FAST in MENA - August 2023
FAST in MENA - August 2023
Discover the FAST platforms & channels in Middle East & North Africa
Hey streamers 👋
Welcome to the 65th edition of The Streaming Lab, a weekly newsletter exploring the trends that matter to streaming professionals. If you are not already a subscriber, sign up and join 1,700+ others who receive it directly in their inbox every Monday.
Today’s program
Welcome to the 8th FAST in MENA update of the year.
What’s new in MENA?
The FAST channels in MENA - August 2023
Examples of FAST channels programming in the U.S.
And… Action!
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What’s new in MENA?
I check regularly the streaming services in MENA, looking for new content or features. This week, I found something very interesting on Shahid.
When you click on the “Explore” section, you can access content based on different parameters: Genres (Comedy, Romance, Family, etc.), origin (Egyptian, Gulf, Turkish, etc.) or content partners (SBA, Rotana, WWE, etc.). One tile caught my eye: “New Experience”.
You will find on this page several carousels including TV channels. What’s interesting is that they are displayed in a different way than the “classic” EPG page you see on most of the Pay-TV services or even FAST platforms.
The 12 carousels combine subscription channels (MBC, Rotana, Shahid Atfaa, etc.) and the new Shahid FAST channels (Shahid Movies, Shahid Crime+, Shahid Al Ostoura, Shahid Just For Laughs, etc.):
Entertainment Channels
Series Channels
Movies Channels
Varieties Channels
Shows Channels
Kids Channels
Music Channels
Actors Channels
Comedy Channels
Sports Channels
News Channels
Religious Channels
I would not be surprised if this “New Experience” becomes very soon the main user interface dedicated to Shahid’s Live TV channels. From a personal point of view, I think it’s a smart and innovative way to navigate between the growing number of paid and free channels.
I invite you to play with it, using the link at the end of this article, and tell me what you think.
The Fast Channels in MENA - August 2023
Here’s the updated number of FAST channels available on MENA local services in August 2023. As a reminder, I consider a FAST channel any streaming linear programming available for free to consumers, with commercials.
My main observations:
Shahid
Shahid launched 4 new FAST channels this month, to reach a total of 64 channels:
Shahid Hollywood Stories: From fashion, gossip to what's cooking in Tinseltown, and from thrilling on-screen action to the intriguing behind-the-scenes stories, we've got the freshest, hottest trends and news covered.
Al Aan TV: With a wide range of entertaining programs, Al Aan TV aims to keep the Arab Youth informed about the latest trends.
Fashion TV: Your #1 channel for all the latest fashion videos, campaigns, shows, and parties.
Shahid Fareed: Fareed, the spoiled and reckless son is forced into marrying Sona. However, when he meets her sister, Sieran, the balance shifts. Will he follow his heart or his duty? Join a journey filled with emotions and secrets!
Roya TV
Roya TV already offers more than 30 FAST channels. Here are some of the new ones:
Roya TV collaborated with Rotana to launch 2 new live channels:
“Dehek w Bas” showcases a collection of classic Arabic comedies from Rotana’s archive.
“Sayydet Al-Shasheh”, pays tribute to Arab actresses’ contributions to Arab cinema, featuring a selection of films starring the late artist Faten Hamama.
Saeat Mahabba: The program deals with a set of social, moral and spiritual concepts and topics that touch people's concerns in the light of enlightened Islamic thought and its lofty spiritual values.
Helwa Ya Donya channel broadcasts reports from Helwa Ya Dunya show, exploring the beauty of Jordan.
And many others available HERE.
ADtv
ADtv added another channel to its portfolio: Baynounah TV.
Examples of FAST Channels Programming in the U.S.
This summer, I’ve been analyzing the programming of several FAST channels in the US. You can access below my latest anaysis:
That’s all for today, the state of FAST in MENA in August 2023. If you enjoyed this breakdown, please consider sharing it with your friends and colleagues!
I hope everyone has a great week. Until next Monday, enjoy the “New Watching Experience” on Shahid.
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