Digital TV in Saudi Arabia - Case Study Example

Digital TV in Saudi Arabia Digital broadcasting television (DTV) is a progressive broadcasting technology that has changed the system of television programing. Saudi Arabia is one of the countries in Asia with a capital city known as Riyadh. The country is mainly made up of Arabs and Peninsula people. The latest census which was carried out in the year 2013 produced that the country has a total population of 28.83 million (Arabsat,2014). However, we get to find that Saudi Arabia is biggest Arab state and it is the second after Algeria geographically in the Arab world. Saudi Arabia is currently headed by a king known as Salman. Introduction television in Saudi Arabia was first introduced in 1964. Television system in Saudi Arabia is dominated by super five companies including Middle East Broadcasting Center, Dubai TV, Lebaneese Broadcasting Corporation, Saudi TV and Rotana. All these broadcasting companies’ controls about 80% of pan Arab broadcasting market (Arabsat,2014). Great investors in Saudi Arabia are always after two major networks such as MBC and OSN networks. Saudi Arabia is the second largest in Arab region with satellite TV penetration with headquarter based in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia television broadcast was first originated from AJL-TV which was a 200-watt television station. AJL-TV was an English broadcasting station which was mainly for USAF Dhahran Airfield who was the current Saudi Arabia personnel. The programs which were found in AJL-TV were directly from American television (Arabsat, 2014). But due to the fact that Americans are Christians and Arabs are Muslims, all references were translated back to Islamic.in the year 1957, an organization known as ARAMCO started television services in Dhahran. For long period of time, there existed critics for formation of national television as they regarded it as immoral by exposing images of human beings. Recitation of Quran became the first broadcast in the nation television in 1965. Women were not allowed to involve themselves in working in television studios. In 1966, the first woman to appear on the television studio was known as Nawal Baksh. However, this led to total ban of women to appear in television stations in Saudi Arabia until new rules were set that favored them but not that much. The new rule stated that any woman can work in television station but should not be seen working during the time of Ramadan. The launching of Arabsat in 1985 led to the first Arab satellite but it didn’t take long time that satellite television broadcasting became commercially viable in 1990s (Arabsat, 2014). Most Saudi Arabia residents were much affected by the American channels which were popular compared to Saudi Arabia television channels. Such incidents led Arabs television to adhere to most programs of America. America TV channels were free to everyone and majority liked their mode of anchoring (Arabsat, 2014). They had foreign programs which were much popular. In addition to popularity, they also had political talks programs that enabled residents to ask their leaders questions concerning their way of leadership. All these were later followed by Saudi Arabia television channels in order to gain popularity. Both SECAM and PAL are the main television transmission systems in Saudi Arabia. The country experiences high rate of technology growth that enables it to have gradual technological discoveries. However, due to the gradual growth of population in Saudi Arabia, makes it easy for the residents to find something important to sustain their population. Technological discoveries also help to boost communication industry (Arabsat, 2014). Both the youth are specialized in their areas of channels they are watching. In most cases the youth give keen follow up to the sports updates while the adults are much concern with the political updates. Percentage of Saudi Arabia Homes using DTV Graphically the number of homes using digital TV is increasing in Saudi Arabia. The digital TV account claims that the number of paying homes for digital TV rose to 18% in the year 2014. MENA which is the body in charge of the Middle East and North Africa reported that the number of digital TV users will reach 21.3 million be the year 2020. This automatically suggests that there are increased numbers of people who are using the digital TV in Saudi Arabia but the number is also gradually increasing (Keithw, 2010). Middle East Broadcasting Centre also provides free air station which air both English and Arabic languages providing both western and local movies. English channels air a variety of programs such as sports, lifestyle, fashion and children programs. Due to this, the digital TV in Saudi Arabia has gained its popularity making most homes to get subscribed to the pay satellite in order not to miss the preferred programs. The increase rate of homes using digital TV system in Saudi Arabia contributes revenue to the government since they are entitled to pay for the channels. Arab population is high and therefore, the number of people and homes who may wish to get access to pay satellite must also be high (Keithw, 2010). Level of technology also played bigger role in digital TV transmission. Arabs are mostly technologically informed putting into practice all technological innovations. For this reason, we get to find most homes using modern facilities eliminating free air channels to digital TV. According to Brzoznowski (2015), Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is expected to generate revenue of about 75% between the years 2010-2020 making it produce about 5.63 billion. The most challenging problem is the issue of piracy. MENA gets its challenge here by losing about 10% constituting about 34.3 million homes in the North Africa and Middle East sub regions. The issue of piracy is much considered as loss both to the government and the private sectors as suggested by the principal analyst of digital TV research, Simon Murray. The use of decoders in pay satellites homes could also find it easy and cheap since one can serve the entire home making them share equally the cost. Satellite penetration in the Saudi Arabia will account for the most paying TV incomes (Keithw, 2010). Paying satellite is expected to rise from 6.9% which it was in the year 2010 to 11.8 come 2020. Such estimations are made in accordance with rate at which the residents of Saudi Arabia get to subscribe to the satellite pay TV. However, the expansion of OSN and the beIN Sports television channels has greatly led to the growth of pay satellite. According to Murray, who is the principal digital TV analyst states that OSN has about 1, 162, 000 residential subscribers while the beIN Sports has about 819, 000 subscribers (Keithw, 2010). With reference to these approximated values, we get to find that there may homes in Saudi Arabia subscribed to the use of digital TV system. Factors that also led to more residents of Saudi Arabia to subscribe to the digital TV system were the completion of the implemented project and the upgrade of STC led by the chairman Abdul Aziz Alsugair by the Arabsat. Arabsat also helped STC by providing first-class satellite communication and broadcasting facilities to both the government and the private sectors. Arabsat was regarded as the best communication and broadcasting body that was liked by majority of residents of Saudi Arabia (Keithw, 2010). The partnership of both STC and Arabsat provides extensive experiences for both organizations which helps them to develop their communication services through satellite industry in Saudi Arabia. Generally there are many homes subscribed to digital broadcasting television. These members are active subscribers of pay satellite generating revenues to the government. Ownership of Media in Saudi Arabia Press in Saudi in Saudi Arabia is privately owned either by royal family or by those close to the royal families. However, a number of organizations with collaboration with the royal families have involved in this operation. Approximate of 12 publishing firms are in full control of publishing the country’s dailies, weeklies, monthlies and many more. When it comes to the issue of who owns media in Saudi Arabia, we need to focus on both the government and the private sectors. Saudi Arabia government has full ownership of broadcasting outlets. But what we need also to understand is that there must be other private bodies involved in piracy. Initially we get to hear that Saudi Arabia experiences about 10% loss of satellite pay revenues due to the issue of piracy (Alharbi & Sign, 2013). But in most cases piracy is always led by private sectors that may be some of the powerful people in the government or the most respected individuals in the country. It can also be by great investors who play major roles in Pan-Arab TV broadcasting industry. The state run broadcasting television services in Saudi Arabia (BSKSA) controlled by the minister of culture and information makes BSKSA to operate almost in all local broadcasting outlets. Secluded TV station is believed that it cannot work in Saudi Arabia but on the other side the country in the major shop for Pan Arab digital television and pay TV. The reason why the government takes full control of the broadcasting outlets is the revenue collection from subscribers. Government involvement in broadcasting TVs and radios has led to killings and threats to journalists who try to publish information’s which are regarded to be erotic or offending the Islamic doings. The government has directly involved both in the international and local broadcasting in Saudi Arabia. Rules are set to control the journalists by the ministry of Culture and information that all journalists are supposed to register with the government and to be issued with visa which should control their freedom of movements. Female journalists in Saudi Arabia face double discriminations as they are not allowed to involve themselves to work in freelance jobs and give out only reports related to their gender, family and the young ones (Alharbi & Sign 2013). Women on the other hand working in broadcasting organization are subjected to low amount of payments. Incident of sex discrimination is high in Saudi Arabia compared to other Islamic nations. But we get to find that the government of Saudi Arabia is the leading in discriminating women. Saudi Arabia government involvement in broadcasting channels also leads to attacks. We get to find that several killings both to the innocent and the suspects are constantly taking place but due to the fact that the government is in full control of the media, there will be no airing of such incidents (Alharbi & Sign, 2013). Therefore, there is hidden agenda the government of Saudi Arabia focusing on digital television system. Government owned broadcasting television system is given first priorities to air some events unlike the private owned broadcasting television systems. Government journalist are given first priority in cases related to government while on the other hand journalists working in private broadcasting stations get good salaries compared to the government journalists. It therefore means that government journalists are not much under restriction compared to the private sectors. MBC became the first private FM leading radio station that was launched in 1994. The radio enhanced listening in entire Saudi Kingdom. It produces best music, poetry and entertainment both to the youths and the adults. Due to this, the station gained its popularity and currently it is the leading radio station in KSA. It is clear that the private owned broadcasting stations are not that discriminative compared to the government owned broadcasting stations (Alharbi & Sign, 2013). In conclusion, we get to find that both the government and the private sectors are involved in control of broadcasting stations in Saudi Arabia, the large portion is in the hands of the government of Saudi Arabia. Economic Engine of DTV in Saudi Arabia When we are looking at Economic drive, we must take into account the factors behind the success of the digital TV system in Saudi Arabia. Information and communication technology (ICT) has played a major role in the current days. ICT is nowadays taken as something important just like electricity and water. Most of the Arabs are technological experienced. With reference to their constant attacks by the AL- QUEDA, we get to find that most technology which has been used is of high standards compared to others. Due to this, Saudi Arabia residents (Arabs) are well much informed on issues related to technology. Most of the people in Saudi Arabia are internet users with the big number led by women. Women now find it easy to get access to their preferences through the internet by phones. On the other side, women in Saudi Arabia are more discriminated and are not given priorities in social media space. Pay satellite also contributed to majority to move to digital broadcasting channels even though it seems expensive (Rishi, 2012). Channels in pay satellites were much better compared to free air channels since they were clear to most viewers regardless where and when. Pay satellites have advertisement programs while on free air stations they go missing. The SK Telecom officially announced their collaboration with the Saudi telecom company (STC) where they signed memorandum of understanding. The two aimed at creating new growth engine for development, modernization and the capabilities of their residents (Rishi, 2012). They agreed to discover new developments in Saudi Arabia more so to the broadcasting sectors. STC being the leading telecommunication firm in Saudi Arabia, it has about 160 million subscribers. It provides a clear indication that most of it shares belong to the Saudi government. It is estimated that about 70% of its shares belongs to the government of Saudi Arabia. The large geographical area of Saudi Arabia makes it possess great number of people with different thinking capabilities (Rishi,2012). The economic engine of digital TV in Saudi Arabia is mainly based on gradual subscription. Regulation that was passed by the government of Saudi about provision of quality information and show to the public also made some economic drive to the digital TV. All the stations are licensed to produce quality to the viewers and listeners of Saudi Kingdom. Quality is what majority are after of. Religion is also a major economic drive of the digital broadcasting television system in Saudi Arabia. Most homes in access to digital TV system are entitled to pay satellite where they subscribe to the channels of their choice. However, some adverts must again be involved in television channels that make it interesting. Adverts are always involved where there is something new useful to the members of the community. Although some digital television station in Saudi Arabia air free channels to the residents, majority still are involved in pay satellite. The reason majorities are influenced by pay satellite yet there is free air stations are that the pay for satellite TV has modernized programs airing both local and international programs. The pirated channels on the other hand provide their own programs but at a cheaper price to their subscribers. Both the private and government sectors get their revenues from their subscribers. Population level also acts as an economic drive to digital TV transition. Their well-informed nature makes them to give modern technology first priority (Rishi,2012). Large population in most cases creates competition both to the public and the broadcasting channels. Such competition contributes to new discoveries both to the young and the adults in Saudi Arabia. People may again wish to have what others possess leading to large area getting what is needed. Despite the fact that digital TV systems in Saudi Arabia have some economic drives, we must on the other side discuss the challenges of transition. The regulatory and administrative challenges are the major concern. Processing of license is not an easy task but every broadcasting organization more so the private ones must possess it (Rishi, 2012). The expenditure cost is very high and the regulations given are also technical but must be adhered to accordingly. Development of information technology has also led to drive of digital TV in Saudi Arabia. Most Arabs are well informed on issues related to technology. Digital TV has come to existence just because of technology. Technology globally has contributed significantly in most occasions and in every field of life. Advancement in technology also leads to advancement in broadcasting channels. It is clear that that the economic engine of the Digital TV in Saudi Arabia is mainly based in subscription. Only very few homes are involved in free air but advertisement is involved in both the private and government sectors. Nature of Programming DTV in Saudi Arabia The nature of programming in digital television platform in most Middle East countries are designed in such a manner that they have four main categories including Orbit, Star selection, first Net and finally Gulf DTH show times. Most people have their own stars that they like so much. The digital broadcasting television system saw it wise to come up with such programs to get attention of people. When it comes to star time show, the stations may decide to bring into the stage one of the famous person where he will be interviewed both by the local people through social media outlets (Ayish,2014). Saudi Arabia government through the minister of culture and information ensures that the public get quality programs from the digital broadcasting channels. Quality provision ensures that all music played, images shown and information’s given in the broadcasting stations adhere to the rules and regulation of the country. These individuals are always involved in advertising the people on how to endure life experience in relevance to their past situations. In other words, they always act as motivational speaker to the viewers and listeners (Ayish,2014). Both the Star select package and Orbit collaborated making them share decoder but with different packages. Star select broadcast a total of 12 stations aiming Asian and Western emigrants. The government of Saudi Arabia with the help of broadcasting channels is coming up with an enormous eHealth system. The program will cater for educating the public on issues related to the rapid growth of population. They will be taught on how to control family. Such programs are always given time in broadcasting channels (Ayish,2014). Cases of increased incidences of diseases also get their time and members of the society are advised on how to control and maintain the environment in order to overcome some disease infection. Through the media, the public get teachings on issues related to their health. All the programs in the broadcasting stations in Saudi Arabia are instructed to provide information’s about religion. Religious values were given first priority. Women were to provide teachings concerning family matters while men were given authority to air all information they have but should not go against their regulations. Young people were given priority by getting teachings from all the broadcasting stations that enabled them to grow as responsible citizens. On the other side, men were also taught to live harmoniously with their families. At least each group could get time and advices from the broadcasting stations (Ayish,2014). Still on star selection, viewers could send their request to studios where they will request for their favorite music. MBC radio of Saudi Arabia could give their listeners time to request their local Quran songs and poems instilling in them Islamic regulations. Orbit and Arab broadcasting television and radios stations have both considerable new facilities such as studios and playout centers which both backed by important capital investment. Orbit is funded by Saudi Arabian Al- Mawared group making it the leading in providing best platforms in the broadcasting channels. Best designed platforms of broadcasting stations also make most viewers to get access to their updates. The group invented design from Egypt and as we all know that Egyptians are well known in designing (Billings et al. 2012). On the other hand, ART which got its support from two Saudis Shekh Saleh Kamel and Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal investors who migrated from analogue DTH to more than 20 pay channel platform. Currently it has been confirmed that Orbit is the leading market in Saudi Arabia digital television broadcast since it broadcast about 13 Orbit TV channels and other more 25 audio channels which have been directly linked from Rome. On the other side we also get that women working in broadcasting television and radio stations in Saudi Arabia are restricted to give information only to matters concerning women, family and children. Women were again restricted to give information on issues related to Islamic (Billings et al.2012). Men on the other side were entitled to broadcast all information’s but the information should not go against the regulation of Islamic. Immoral information could lead to death of any one found exposing such events. ART /1st NET Show time was established with an intension of satisfying linguistic and Arabic facts. Such shows could be regarded as educative to both the local and international residents. The show also creates good relations both to the viewers and journalists (Ayish,2014). Most of the youths could develop their language through listening and putting into practice. However, there is change in Arab multi-media governance with the existence of social media outlets such as twitter, mobile phones, and digital cameras among others. Majority of internet users in Saudi Arabia are found to be women due to the fact that women are not allowed to participate in multi-media space. Most viewers hate to watch free air channels and some see it as useless simply because the advertisers don’t always sponsor old broadcasting channels (Ayish,2014). Channels found airing immoral scenes; anything connected to alcoholic drinks, excessive violence and those channels those air scenes which may lead one to sexual excitement would be dealt with according to the law. However, majority of journalists find it hard to perform their duties in Saudi Arabia. What may be preferred by most listeners and viewers may not be given priority. All broadcasting channels in Saudi Arabia both the private and government station are controlled by the government. This therefore, shows that even the private owned broadcasting channels must adhere to the government laws and regulation. Content of regulation The digital broadcasting transition has a complex process that requires involvement of regulators such as broadcasting producers and network operators with the presence of viewers. In order to create conducive spectrum broadcasting regime in Saudi Arabia, it is necessary to develop a corresponding national and regional frequency distribution stands (Feiz et al.2013) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in full control of state broadcasting services that operates both the domestic television channels and radio stations. Since the digital TV system started in Saudi Arabia, all the broadcasting channels were to be registered and issued with the broadcasting license. The issue if licensing was given to the journalists who were to register in order to be issued with visa to control their movement (Feiz et al.2013). The government of Saudi is also in charge of coordinating with communication information technology commission on the official arrangement of transmission channels. All these were led by the minister of Culture and Information of Saudi Arabia government. Broadcasting in Saudi Arabia is a bit technical. However, it journalists find it easy when adhered to the regulations. All broadcasting channels in Saudi Arabia are entitled to give first priority to the Islamic rules. Any information based to Christianity should not be heard in any broadcasting channel. The ministry on the other side was also in full control and was in charge of supervision, regulation and development of digital broadcasting channels within the country (Feiz et al. 2013). The minister in charge was also entitled all revenues collected from the pay satellites. All the programs aired in Saudi Arabia also must not go against the Islamic regulations. Initially Women were not allowed to work in broadcasting channels. They were later allowed to work but were not supposed to appear during Ramadan. All programs in all broadcasting stations were to strengthen religious, cultural and social values of the Saudi Kingdom. Arabs have strong belief on issues related to their religion. Stations are entitled to provide religious songs, poems and Islamic regulations (Feiz et al.2013). On the other hand, women who were entitled to work in broadcasting channels in Saudi Arabia were only allowed to air issues related to family matters, teachings to the young and teaching their fellow women. The broadcasting channels in Saudi Arabia were entitled to provide the public with high quality group entertainment. Most listeners have desire to be entertained well when they tune to the respective channel. Broadcasting channels that offer adequate entertainment have more listeners and viewers compared to other channels (Yusuf et al.2014). Broadcasting channels in Saudi are entitled to implement the objectives of the nation through audio visual broadcast and content explanation. When it comes to matters where the government of Saudi Arabia had a message to the public, they were using media transmission. Implementations of government policies were given first priority in Saudi Arabia. However, initially digital migration of television was much against by majority of residents in Saudi Arabia. They believed that television exposure to human images is against Islamic laws. Yes it is but television exposes what is there (Yusuf et al.2014). When all working in the station dress in accordance with the Islamic regulation, it isn’t bad to expose such images. They later came with an idea of not exposing naked images such like that of musicians in the stations to the public. They believed that such exposures may lead to sexual desires hence may lead to immoral behaviors to the viewers and is against religious regulation. Some journalist and bloggers could face physical attacks and threats, murder and imprisonment from the government or the people exposed. Government on the other side is involved in arrests and harassment of journalists. Such incidences give a clear indication that each journalist can’t just expose to air all the information to the public. They have no freedom of exposure (Yusuf et al.2014). Any form of government corruption when exposed may lead to total disappearance of the person involved. The government of Saudi Arabia views such information as subjective and should not reach the people. In adequate academic freedom in Saudi Arabia affects research in media policy. Media law writings are written in Arabic language instead of English which is an international language. Such learning leads to no vigorous study of media regulation. This therefore means that there is no one knowledgeable on international methodologies to laws. The matter creates lack of transparency there by creating sense of no one well informed about media. Generally, contents of regulations used in Saudi Arabia on the other side had some positive impacts to the public but the negative impact outweighs the positive ones (Yusuf et al.2014). These therefore tell us that the government of Saudi Arabia doesn’t allow any form of cross misconduct from any side that may lead to misleading of the citizens. As a matter of fact, Saudi Arabia has restricted their field of digital broadcasting system compared to other nations. The field of media should be free to all and from there is when one can be able to develop career through live performance (Yusuf et al 2014). Despite the fact that women are not given open chances in broadcasting station, they should be allowed to work in other sectors of broadcasting outlets such as journalism among others rather than being totally denied that chance to express themselves. Saudi Arabia is well known on issues related to racism compared to other white nations. Sex discrimination is a major problem in Saudi Arabia. Women have been denied chances whereas men have been seen as the super powers. It is open that what a man can do a woman can also do too. The government of Saudi should be in full control to give ladies chances in top position. Issues related to women themselves. Family and children is not the only position which women can only handle (Yusuf et al.2014). Digital television migration system has led to advancement of technology to the local residents of Saudi Arabia. Pay satellite has led to revenue collection by the government which can be later be used to improve other sectors such as health, education and water supply sectors among others. Viewers on the other side can get access to both local and international stations to get entertained. Digital broadcasting system in Saudi Arabia has also created some challenges such pay satellites. Access to broadcasting channels is chargeable unlike the initial free air stations which were not clear as compared to digital broadcasting system (Yusuf et al.2014). Access to license for the private owners seems to be quite expensive. Design rules and regulation are also a major concern. These rules are strict. Advanced education in media section should also be improved to increase level of production and quality. When it comes to matters of government corruption, these information need to be aired to the public for them to know the kind of leaders they have. But it is unfortunate that such information when found broadcasting to the public in Saudi Arabia may lead to imprisonment. It should be a great concern to the government to overlook on the issue of digital broadcasting system by improving the system of education in relation to media. References Alharbi, J., & Singh, S. (2013). 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