[Satellite TODAY 01-15-10] Despite the global economic downturn, growth in the satellite pay-TV market remained strong last year, with the number of TV platforms in service increasing 38 percent in 2009 to 113, according to a Euroconsult report released Jan. 14.
    In the report, “Satellite TV Platforms, World Survey and Prospects to 2019, Growth through the Crisis,” Euroconsult highlighted that pay-TV platforms worldwide reached 131 million subscribers and earned $70 billion in revenues in 2009 — a 15 percent increase over 2008 — and that with the exception of Europe, all markets reported 2009 revenue growth in local currency.
    “Growth in emerging digital markets has been particularly strong with subscribers reaching the 60 million mark in 2009, a nearly five-fold increase over the previous few years. Looking forward, the market is expected to remain bright with Euroconsult forecasting roughly 235 million subscribers worldwide by 2019,” Euroconsult CEO Pacôme Revillon said in a statement.