Shifts in Satellite Television Viewing Patterns and Habits in the Digital Age

Television has long been considered one of the most influential mass media in shaping collective awareness and disseminating knowledge across generations. However, rapid technological advancements and the rise of the Internet and digital platforms have significantly transformed viewing habits, shifting audiences from traditional linear broadcasting to interactive, on-demand consumption. This study aimed to examine the impact of modern communication technologies on the viewing habits and patterns of the Yemeni audience toward satellite television channels, and to identify the factors influencing this transformation in comparison with previous findings in the Yemeni context.The results indicated a noticeable decline in satellite television viewership, with 44.8% of respondents reporting occasional exposure and only 17.2% indicating regular viewing. In contrast, nearly half of the sample reported consistent consumption of television content via the Internet. Additionally, 58.1% spend less than one hour per day watching satellite channels, while time spent on digital platforms is comparatively higher.
The findings also revealed that smartphones are the primary device for accessing content, with news and drama programs ranking among the most preferred genres. Utilitarian and cognitive motives were the main drivers of viewing. The study concluded that a statistically significant inverse relationship exists between satellite television viewing and digital platform consumption, with clear age differences in viewing preferences.