The total number of satellite television channels is forecast to increase by almost 50% over the next decade. By 2024 there will be around 38,500 satellite television channels worldwide, up from around 26,000 in 2014. Most of the growth will come from developing markets.
The forecast from Northern Skies Research report on Linear TV via Satellite was quoted in an investor presentation by satellite operator SES.
By 2024 there are expected to be around 15,500 satellite television channels in North America, including local channels, while across Central and Latin America there will be around 3,800 channels in total.
In Western Europe there will be around 3,650 satellite channels, with a further 5,150 in Central and Eastern Europe and around 2,850 in Africa and the Middle East. Asia Pacific will have around 7,500 channels.
The overall growth in the number of channels from 2014 to 2024 will be around 4% a year, or 47% over a decade. Growth in North America will be slower at 2%, while the Asia Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe, and Africa and Middle East regions will grow at around 6%.
High definition and Ultra HD are expected to drive satellite growth in mature markets, while the continuing increase in television homes in emerging markets will see demand for more channel choice and increasing quality.
The total number of television households is expected to grow by 10% between 2013 and 2018 to 1.5 billion. The majority of that growth is expected in the Asia Pacific region, adding over 90 million television homes.
Although a satellite television home may be able to receive hundreds of channels, in general most people view from a selection of less than ten of their favourite channels.
The total number of satellite channels already available is a reminder of the enormous diversity of television viewing worldwide.
Linear TV via Satellite: DTH, OTT & IPTV, 8th Edition is published by Northern Skies Research.