The Media Industry in the Middle East

Empowerment & Success Through Technology

Samer HalawiRegional Director, Middle East and Africa

Inmarsat Ltd.ATIF 2004

A key strategy for Inmarsat is to deliver first rate satellite mobile communications to

help the media industry and businesses compete

regionally and internationally

Creating media success

• Traditional reporting and technology• Innovations in reporting• Case Study• Conclusion

Traditional reporting styles and technology• Satellite terminals deployed in 1980’s

to support remote broadcasts

• 1990’s - increasing use of fixed satellite terminals e.g. VSAT:– Bulky: weighing up to 30kgs– Restricted to urban areas or where

OB Van can go– Time delays in getting to location if

transferring tape to city– Lack of flexibility and low cost

efficiency (requires expensive and pre-booked fixed airtime slots)

Innovative reporting styles

• Finding the news wherever it is• Compact highly portable

terminals to disseminate news fast

• Access to areas lacking reliable telecommunication infrastructure

• No compromise on speed and efficiency of reporting

• 85% of media surveyed believe mobile satellite communication increases competitive advantage

Critical success factors• Access in remote areas = getting to the

news first• Through advent of technology regional

media break Middle East news to the world• 87.5% of regional media interviewed were

used as a resource by international media• Portable satellite communication equipment

Abu Dhabi TV case studyCompeting on the globalmedia stage

• Enabling competitiveness through innovative technology

• From regional to international competitors

• Driving recognition on the global media stage

Abu Dhabi TV case studyThe technology landscape

• Advancements availability of information

• Demand for real-time news delivery

• Pressure to deliver voice, data and live video coverage, direct from the scene

Abu Dhabi TV case studyHigh Speed mobile access – from anywhere

“Five years ago we weren’t delivering comprehensive newsservices because we didn’t have the right people or technology. Global news channels had more advancedresources and we simply couldn’t compete”.ADTV

• A need for flexible and mobile technology• Cost effective solutions• Inmarsat Regional BGAN – IP at 144 kbit/s• Inmarsat GAN – ISDN at 64 kbit/s for live video

Return on Investment

“The mobility and overall flexibility of the Inmarsat solution enables us to deliver news before our competitors – accelerating us to the leading position we enjoy today”.

ADTV

• High speed data transmission• Ease of use• Small lightweight design• Flexibility

Abu Dhabi TV case study

Abu Dhabi TV case study

Results

• Dramatic increase in viewerships• 46% rise during Iraq conflict• After war, ADTV sustained a 27% rise in

viewers over pre-war figures• Consequently, increased advertising and

other revenues and increased profitability and market share

Abu Dhabi TV case studyResults

• Contribution to regional growth• Unbiased and objective coverage• News delivery from a trusted source

Conclusions

• Empowerment through technology demonstrated by regional media

• Whether by air, sea or land, Inmarsat delivers cost effective, efficient and flexible solutions

• Media model as benchmark for other industries

The Total Communications Network

ATIF 2004