Media
From The Report: Saudi Arabia 2018
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With more than SR3.3bn ($879.8m) in spending earmarked for culture and media by 2020, Saudi Arabia’s government is hoping to attract significant private sector investment in the development of its creative and entertainment industries. To this end, state agencies are working hard to encourage international investment, talent and media sector expertise in the Kingdom, and they aim to help develop local entertainment businesses and expand their influence across borders.

This chapter contains an interview with Ghassan Al Shibl, Board Member and Managing Director, Saudi Research and Marketing Group.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Switched on: Authorities focus on reshaping the media landscape
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With more than SR3.3bn ($879.8m) in spending earmarked for culture and media by 2020, Saudi Arabia’s government is hoping to attract significant private sector investment in the development of its creative and entertainment industries. To this end, state agencies are working hard to encourage international investment, talent and media sector expertise in the Kingdom, and they aim to help develop local entertainment businesses and expand their influence across borders. As part of this drive…

Interview

Delivering digitally: Ghassan Al Shibl, Board Member and Managing Director, Saudi Research and Marketing Group, on the development of a Saudi digital media ecosystem in an evolving global environment
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Interview: Ghassan Al Shibl What do you see as the main digital trends in the Saudi media sector today? GHASSAN AL SHIBL: The current shift towards digital media creates an additional level of complexity for media companies as we must be at the forefront of change and break news before competitors. Access to digital media is much easier, it provides a global reach but also requires in-depth knowledge of digital technology and infrastructure, and an understanding of what your recipients need and…

Analysis

Tuned in: Streaming services look to capitalise on market demand
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Television in Saudi Arabia is arguably facing its biggest shift in 25 years as more traditional broadcasters disrupt digital consumption patterns. Over-the-top (OTT) video streaming services, led by Netflix, have changed the business model for networks and television producers around the world. Certain Netflix content has been available to subscribers in Saudi Arabia since January 2016, and while the company does not provide a country-by-country breakdown of its subscriber base, a total of…