RapidTVNews reports that Egypt's information minister, Anas al-Fiqi, has strongly condemned satellite broadcasters guilty of "transmitting without regard for consequences," also adding that recent broadcasting rules agreed by  Arab nations were the result of almost three year's work.

RapidTVNews reports that a meeting of Arab ministers is going to consider regulations covering broadcasting over the Middle East, with plans to institute licensing measures for sattelite channels.

According to Arab Advisors Group, a regional research company, the number of Arab free to air (FTA) satellite channels more than doubled between 2004 and 2006!

By October 2006 the total number of FTA Satellite channels broadcasting on Arabsat and Nilesat reached 263, growing by 163% since January 2004.