Pay-TV in the MENA region grew substantially in 2014, according to IHS; revenues jumped from €702 million in 2013 to €873 million.
While free satellite TV was the dominant reception method, primary pay-TV households climbed from 4.3 million to 4.8 million (a 12.4% YoY increase, and the largest of any region in 2014). Between 2015 and 2019, IHS forecasts that pay-TV in the MENA region will grow at five times the rate of USA, UK, France, Germany and Italy.
Successful anti-piracy measures, high-quality pay-TV content, investment in local (Arabic) content and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals all contributed to pay-TV success in MENA last year. The pay-TV market is also experiencing a period of consolidation, creating bodies with stronger finances; more robust business plans; and more efficient use of talent and resources.
Primary pay-TV households in MENA are forecast to reach 6.6 million in 2019, with revenues of €1.7 billion.
