Media & Advertising

Long the Arab world’s largest media market, Egyptian broadcast and print outlets often have an influence far beyond the country’s borders; Egyptian newspaper circulation accounts for more than 40% of the Arab world total. In the months since the 2011 revolution, a number of new independent outlets emerged – in television alone, there are some 16 new stations. Broadcast remains the most widespread medium, with household TV penetration at 96%. The 17 terrestrial channels are all state-owned, but the domestic private sector dominates the top 10 satellite channels. Meanwhile, advertising spend is recovering from a rocky 2011, when spending dropped 30%. Per capita spend is approximately $6.30, which is roughly one-third the regional average, although higher than many other countries. In terms of absolute size, however, the country is the third largest accounts for 11% of total advertising expenditures. Newspapers tend to accommodate for the majority of spend, followed by television. This chapter contains an interview with Sherif Wadood, CEO, Al Masry Media Corporation.