2004
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Old news stories annoy readers
Newspaper readers in the Middle East have complained about the re-use of old news stories and press releases by regional newspapers. This example of poor journalism often occurs at quiet times like Ramadan when editors seem to think that readers will not notice.
Visa roll-out brand campaign
Visa International has launched its new regional brand campaign to reinforce the relevance of Visa cards in everyday life as an alternative to cash. This TV, print, poster and radio campaign centres on the creative idea that having a Visa card allows the user to think and act laterally in everyday situations, so they experience the convenience and security of paying with Visa, whilst serving their daily needs.
Saudi Arabia to launch realty TV
A new satellite TV channel for promoting real estate is to be launched from the Eastern Province as soon as feasibility study is completed, Ayed Al-Qahtani of Al-Oula real estate told Arab News. The channel comes at a time when real estate is experiencing a boom in the region.
GCC ad spend to rise 15pc
Gulf States will see overall advertising spending rise by 15 per cent this year, according to Saatchi and Saatchi Chairman and MD Khamis Al Muqla. He expects total spending to be around USD2.3bn in 2004, led by the UAE and Dubai. But GCC per capital advertising spending is still ten times lower than in Australia, for example, leaving room for growth, he noted.
DPC, Zayed University tie-up
The Zayed University and the Dubai Press Club have signed a partnership agreement to improve the training of journalists in the UAE and at the same time establish a repository for best practice, according to a press release. The university is to make available its high-calibre resources to media professionals.
Kuwait, private TV station launch
Kuwait's first non-government owned TV station has gone on the air. Alrai TV says it is a pioneer of freedom and openness. It will compete with rivals like MBC, LBC and Dubai TV in the crowded regional satellite market, as well as with the existing Kuwait state TV.
Net use up seven-fold since 2000
Internet use in the Arab world is up sevenfold since the year 2000, NetAdvantage Regional Manager Duri Al Ajrami said at the launch of an integrated online connection with Showtime TV. He noted that Internet use was up from 2.4m in 2000 to 14.6m today and would reach 20m within two years. Media opportunities should be taken seriously, he added.
Qatar Today, restaurant awards
Qatar Today magazine has announced its first-ever restaurant awards. Divided into nine categories, the public can vote using the forms carried within the magazine's October edition. Forms will also be kept at all the participating restaurants and shopping malls.
Mideast online advertising surges
Online advertising is surging in the Middle East, according to an article in the latest edition of Gulf Marketing Review. This highlights the success of Maktoub.com and other regional websites in attracting advertising this year thanks to rocketing website viewer figures.
Yahoo quadruples profits
Yahoo nearly quadrupled Q3 profits to USD253m based on continued strength in online advertising and the USD129m sale of part of the Web portal's stake in rival Google. Revenue climbed to USD907m from USD357m a year ago, while without the share sale Q3 profits were up from USD65m to USD124m. Yahoo is the most popular Internet portal in the Middle East.
BMW 1-Series targets media folk
The brand new BMW 1-Series expects to sell best in the UAE and Lebanon to bright young executives, MD Guenther Seemann said at the press launch of the stylish compact BMW in Dubai today. He said these are the consumers who demand versatile, high-quality, sports cars.
UAE, Kuwait, cable-TV JV
A full feasibility study for a cable-based broadcasting joint venture in Kuwait will be ready before the end of the year, Etisalat officials told Gulf News. The study is being jointly funded by Etisalat cable-TV subsidiary E-Vision and the Kuwait Cable Vision.
Survey of Saudi TV viewers
A survey by the Arab Advisors Group revealed that 89 per cent of Arab households in Saudi Arabia have satellite TV. Peak viewing is from 9pm to midnight, but 54 per cent of households continue to watch TV well past midnight. The morning period of 6am to noon was the least viewed period.
IPRA chairman ready for Dubai
Chairman of the International Public Relations Association Roger Haywood, CEO of Issues Management Partnership in London, will be in Dubai for IPRA's annual conference in December. He will tell the region that PR staff need to be fully involved in the decision making process rather than just churning out press releases.
Gulf Business, biggest ever issue
Gulf Business magazine has published its largest-ever issue in eight years of publication this month. The 186-page door-stop edition is a long way from the 120-page issue one in May 1996. Owner Motivate Publishing is battling against ITP's rival Arabian Business, which recently employed the former Daily Mirror Business Editor Anil Bhoyrul.
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