Headlines

Ipsos release Online Panel Data

editor — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:32:35 -0800

Two years after the launching of the Online Audience Measurement project, Ipsos has released KSA and Egypt panel data. Therefore, Ipsos audience software “Gexplorer” now covers online audience data for 8 MENA countries; UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Morocco. The data encompasses 300 regional participating websites and full Panel Data for KSA and Egypt (including participating websites, non-participating websites, multinational and social networks).

“It took us some time to launch the panel data since the recruitment process was challenging. We needed to achieve a representative sample size in both countries. Also, we were validating the data based on internet penetration by demographics collected from monthly offline studies”. Joud Nawar – Ipsos Media Research Manager

In 2012, Ipsos will add UAE, Lebanon, Jordan and Kuwait to its Panel portfolio. Ipsos will also introduce the online planning software by mid-2012. Consequently, media agencies will have a unique online planning system similar to the existing offline Ipsos flagship services.

Download latest numbers from Ipsos here.

Facebook and Twitter struggle with mobile ad challenge

editor — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:35:51 -0800

Facebook’s IPO filing has diverted attention to its lack of mobile advertising, despite the social network boasting a mobile audience of 425 million, which is almost half its total user base. Facebook will now scramble to launch its mobile ad business before going public this spring, while Twitter could find itself in a similar situation if it decides to go public a year from now.

YahLive brings first 24-hour 3D channel to the Middle East

editor — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:51:50 -0800

The US-based 3D entertainment channel 'High TV 3D' is to launch in the Middle East and North Africa, courtesy of UAE satellite broadcaster YahLive. "I am delighted to bring our viewers not only the highest level of HD programming but also the only 3D channel in the Middle East today. The revolution in TV entertainment technology combined with the amazing price drops, has driven consumers to acquire 3D smart TVs at a phenomenal rate. Now millions of viewers in the Middle East and North Africa will be able to enjoy High TV 3D, only on YahLive," said Mohamed Youssif, chief executive, YahLive.

Chrome comes to Android phones, tablets

editor — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:36:17 -0800

Google has launched a beta version of Chrome for Android smartphones and tablets. . "Our goal was to get all of Chrome onto Android,"said Sundar Pichai, senior vice president of Google Chrome. The computer browser was launched in 2008, when Google decided to take on Microsoft, Mozilla by launching its own internet browser. Since then, Chrome has increased its browser market share. It recently surpassed Firefox and has become a popular alternative to the dominant Internet Explorer.

Mobile Internet usage has doubled every year since 2009

editor — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:58:18 -0800

According to analytics firm StatCounter, users accessing the Web through mobile devices has doubled every year since 2009. In its latest report, StatCounter says that global Internet usage through mobile devices rose to 8.5%. According to the firm's report, the global leader in mobile Web devices is Nokia, accounting for 40 % of usage. The firm believes that Nokia's global dominance is due to its high penetration in emerging markets like India.

Online retail spend increases by 14%

editor — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:18:29 -0800

According to ComScore, online retail spending in the US reached $49.7 billion in the fourth quarter. This figure has increased by 14% year-over-year, and marks a ninth consecutive quarter of positive year-over-year growth. “The fourth quarter of 2011 capped off what was yet another strong year for online retail, one in which every quarter achieved double-digit increases versus the prior year,” said comScore chairman Gian Fulgoni.

Google, Facebook censor content in India due to court order

editor — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:23:29 -0800

Facebook and Google have removed web pages considered offensive to India’s political and religious leadership in order to satisfy a court order. Indian prosecutors are suing a number of Internet companies on behalf of a Muslim religious leader who has accused them of hosting content that insults Islam. Google India did not reveal which sites were removed, while Facebook admitted to removing content from some 'Indian domain websites'.

Meanwhile, Indian authorities defended the actions taken. “There is no question of any censorship,” said Indian communications minister Sachin Pilot. “They all have to operate within the laws of the country.”

Facebook ads growing at faster pace than search marketing

editor — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:54:13 -0800

According to Kenshoo Social, budgets for advertising on Facebook continue to grow at a faster rate than paid search. Analysis of more than 100 billion ads served on Facebook worldwide through Kenshoo Social found digital marketing agency's clients spent 109% more on Facebook in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared with the prior quarter.

However, researchers are left wondering whether budgets for Facebook are growing faster because companies want to join the social media trend, or whether marketers have actually figured out how to calculate ROI from Facebook campaigns.

Dubai Media Incorporated launch in-flight media service

editor — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:43:57 -0800

Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI) has announced the launch of a new media service that allows passengers on board all FlyDubai flights to browse both Al Bayan and Emirates 24|7 newspapers on the screen of their seats. "The new service will allow the passengers to follow the latest news in both Arabic and English" said a DMI representative.

"DMI is proud of being proactive to keep abreast of all new trends in the media industry and always provide its audience with information services at home and abroad," said Ahmad Abdullah Al Shaikh, Managing Director and Director General of Dubai Media Incorporated.

Viacom profits drop 65% due to weak ad sales

editor — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:08:27 -0800

Viacom's profits plummeted 65% in the fourth quarter due to lower advertising sales at its cable television networks. The media company depends almost entirely on its cable channels, including MTV, Nickelodeon, BET, VH1 and Comedy Central, for its income.

A second blow to Viacom's earnings came from a $383-million payment to former shareholders of Harmonix Music Systems, the company behind the Rock Band video game franchise. Viacom has had a long-running legal dispute with the company after a failed attempt to get into the video game business.