera had drawn a line in the sand in the face of ever-escalating rights costs. Indeed, had this scenario played out, it would have set the tone for a reduction in future sports rights values in the region. As it stands, future rights costs may rise sharply if ADM attempts to replace the PL rights with Spanish, Italian or UEFA rights as they come up for renewal in the coming years.

      As many have commented, the costs of sports rights in the region are not commercially viable. Although I do agree, neither Al Jazeera nor ADM are naïve enough to think that they are purchasing assets to generate a financial return over a three-year period. Each has their own strategy and perspective and, in both cases, my guess is their reasoning extends beyond the commercial constraints of regional pay-TV.

      Some have been critical of the rights owners for embarking on strategies that promote price hikes. I would agree that constant shifting between platforms is not conducive to long-term subscriber growth, but in the end, sports rights are worth whatever someone is willing to pay for them. Incidentally, rapidly escalating costs for sports rights are not unique to the MENA region. The primary difference is that in most other markets, the bidders are driven by a commercial objective and operate within a market with sufficient scale to justify the costs.

      For ADM, it must now, of course, determine the fate of its platform, which has hundreds of thousands of subscribers and represents a significant multi-million dollar investment. Most subscriptions will likely be expiring between August and December, and ADM needs to offer its existing subscribers a viable alternative. It can, of course, shut down the platform and cut its losses, thus leaving Al Jazeera as the only viable buyer of international football rights in the region. Alternatively, ADM may elect to expand its HD entertainment offering to retain subscribers and gain new ones. Another possible scenario is for ADM to wait until major football and sports rights come up for renewal and attempt to acquire them. Each of these scenarios will have a significant impact on the pay-TV market in the region.

      What next for Al Jazeera? After securing the rights for every major football tournament, will Al Jazeera focus on local football league rights? Or will they cast a wider net and seek to expand into entertainment? It would be an opportunity to create a compelling and complete pay-TV portfolio to entice a larger number of consumers at a lower subscription price point that Al Jazeera is clearly comfortable with. In comparison to the costs of sports rights, movie and entertainment channel rights in the region are a “bargain”!

      Karim Sarkis is the CEO of Sync Media, a content creation company in Dubai. Previously, he was part of the team that acquired the EPL rights and launched Abu Dhabi Media’s pay TV platform.

      Tags: EPLAl JazeeraKarim SarkisADM

      Related Posts

      From talent to telcos, CEOs discuss industry challenges

      From talent to telcos, CEOs discuss industry challenges

      January 23, 2023
      Qatari broadcaster upgrades production with MRMC’s StudioBot XL robotic arm

      Qatari broadcaster upgrades production with MRMC’s StudioBot XL robotic arm

      October 18, 2022
      TVF International signs content sales deals with broadcasters in MENA

      TVF International signs content sales deals with broadcasters in MENA

      August 9, 2022
      Pebble expands UAE team to accelerate growth

      Pebble expands UAE team to accelerate growth

      June 16, 2022
      Surviving the new world order

      Surviving the new world order

      January 25, 2022
      Abu Dhabi Media announces new strategy for content and digital platforms

      Abu Dhabi Media announces new strategy for content and digital platforms

      February 17, 2020

      Related News

      EPL returns to beIN Sports

      EPL returns to beIN Sports

      November 8, 2014
      Etisalat to broadcast EPL

      Etisalat to broadcast EPL

      August 17, 2013
      Al Jazeera Sport emerges winner of hugely contested EPL MENA rights

      Al Jazeera Sport emerges winner of hugely contested EPL MENA rights

      July 16, 2013
      WASP3D makes successful entry into Abu Dhabi

      WASP3D makes successful entry into Abu Dhabi

      September 10, 2010
      Man of the Match

      Man of the Match

      July 13, 2010
      More Related News

      Popular Stories

      • Etisalat by e& launches mobile cloud gaming platform

        Etisalat by e& launches mobile cloud gaming platform

        742 shares
        Share 297 Tweet 186
      • Manga Productions secures distribution rights for anime series ‘Captain Tsubasa’ in MENA

        662 shares
        Share 265 Tweet 166
      • Museum of the Future to host Climate Film Festival during Climate Future Week

        651 shares
        Share 260 Tweet 163
      • KSA media house Alamiya acquires Lyra Pictures

        641 shares
        Share 256 Tweet 160
      • Intigral bags two prize at Global Brands Magazine Awards 2023

        639 shares
        Share 256 Tweet 160

      BroadcastPro ME

      • About
      • Advertise
      • Subscribe
      • Magazine Archive
      • Directory
      • Contact
      • Privacy

      Follow us on Social Media

      No Result
      View All Result
      • News
      • Tech Features
      • Videos
      • Opinion
      • Interviews
      • Products
      • Magazine Archive
        • BroadcastPro ME Magazine
        • PRO Directory
      • Events

      Login to your account below

      Forgotten Password?

      Fill the forms bellow to register

      All fields are required. Log In

      Retrieve your password

      Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

      Log In
      ×