InfoAnda - Arab TV looks to Ramadan to offset losses

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Struggling 'Czech Hollywood' pins hope on state aid | 14 February 2010
ETimor opposition says accused ministers must go | 7 August 2009
Serbia snaring border migrants to bolster bid for EU | | 28 May 2010

India's food inflation soars 19% | 11 December 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Arab TV looks to Ramadan to offset losses

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Asia Pacific World Search Search: Arab TV looks to Ramadan to offset losses AFP - Monday, August 31 CAIRO (AFP) - - Arabic television is counting on an explosion of Ramadan serials to restore losses from the global recession, but some concerned Muslims are scrambling to pull the faithful back to prayer during the holy month. ADVERTISEMENT Around 60 serials hit the screens on more than 400 channels this month as producers have used bloated budgets and big names to lure advertisers during a fiercely competitive period for Arabic television dramas. "Ramadan is the most attractive month for advertisers," television critic Adel Abbas in Cairo told AFP, putting the ad budget -- a good chunk of which is for fast-moving consumer goods -- in Egypt at half a billion Egyptian pounds (100 million dollars) in Ramadan alone, 40 percent of the annual budget. According to regional experts, 30 seconds worth of advertising costs 3,362 dollars this month when families gather around the television after the breaking of the dawn-to-dusk fast. The financial crisis brought revenues from publicity down 26 percent in the United Arab Emirates for the first half of 2009, and down five percent in Saudi Arabia, according to Abu Dhabi's The National. "Given the fact that viewing rates in Ramadan are the highest this year, TV channels are at pains to generate the highest possible revenues from advertising to try to shore up their budgets dented by the global financial crisis," the Egyptian Mail wrote. Channels such as the Saudi-owned MBC1 are counting on Ramadan to restore some of the losses incurred, experts said, while spending 70,000 dollars per hour on productions. Egyptian advertising magnate Tareq Nur even set up a TV channel that will air only during Ramadan. But angry that the religious angle has been diluted by the lights, camera and action, some in the region have been eager to draw the faithful back to worship, bemoaning the commercialism that has overshadowed Ramadan's spiritual roots. "It is a month of introspection, a month of mercy, patience and self-discipline," Arab News columnist Tariq al-Maeenahe wrote. "Instead, what has been evident are the heavily advertised television serials... bound to take the viewers away from their activities of faith and keep them up all night." One Cairo preacher warned programme makers to beware of God's wrath for their part in luring good Muslims away from their duties during the holy month. "This frenetic marathon and overdose of TV shows turns this month with all its spirituality into a time for mundane entertainment," the preacher said, quoted by the Egyptian Mail. "The makers of these shows incur the wrath of God for distracting Muslims' attention from the sublime value of the month of Ramadan, in order to make materialistic gains. Beware of falling into this trap." A cartoon in Tuesday's independent Egyptian daily Al-Shorouk pokes fun at the amount of soaps this year with a man holding a television schedule in one hand, testing his wife: "Quickly! Tell me when (actor) Nur al-Sherif's serial is aired on Channel Two and when the repeats are on Dream 2?" "Families have to spend at least 60 hours a day watching television if they want to catch all the serials, whose durations have been stretched by the number of commercial breaks," critic Ashraf Bayumi told AFP. MBC1 is for the 16th year in a row touting its blockbuster series "Tash ma Tash", a satirical comedy targeting the conservative values of Saudi Arabian society. In Egypt, two soaps are topping the favourite spots according to press reviews -- "Ana Qalbi Dalily" (My Heart is my Proof), a biopic of late Egyptian Jewish singer Layla Murad, and "Matkhafoosh" (Don't be Scared) which tackles the Arab-Israeli conflict. Syrian drama "Bab el-Hara" (The Neighbourhood Gate) chronicles a Damascus family's daily life and dramas in the inter-war period when Syria was under French mandate. It is a major hit across the Arab world, particularly for Palestinians who identify with its heroes' fight against the occupation in Damascus in the 1930s. The soap is a boon for cafe and restaurant owners in the Palestinian territories, who cash in as crowds throng their establishments after iftar, the meal that breaks the daily fast, to enjoy the latest instalment with family and friends. "The characters are Arabs who rebel against the French occupation and send weapons to Palestine occupied by the British. They are proud men who defend their country and resist occupation," says Salah Najib, 20. "It reminds us of our own situation," he adds while watching the series at a youth centre in mainly Arab east Jerusalem which Israel occupied in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed in a move not recognised by the international community. Like any good smash hit, the Syrian production has its spin-off merchandise, with the series' heroes appearing on T-shirts and chocolate wrappers, and its theme song available as a cell phone ringtone. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: Entertainment & Lifestyle Arab TV looks to Ramadan to offset lossesAFP - Monday, August 31 `The Bold and the Beautiful' wins drama seriesAP - Monday, August 31 Winners at 36th annual Daytime Emmy AwardsAP - Monday, August 31 Emmy Awards struggle to stay relevant to viewersReuters - Monday, August 31 Actress puts the 'Mad Men' in their placeReuters - Monday, August 31 Enlarge Photo An undated picture shows actor Jamal Suleiman (left) and actress Sumaya al-Kashab starring in Egyptian TV series. Around 60 serials hit the screens on more than 400 channels this month as producers have used bloated budgets and big names to lure advertisers during a fiercely competitive period for Arabic television dramas. Most Popular – Entertainment Viewed Michael Jackson's death homicide: coroner Kidnapped US girl walks into police station 18 years on Obama ends frenetic vacation Microsoft apologizes for photo gaffe Tick saliva could hold cancer cure: Brazilian scientists View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Monday, 31 August 2009
Iraq al Qaeda militant says Syria trained him
Merkel party suffers setback in state votes: exit polls
Setbacks loom for Merkel's party in election warm-up
Former Israeli prime minister Olmert indicted
Iran's president defends Cabinet amid skepticism
Merkel loses ground to left in German states | International |
Iraq: suspected bomber recently released by US
Iraq al Qaeda militant says Syria trained him | International |
Former Israeli PM Olmert indicted for corruption | International |
Dalai Lama arrives in Taiwan after China's protest | International |
Pakistan reality TV contestant drowns in challenge
Myanmar says 26 forces, 8 rebels killed at border
Cheney says he and Bush disagreed at times
Former first daughter Jenna Bush joins `Today'
Indian scientists hail aborted lunar mission
Police search neighbors' back yard in kidnap case
Hurricane Jimena off Mexico upgraded to Category 4: NHC
Blast kills 15 police recruits in Pakistan's Swat
Calif. wildfire heads north, threatens thousands
Contact lost, India terminates first moon mission
Despite pedigree, Hatoyama had long wait in wings
Blackwater tapped foreigners on secret CIA program
Cheney says politics behind CIA probe at Justice
Dalai Lama says Taiwan visit is 'non-political'
Hatoyama not likely to change US-Japan alliance
Police: 1 killed in small plane crash in Pa.
Democrats: Honor Kennedy through civil debate
Death toll rises to 19 in Indonesian ship sinking
Boat sinks in Indonesia, '19 dead, 20 missing'
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Horror, violence lure movie fans | Entertainment |
Cranberries reunite for tour after seven years
Bush daughter Jenna Hager becomes 'Today' reporter
Cranberries reunite for tour after seven years | Entertainment |
Horror, violence lure movie fans
Anti-Taliban ops claim high toll in Afghanistan
Merkel challenger refuses to be ruled out
Japan Democrats take power, tough challenges loom | International |
Britain urges more reform of finance sector
American commander: US on the road out of Iraq
Obama ends frenetic vacation
Dalai Lama tells Taiwan he's dedicated to democracy | International |
British immigration centres hold 470 children: report
Suspected Taliban torch NATO supplies in SW Pakistan | International |
Democrats, Republicans rejoin fight after Kennedy farewell
Iraq: suspected bomber recently released by US
Captured Ukrainian crew plead for help
Myanmar refugees begin warily returning from China | International |
Former Israeli PM Olmert indicted for corruption
Gabon awaits poll outcome, Bongo's son confident | International |
Merkel party suffers setback in election warm-up
Colombia says president has swine flu | International |
Thai politics a drag on economic recovery: Fitch | International |
Russia says kills al Qaeda agent in North Caucasus | International |
World Bank in talks with Cambodia over evictions | International |
LG Display in deal for China LCD plant
Great expectations for Japan's victorious Democrats
Dalai Lama tells Taiwan he's dedicated to democracy
Calls for fast action in Japan after historic vote
Myanmar says 34 killed as border fighting ends
Hatoyama not likely to change US-Japan alliance
Blast kills 16 Pakistan cadets; NATO trucks bombed
Firefighters battle blaze near small Utah town
Protest accuses Dalai Lama of 'politics' in Taiwan
LG Display in deal for China LCD plant | Technology |
Report: US makes $4 billion from bailout banks
Analysis: Democrats tasked with delivering change
Pakistan: Border blast sets NATO fuel trucks afire
US parties rejoin fight after Kennedy farewell
Japan suffer 59-year world championship low
3 Texas boaters missing for a week rescued at sea
`The Bold and the Beautiful' wins drama series
Police: 8th person dead in Ga. mobile home attack
Calif. fire to reach mountain's TV transmitters
Police: NM boy faces murder charge in dad's death
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,337
Schumer proposal aims to avert crashes over Hudson
Highlights of Hollywood's fall, holiday schedule
Vampires, werewolves, liars lead fall film cast
CORRECTED-UPDATE 1-LG Display in deal for China LCD plant
Taiwan dollar firms on exporters, foreign funds
China Southern Airlines says 1H profit down 97 pct
Seoul shares down; Hyundai Mobis falls, techs rise
Arab TV looks to Ramadan to offset losses
India hungry for foreign oil despite home finds
Japan industrial production up 1.9 percent in July
`The Bold and the Beautiful' wins drama series
Winners at 36th annual Daytime Emmy Awards
Japan's factory output rises 1.9 pct in July
Rachel Ray, Tyra Banks win talk show Emmys | Entertainment |
Korea Hot Stocks
Emmy Awards struggle to stay relevant to viewers
S.Korea says needs global cooperation on exit plan
S.Korea T-bond futures rise, key economy data eyed
Actress puts the 'Mad Men' in their place
Pakistan reality TV contestant drowns in challenge
Actress puts the Mad Men in their place | Entertainment |
WW2 singer Vera Lynn returns to British album charts
3-D flick 'Final Destination' tops North American box office
Star Trek veteran boldly saved movie franchise | Entertainment |
Madonna tours Jewish holy sites in Jerusalem
No talks without full settlement freeze
US-TECH Summary
Madonna makes late-night visit to Western Wall
Ahmadinejad cabinet faces growing opposition
AMD ships lower power server chip
LG Display in deal for China LCD plant
Afghan vote fraud claims soar
Afghan officials on democracy's front line
Ridge: Talk of terror-alert politics exaggerated
LA-area blaze size doubles, threatens 12,000 homes
Sniffer dogs search home in US abduction case
The Nation's Weather
Experts: Abductees such as Jaycee stay out of fear
Convicted killer on trial in Texas triple homicide
Raging California wildfires leave two dead
Vogo Fund to buy S.Korea card firm stake for $156 mln
India's economic growth accelerates to 6.1 percent
Pakistani stocks end 1.5 pct higher; rupee firms
Japan industrial production up 1.9 percent in July
SKorea industrial output faster-than-expected rise
Japan's post-election market euphoria short-lived
India's economy grows at 6.1 pct Apr-June quarter
Japan stocks slip on worries about yen, policies
Seoul shares fall; Hyundai Mobis, shipbuilders down =2
US storm as Mohammed cartoons edited out of book
Highlights of Hollywood's fall, holiday schedule
Vampires, werewolves, liars lead fall film cast
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01