WAM Dubai, Apr 30th, 2012 (WAM)--Recent events in the Arab world have generated a relatively positive impact on the regional media, raising the bar on the quality of news reporting, accelerating the engagement with digital platforms and firmly placing the region on the strategic map of global media houses, announced Maryam Bin Fahad, Executive Director, Dubai Press Club.

She added: "In several markets directly affected by the political uprisings, the structure of the media industry is virtually being overhauled with a significant break from the past. However, the pace of media reform in these markets is likely to be gradual with the pressing economic and political issues being taken up as immediate priorities." The comments were made at a press conference held today by Dubai Press Club to reveal the outcomes of the fourth Arab Media Outlook (2011 - 2015). Themed "Arab Media: Exposure and Transition", the report highlights the changing media landscape, shifts in consumption patterns, and revenue forecasts from the advertising, print copy circulation, online and Pay TV segments up to 2015.

More than 140 stakeholders associated with the print, television, online, radio, and cinema platforms, in addition to advertising agencies from across 17 markets in the Arab world, have shared their perspectives in the current AMO report. The study also expands the geographic coverage of the previous editions to include two new markets, Iraq and Libya, both of which have seen dynamic shifts in the media industry over the past year. International and regional case studies substantiate the facts presented in the report, providing insights into the trends shaping the industry and bench marking the sector's evolution in the Arab world against mature markets.

Presenting key figures and data from the report, Maryam Bin Fahad pointed out: "In sourcing feedback from a cross section of voices in the industry through nearly 1,880 interviews, we have tried to offer an incisive �on-the-ground' perspective of the media industry. I hope the analyses and commentary contained in this report serve as a useful guide for media owners, content developers, service providers, regulators and the general public. Given the landmark political changes witnessed in the region over the last few years, we believe the report will allow industry stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the potential impact on the media industry in the short-term." The fourth edition of the Arab Media Outlook (AMO) has been developed in collaboration with Deloitte, a globally leading audit, consulting and research company, which monitored the statistical research findings.

Santino Saguto, Partner and Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Deloitte Middle East, said "We are pleased to have contributed to the fourth edition of the Arab Media Outlook, which has acquired the reputation of being the definitive resource on the media industry in the Arab region. We particularly appreciate the high professional standards demonstrated by the team at Dubai Press Club. Their valuable inputs along with Deloitte's extensive global network of media industry professionals have significantly contributed to enriching this edition for the benefit of the industry at large." Dubai Press Club will distribute the fourth Arab Outlook Report during Arab Media Forum 2012, which will be held from 8 - 9 May at the Grand Hyatt. The event is expected to draw the participation of over 2,000 regional and international media professionals. The agenda for this year's forum has been developed from the statistics and studies included in the report.

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