• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • News
  • TV/Radio Deals
  • Film partnerships
  • New appointments
  • Production
  • TV Channels
In Search of a Sustainable Business Model

In Search of a Sustainable Business Model

April 7, 2012
Abu Dhabi’s CMA and NG9 Group sign $15m production deal

Abu Dhabi’s CMA and NG9 Group sign $15m production deal

July 26, 2025
Ad 1
MAD Solutions acquires distribution rights to Yemeni film ‘The Burdened’

Zawya Cinema screens Yemeni film ‘The Burdened’

July 25, 2025
NASA launches mission to study Earth’s magnetic shield

NASA launches mission to study Earth’s magnetic shield

July 25, 2025
Ejunior partners with Cartoon Network MENA

Ejunior partners with Cartoon Network MENA

July 25, 2025
Sparkle and Algérie Télécom sign MoU for new subsea cable

Sparkle and Algérie Télécom sign MoU for new subsea cable

July 25, 2025
Mediagenix to demo integration of Spideo personalisation tech at IBC

Mediagenix to demo integration of Spideo personalisation tech at IBC

July 25, 2025

Saudi Film Commission launches second film community initiative across four cities

July 25, 2025
Africa24 Group partners with Ivorian MMA Federation

Africa24 Group partners with Ivorian MMA Federation

July 25, 2025
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Media Regulation launches Media System project 

CJ ENM launches subsidiary in Saudi Arabia to drive Middle East expansion

July 24, 2025
Aselsan to share space tech with Azerbaijan in strategic partnership

Aselsan to share space tech with Azerbaijan in strategic partnership

July 24, 2025
IBC2025 launches Future Tech hub for innovation and talent

Appear to exhibit VX software and X Platform integration at IBC 2025

July 24, 2025
Custom Consoles MDesk-Technical HA workstation to make IBC debut

Custom Consoles MDesk-Technical HA workstation to make IBC debut

July 24, 2025
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Magazine Archive
  • Directory
  • Contact
Saturday, July 26, 2025
  • Login
BroadcastPro ME
  • News
    • All
    • Analyst Reports
    • AV
    • Cinema Theatres
    • Esports
    • Film partnerships
    • International News
    • Mergers/Acquisitions
    • New appointments
    • OTT/Video Streaming
    • Podcasting
    • Production
    • Satellite/Comms
    • TV/Radio Deals
    Abu Dhabi’s CMA and NG9 Group sign $15m production deal

    Abu Dhabi’s CMA and NG9 Group sign $15m production deal

    MAD Solutions acquires distribution rights to Yemeni film ‘The Burdened’

    Zawya Cinema screens Yemeni film ‘The Burdened’

    NASA launches mission to study Earth’s magnetic shield

    NASA launches mission to study Earth’s magnetic shield

    Ejunior partners with Cartoon Network MENA

    Ejunior partners with Cartoon Network MENA

    Sparkle and Algérie Télécom sign MoU for new subsea cable

    Sparkle and Algérie Télécom sign MoU for new subsea cable

    Saudi Film Commission launches second film community initiative across four cities

    Africa24 Group partners with Ivorian MMA Federation

    Africa24 Group partners with Ivorian MMA Federation

    Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Media Regulation launches Media System project 

    CJ ENM launches subsidiary in Saudi Arabia to drive Middle East expansion

    Aselsan to share space tech with Azerbaijan in strategic partnership

    Aselsan to share space tech with Azerbaijan in strategic partnership

    Tunisian film ‘Agora’ to hold world premiere at Locarno Film Festival

    Tunisian mystery thriller film ‘Agora’ to screen at Zawya Cinema

    Trending Tags

    • broadcast
    • MENA broadcast
    • ConnecTech2019
  • Tech Features
    • All
    • CASE STUDIES
    • New Media
    • REVIEWS
    • TV/Radio Deals
    • Updates from FOMEX
    • Virtual Production Series
    Breaking free from the hardware cycle: Cloud collaboration in post-production

    Breaking free from the hardware cycle: Cloud collaboration in post-production

    Playing to win

    Playing to win

    The expanding role of AI in broadcast

    The expanding role of AI in broadcast

    The power of podcasts and audio streaming in MENA

    The power of podcasts and audio streaming in MENA

    Tech strategies for an evolving modern MENA media ecosystem

    Tech strategies for an evolving modern MENA media ecosystem

    SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part II

    SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part IV

    SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part I

    SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part III

    SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part II

    SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part II

    SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part I

    SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part I

    Transforming the entertainment experience with tech

    Transforming the entertainment experience with tech

    Trending Tags

    • Videos
      FOR-A’s award-winning HVS-Q12: A quantum leap in switcher design

      FOR-A’s award-winning HVS-Q12: A quantum leap in switcher design

      Ignacio Gonzalez-Nuñez on Eutelsat’s new offering and market leadership

      Ignacio Gonzalez-Nuñez on Eutelsat’s new offering and market leadership

      Francesco Cataldo on iKO Media Group’s CABSAT showcase and broadcast trends

      Francesco Cataldo on iKO Media Group’s CABSAT showcase and broadcast trends

      Deepraj Sandhar on Ross Video’s Middle East growth and broadcast tech trends

      Deepraj Sandhar on Ross Video’s Middle East growth and broadcast tech trends

      Reema Omari

      Reema Omari on Universal Satcom’s growth and connectivity solutions

      Mustafa Afifi

      Mustafa Afifi of Rivada Space on Outernet’s impact in the Middle East

      Don

      ST Engineering iDirect CEO Don Claussen on Mideast ties and satellite strategy

      KSASummit

      Transforming Arabic Content: Studios, Producers and Regional Impact

      Bringing Real-Time Audience Insights to Linear Broadcast TV – A First and Exclusive

      Bringing Real-Time Audience Insights to Linear Broadcast TV – A First and Exclusive

    • Opinion
      Survival of the Smartest: Cloud Playout as a Strategic Weapon

      Survival of the Smartest: Cloud Playout as a Strategic Weapon

      Bridging the Latency Gap with Broadcast in a Streaming World

      Bridging the Latency Gap with Broadcast in a Streaming World

      YouTube in Ramadan: The silent giant

      YouTube in Ramadan: The silent giant

      Evision’s transformation proves that business acumen and passion drive success

      Sport’s Growing Grip on MENA Media

      MEASA’s media and communications innovations set new benchmarks beyond regional boundaries

      MEASA’s media and communications innovations set new benchmarks beyond regional boundaries

      Integrate ME 2023 brings its inaugural edition to successful conclusion

      Empowering the next generation of content creation and live broadcasting with AV PRO

      Decoding the Ramadan Drama Phenomenon: What Makes a Winner?

      Decoding the Ramadan Drama Phenomenon: What Makes a Winner?

      Reviving cultural identity through native storytelling in Abu Dhabi

      Reviving cultural identity through native storytelling in Abu Dhabi

      Why it’s game on for broadcasters of live sport

      Why it’s game on for broadcasters of live sport

      Evision’s transformation proves that business acumen and passion drive success

      Saudi Arabia emerges as the epicentre of Media & Entertainment in 2025

    • Interviews
      • All
      • Lounge
      Sand, sweat and high stakes

      Sand, sweat and high stakes

      All eyes on AIUIa

      All eyes on AIUIa

      Grass Valley scales up with software and IP workflows

      Grass Valley scales up with software and IP workflows

      Breaking barriers, building futures: The new face of IABM

      Breaking barriers, building futures: The new face of IABM

      New Leadership, Same Strategy, Sharpened Focus

      New Leadership, Same Strategy, Sharpened Focus

      Creating Captain Shedeed: A superhero with Arab roots

      Creating Captain Shedeed: A superhero with Arab roots

      UAE Pro League flips the field

      UAE Pro League flips the field

      Bringing the wild to the Middle East

      Bringing the wild to the Middle East

      Shades of success

      Shades of success

      Navigating the news wave

      Navigating the news wave

    • Products
    • Magazine Archive
      • BroadcastPro ME Magazine
      • PRO Directory
    • Events
      • News from Events
      • Upcoming Events
      DICM

      DICM

      IBC Show

      IBC 2025

      MPTS

      CABSAT2025

      CABSAT2025

      NAB Show

    No Result
    View All Result
    BroadcastPro ME
    • News
      • All
      • Analyst Reports
      • AV
      • Cinema Theatres
      • Esports
      • Film partnerships
      • International News
      • Mergers/Acquisitions
      • New appointments
      • OTT/Video Streaming
      • Podcasting
      • Production
      • Satellite/Comms
      • TV/Radio Deals
      Abu Dhabi’s CMA and NG9 Group sign $15m production deal

      Abu Dhabi’s CMA and NG9 Group sign $15m production deal

      MAD Solutions acquires distribution rights to Yemeni film ‘The Burdened’

      Zawya Cinema screens Yemeni film ‘The Burdened’

      NASA launches mission to study Earth’s magnetic shield

      NASA launches mission to study Earth’s magnetic shield

      Ejunior partners with Cartoon Network MENA

      Ejunior partners with Cartoon Network MENA

      Sparkle and Algérie Télécom sign MoU for new subsea cable

      Sparkle and Algérie Télécom sign MoU for new subsea cable

      Saudi Film Commission launches second film community initiative across four cities

      Africa24 Group partners with Ivorian MMA Federation

      Africa24 Group partners with Ivorian MMA Federation

      Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Media Regulation launches Media System project 

      CJ ENM launches subsidiary in Saudi Arabia to drive Middle East expansion

      Aselsan to share space tech with Azerbaijan in strategic partnership

      Aselsan to share space tech with Azerbaijan in strategic partnership

      Tunisian film ‘Agora’ to hold world premiere at Locarno Film Festival

      Tunisian mystery thriller film ‘Agora’ to screen at Zawya Cinema

      Trending Tags

      • broadcast
      • MENA broadcast
      • ConnecTech2019
    • Tech Features
      • All
      • CASE STUDIES
      • New Media
      • REVIEWS
      • TV/Radio Deals
      • Updates from FOMEX
      • Virtual Production Series
      Breaking free from the hardware cycle: Cloud collaboration in post-production

      Breaking free from the hardware cycle: Cloud collaboration in post-production

      Playing to win

      Playing to win

      The expanding role of AI in broadcast

      The expanding role of AI in broadcast

      The power of podcasts and audio streaming in MENA

      The power of podcasts and audio streaming in MENA

      Tech strategies for an evolving modern MENA media ecosystem

      Tech strategies for an evolving modern MENA media ecosystem

      SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part II

      SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part IV

      SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part I

      SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part III

      SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part II

      SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part II

      SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part I

      SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part I

      Transforming the entertainment experience with tech

      Transforming the entertainment experience with tech

      Trending Tags

      • Videos
        FOR-A’s award-winning HVS-Q12: A quantum leap in switcher design

        FOR-A’s award-winning HVS-Q12: A quantum leap in switcher design

        Ignacio Gonzalez-Nuñez on Eutelsat’s new offering and market leadership

        Ignacio Gonzalez-Nuñez on Eutelsat’s new offering and market leadership

        Francesco Cataldo on iKO Media Group’s CABSAT showcase and broadcast trends

        Francesco Cataldo on iKO Media Group’s CABSAT showcase and broadcast trends

        Deepraj Sandhar on Ross Video’s Middle East growth and broadcast tech trends

        Deepraj Sandhar on Ross Video’s Middle East growth and broadcast tech trends

        Reema Omari

        Reema Omari on Universal Satcom’s growth and connectivity solutions

        Mustafa Afifi

        Mustafa Afifi of Rivada Space on Outernet’s impact in the Middle East

        Don

        ST Engineering iDirect CEO Don Claussen on Mideast ties and satellite strategy

        KSASummit

        Transforming Arabic Content: Studios, Producers and Regional Impact

        Bringing Real-Time Audience Insights to Linear Broadcast TV – A First and Exclusive

        Bringing Real-Time Audience Insights to Linear Broadcast TV – A First and Exclusive

      • Opinion
        Survival of the Smartest: Cloud Playout as a Strategic Weapon

        Survival of the Smartest: Cloud Playout as a Strategic Weapon

        Bridging the Latency Gap with Broadcast in a Streaming World

        Bridging the Latency Gap with Broadcast in a Streaming World

        YouTube in Ramadan: The silent giant

        YouTube in Ramadan: The silent giant

        Evision’s transformation proves that business acumen and passion drive success

        Sport’s Growing Grip on MENA Media

        MEASA’s media and communications innovations set new benchmarks beyond regional boundaries

        MEASA’s media and communications innovations set new benchmarks beyond regional boundaries

        Integrate ME 2023 brings its inaugural edition to successful conclusion

        Empowering the next generation of content creation and live broadcasting with AV PRO

        Decoding the Ramadan Drama Phenomenon: What Makes a Winner?

        Decoding the Ramadan Drama Phenomenon: What Makes a Winner?

        Reviving cultural identity through native storytelling in Abu Dhabi

        Reviving cultural identity through native storytelling in Abu Dhabi

        Why it’s game on for broadcasters of live sport

        Why it’s game on for broadcasters of live sport

        Evision’s transformation proves that business acumen and passion drive success

        Saudi Arabia emerges as the epicentre of Media & Entertainment in 2025

      • Interviews
        • All
        • Lounge
        Sand, sweat and high stakes

        Sand, sweat and high stakes

        All eyes on AIUIa

        All eyes on AIUIa

        Grass Valley scales up with software and IP workflows

        Grass Valley scales up with software and IP workflows

        Breaking barriers, building futures: The new face of IABM

        Breaking barriers, building futures: The new face of IABM

        New Leadership, Same Strategy, Sharpened Focus

        New Leadership, Same Strategy, Sharpened Focus

        Creating Captain Shedeed: A superhero with Arab roots

        Creating Captain Shedeed: A superhero with Arab roots

        UAE Pro League flips the field

        UAE Pro League flips the field

        Bringing the wild to the Middle East

        Bringing the wild to the Middle East

        Shades of success

        Shades of success

        Navigating the news wave

        Navigating the news wave

      • Products
      • Magazine Archive
        • BroadcastPro ME Magazine
        • PRO Directory
      • Events
        • News from Events
        • Upcoming Events
        DICM

        DICM

        IBC Show

        IBC 2025

        MPTS

        CABSAT2025

        CABSAT2025

        NAB Show

      No Result
      View All Result
      BroadcastPro ME
      No Result
      View All Result
      AMT Ad ibc Ad
      Home Opinion

      In Search of a Sustainable Business Model

      Vijaya Cherian by Vijaya Cherian
      April 7, 2012
      in Opinion
      ShareTweetPostEmail

      Karim Sarkis (@kmsarkis) is the CEO of Sync Media, a content creation company based in the UAE with the purpose of developing advertiser-funded programming with content integrated across tv, web and mobile. Since 2007 and up until January 2012, Karim managed the TV and radio business of Abu Dhabi Media.  On the surface, the free-to-air […]

      Karim Sarkis.

      Karim Sarkis (@kmsarkis) is the CEO of Sync Media, a content creation company based in the UAE with the purpose of developing advertiser-funded programming with content integrated across tv, web and mobile. Since 2007 and up until January 2012, Karim managed the TV and radio business of Abu Dhabi Media. 

      On the surface, the free-to-air television sector in the Middle East is thriving. Viewing time is one of the highest in the world. Even in the turbulent political environment of 2011, research indicates that the advertising market has continued to grow. Hundreds of channels exist yet satellite operators can’t keep up with demand and continue to launch new satellites. International players such as Newscorp and Turner have made investments in Middle East media. The region’s population is growing rapidly and is very young by global standards, thus making it attractive for advertisers. The large number of broadcasters supports an eco-system of profitable entities ranging from international and regional production houses to infrastructure providers and media professionals.

      In reality, a minuscule number of broadcasters are profitable. Ad figures are inflated by rate card monitoring that does not take into account regular heavy discounting. On a net basis, ad spend per capita is lower than global benchmarks. In the absence of a single regulatory body with authority over the many countries in the region, the advertising and broadcasting sectors are practically unregulated. In advertising, this has led to aggressive but not always transparent sales practices. In broadcasting, the lack of regulation has led to large discrepancies in the quality of content. Audience measurement is either non-existent or relies on antiquated methodologies.

      The rapid development of satellite Direct-to-Home distribution, while a necessity in the past to avoid strict government control of the television sector, has come at a cost. Broadcasters and advertisers cannot target individual markets and therefore larger countries tend to get the lion’s share of television spend while local TV advertising budgets are diverted to newspapers. 

      Despite the lack of profits, new channels continue to launch, at times as misguided commercial ventures but mostly in pursuit of non-commercial goals. This is fine in a normal free market scenario, but with the lack of audience measurement and no regulation of the claims channels can make or how their advertising inventory is sold, the market becomes distorted. Its overall value is diminished as too many players are left chasing an undervalued advertising spend.

      There is no short term solution or quick fix for the various issues afflicting the TV sector in the Middle East. Many are regulatory and related to the multi-country footprint of the sector and therefore cannot be easily resolved. Ultimately, the current key players in the Middle East’s television industry including broadcasters, advertisers, media buyers and sales representatives, are best positioned to improve its prospects by taking pragmatic steps to increase revenues, reduce costs, and support transparency.

      Key actions include:

      All parties should support the introduction of audience measurement tools. The UAE is the only major Middle East market that is close to launching people meters. 

      Broadcasters can increase their revenues if they work closely with advertisers. The evolved advertisers need to expand their arsenal beyond the 30-second spot to cut through the clutter. Yet currently the content development process at broadcasters barely involves their ultimate clients. If more budgets are to be allocated to TV, broadcasters must reach out to advertisers and seek to develop content that entertains audiences while integrating brands in a seamless non-intrusive manner.

      Broadcasters should begin to shift their mindset to that of content owners and capitalise on new platforms to increase revenues: IPTV platforms are emerging in Saudi and other countries. OTT is a nascent but promising sector. Satellite operators are considering spot beams. YouTube viewing on mobile is one of the highest in the world. Broadband penetration is growing rapidly in key markets. All these platforms provide opportunities for content owners to create more relevant localised content, extend television brands onto the web and mobile, generate syndication and licensing revenues, or explore new advertising mechanisms.

      Broadcasters can reduce content costs by sharing productions across markets or acquiring rights for smaller geographic territories. The pan-Arab channel is a convenient myth and very few channels can be both popular with audiences across all countries and be able to generate revenues from those countries.

      Advertisers too must play a role in rewarding broadcasters that create premium content with verified audiences. In too many instances, the short term focus on reducing spot rates has led to a negative ripple effect across the advertising value chain.

      The TV sector in the Middle East must repair its business model if it wants to sustain itself in the long term and attract investment on a commercially viable basis. Eventually, internal voluntary reform, if not exercised, will be replaced by externally imposed regulatory reform.

      Tags: BroadcastProKarim SarkisVijaya Cherian

      Related Posts

      Film and Beyond: Leapfrogging into the global screen industry

      Film and Beyond: Leapfrogging into the global screen industry

      February 5, 2025
      Media leaders embrace digital transformation

      Media leaders embrace digital transformation

      January 7, 2025
      Navigating the Technological Tsunami: Strategic Leadership in Media

      Navigating the Technological Tsunami: Strategic Leadership in Media

      September 27, 2024
      Revolutionising audience measurement for satellite TV

      Revolutionising audience measurement for satellite TV

      September 25, 2024
      Leveraging the benefits of IoT

      Insights from our inaugural conference in Saudi Arabia

      March 6, 2024
      Changing channels: How MENA CEOs are adapting to disruption

      Changing channels: How MENA CEOs are adapting to disruption

      February 5, 2024

      Related News

      Insights from our inaugural conference in Saudi Arabia

      Insights from our inaugural conference in Saudi Arabia

      March 6, 2024
      Decoding AI and new technologies in media

      Decoding AI and new technologies in media

      September 21, 2023
      BroadcastPro Summit and Awards 2022 a big success

      BroadcastPro Summit and Awards 2022 a big success

      December 1, 2022
      Sennheiser’s closed-back headphones: Music to your ears

      Sennheiser’s closed-back headphones: Music to your ears

      November 19, 2019
      Charlie Collias of Zylight showcases some of the company’s lighting solutions at IBC 2016.

      Charlie Collias of Zylight showcases some of the company’s lighting solutions at IBC 2016.

      September 22, 2016
      Nickelodeon Play comes to MENA

      Nickelodeon Play comes to MENA

      December 1, 2015
      More Related News

      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

      Welcome Back!

      Login to your account below

      Forgotten Password?

      Create New Account!

      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