Oman viewers like foreign movies best

A rare survey conducted in Oman by a reputed international firm has revealed that television viewers in the Sultanate like foreign movies the most.

The survey, conducted by Information International Research Consultants involving 2,500 respondents and seven focus groups in the main cities, was unveiled on Monday night at the Muscat Intercontinental by the state-run Al Omaneya Advertising and Public Relations as part of its campaign to increase the mass appeal of the 27-year-old Oman TV in an era of cable network sweeping the universe.

Information Under-secretary Sheikh Abdullah bin Shuwain Al Hosni was in the chair. Foreign media experts were also present.

Mohammed Abdul Ameer Salman, managing director of Al Omanya, said the findings of the survey, the first of its kind in Oman, were being translated into deeds, adding some new exciting programmes were being added to the list as some were being deleted to change the profile of Oman TV in order to meet the need of the hour.

"The search was conducted to evaluate the prominence of satellite television in relation to Oman TV and determine the behavioural patterns of Omanis and expatriates towards the type of programmes they would like to view."

He said viewers are 'adamant' on watching foreign movies in languages in vogue in Oman, preferably the latest ones with famous stars."

Oman TV and Al Omaneya have been partners for over 15 years and have worked diligently to ensure customer satisfaction and optimisation of value for money for our advertisers and other clients.

Nabil Kazan, adviser to the Ministry of Information on TV Affairs, said foreign movies/series ranked first with 51.8 per cent in the survey followed by Arabic and international soccer with 37.9 per cent.

"Females are equally inclined towards foreign movies."

He said the viewership rate peaked at night, between 9 and 11, to reach 75 per cent.

In the morning, it varied between 25.2 per cent and 32.5 per cent, which Kazan pointed out, was 'very high' compared to other pan-Arab TV stations.

Some 62.9 per cent people in Oman watch TV daily as against 67.6 per cent Internet users (in the age group of 15 to 24) who don't consider Internet as substitute for TV watching.