Saudi is undergoing unprecedented and extensive growth within its media broadcast and communications sector thanks to the fast-paced technological advancements such as social media platforms, said an expert.

“The Kingdom's broadcasters are now facing a new, rapidly evolving communications landscape,' remarked Raj Parmar, director of Saudi Broadcasting Business Forum, a key media event being organised by IQPC in Riyadh from December 4 to 7.

Distributing content onto new platforms, such as Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and smart mobile devices could provide a revenue windfall,” said Parmar.
 
“However, new and social media platforms have become increasingly sophisticated and now play a pivotal role in how and when we access information. Add to that censorship and regulatory issues, rights to content and pricing and it soon becomes clear why the Saudi broadcasting market is still an enigma to many industry players,” he added.

The forum will provide delegates with the opportunity to learn not only about market-leading technological advancements, but also give participants an insight into the future direction and shape of broadcasting and communications within the Kingdom.

According to Parmar, the event will spotlight opportunities and challenges faced by government ministries and regulatory authorities, content providers, satellite and mobile operators as well as media buyers and advertising agencies.

The forum kicks-off on December 4 with a day dedicated to strategy – business objectives, market size and trends, revenue forecasting and market share issues.

On the subsequent days, the main conference will address topics such as the quality of content, understanding new market dynamics, digital rights management, the complex relationship between new internet and traditional TV, pay to view, piracy and the future of HDTV and 3DTV.

Providing the keynote speech on day one of the conference will be Abdul Rahman Al Hazzaa, advisor, supervisor of TV and official spokesperson at the Ministry of Culture and Information.

He will address delegates about the great potential for delivering effective broadcast in TV and communications across new media and social media platforms.

On the final day, Hasan Sayed Hasan, Head, twofour54 will examine the challenges of HDTV in the Arab World.
 
The forum has attracted several leading expert speakers such as Alan Musa, GM & VP Africa, Middle East and Pan Region, Turner Broadcasting; Caroline Faraj, director of CNN Arabic Digital Services, Hossam El-Sokkari of Yahoo-Maktoob Middle East; Dr Ali Shwel Algarni, president of Saudi Association for Media and Communications and Saad Al Qahtani, CEO of Arabtech TV.-TradeArabia News Service