BBC World Service files urgent appeal to UN over abuse of national security and counter-terrorism laws against BBC News Persian journalists

16 April 2024

BBC World Service files urgent appeal to UN over abuse of national security and counter-terrorism laws against BBC News Persian journalists

The BBC World Service has submitted an updated complaint to its urgent appeal filed with the UN and requested urgent action.

The action follows recent developments, including the publication of documents in late February 2024 by a hacking group, which appear to reveal that a number of current and former BBC News Persian journalists were convicted in absentia by a court in Tehran in February 2022 for “propaganda against the Islamic Republic”. This comes after sanctions were imposed on Iranian officials by the UK and US in January this year for threats towards Iranian journalists in London.

The updated complaint was sent to five Special Procedures mandate-holders with whom it was first filed in December 2020 and updated in February 2022: the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression; the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran; the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions; the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, its Causes and Consequences; and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

The new complaint was also addressed, for the first time, to the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism, citing “the relevance of historic and recent events” to this UN Special Rapporteur’s mandate, including the sanctioning of BBC News Persian by Iran, as well as the mass national security criminal investigation of BBC News Persian staff and the associated asset freeze.

In the appeal, submitted on behalf of the BBC by counsel for BBC News Persian, Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC and Jennifer Robinson, and presented by them as “extremely urgent”, the UN experts are requested to issue:

a new communication to Iran, raising both Iran’s inadequate response to their previous communication in 2022, and the recent developments; and
a public joint statement from UN experts condemning the ongoing targeting and harassment of BBC News Persian journalists.

Liliane Landor, Director, BBC World Service (pictured), says: “Recent developments have amplified the severe situation facing our BBC News Persian staff on a daily basis. They are being penalised for their journalism and professionalism.

“As we look to World Press Freedom Day next month, we are urging UN experts to robustly condemn the Iranian authorities’ harassment and to hold the regime to account.”

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said: “Journalists must not be targeted for doing their job. Speaking truth to power and covering the news without fear or favour must be the cornerstones of journalism, but BBC News Persian and other Iranian journalists are today suffering for doing just that. We fully support this intervention from the BBC and encourage the UN to exercise its influence to bring safety and justice for Iranian journalists and their families who are targeted so heartlessly.”

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC and Jennifer Robinson, said: “Iran’s abuse of national security and counter-terrorism laws against the BBC and the convictions in absentia for BBC News Persian journalists for ‘propaganda’ against the state for their independent reporting on Iran are designed to intimidate and silence the BBC’s journalism about Iran. It must stop. We call on the UN to denounce these unlawful actions in the strongest possible terms.”

These recent developments come in the context of comprehensive targeting and intimidation of BBC News Persian staff and the harassment of their families, which escalated dramatically from September 2022 in the aftermath of the mass protests and increased tension in Iran, which BBC News Persian has reported extensively on. This was the subject of the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran whose final report issued earlier in 2024 documented the continuing threats and harassment of BBC News Persian staff.

The ongoing harassment is also documented in a 2024 survey of BBC News Persian staff where half of the respondents said they had received online threats or been harassed online for working for the BBC. The work of the BBC journalists continues to cause harassment of their families or friends, with over 60% of the respondents having been harassed, threatened or questioned in Iran. Nearly 70% said that they hadn’t been able to say goodbye to one or both their parents before they passed away in Iran.

BBC News Persian is part of the BBC World Service.

[Source: BBC press release]

UN Under-Secretary-General calls on global media companies to collaborate

12 April 2024

UN Under-Secretary-General calls on global media companies to collaborate

Melissa Fleming recognises importance of the media industry in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Opening a global webinar on media and sustainability organised by the Association for International Broadcasting, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Melissa Fleming, called on all media companies to “join forces to be true changemakers”.

Addressing the audience of media leaders and sustainability experts, Melissa Fleming said: “today, I urge all of you to continue these kinds of collaborations to scale up your sustainable development initiatives to innovate on screen and off for the SDGs and to create content that engages your audiences with urgent global efforts to achieve them.”

The AIB is leading the development of the Global Media Sustainability Initiative (GMSI), a ground-breaking effort supported by the United Nations through the UN SDG Media Compact to leverage the global media industry in promoting and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During a pivotal webinar hosted by the AIB on 11 April 2024, United Nations officials, along with media industry leaders, highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping a sustainable future.

The GMSI serves as a unique platform where media companies worldwide can collaborate, share innovative practices, and create impactful content that addresses urgent global issues such as climate change, gender equality, and health. The initiative, as part of the United Nations SDG Media Compact, has already attracted media organisations globally, ranging from broadcasters in Africa to publishers in Europe and multimedia companies across the Americas.

Simon Spanswick, CEO of the AIB, remarked on the initiative’s importance, “Today, we stand at a crucial juncture where the power of media to inform and motivate the public is more critical than ever. The GMSI not only aims to unite media companies in a shared mission but also to inspire action that contributes directly to a sustainable future.”

The webinar detailed the initiative’s structure, which will focus on four core areas: increasing public awareness of the SDGs, combating misinformation, training storytellers, commissioners and journalists, and making media companies more sustainable themselves. Notable contributions from media veterans and development experts, such as Georgia Arnold, co-founder and until recently Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and Victor Olvera, Senior Economist at the World Bank, underscored the effectiveness of media in driving societal change and influencing policy at both local and international levels.

Chris Jackson, SVP US Public Affairs at global research company Ipsos, demonstrated public perception of the SDGs in multiple markets, and how citizens in different countries rank the importance of the 17 SDGs personally. The conclusion is that there is much work to be done to achieve awareness of the SDGs, let alone effect societal change on the issues the SDGs seek to address.

Melissa Fleming emphasised the importance of the media’s involvement: “Media organisations are essential partners in the fight against global challenges. Through the SDG Media Compact, we aim to catalyse actions within the industry, helping to drive advocacy, action, and progress towards the SDGs.”

The AIB invites media companies and professionals to become part of the GMSI and participate in forthcoming events, including a significant gathering at the UN General Assembly in September 2024.

For more information on how to engage with the Global Media Sustainability Initiative and make a difference through media, please visit https://aib.org.uk/GMSI/AIB-GSMI-intro-2024-01-15.pdf.

Watch the April 11 webinar at https://player.vimeo.com/progressive_redirect/playback/933311138/rendition/1080p/file.mp4?loc=external&log_user=0&signature=989eea1c21e433609364b80fbe9de92ac7aba1083cccd50741fbd00de61c6472.

Samar Akrouk appointed MD of MBC STUDIOS

4 April 2024

Samar Akrouk appointed MD of MBC STUDIOS

MBC GROUP, the largest and leading media company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), announces the appointment of Samar Akrouk as Managing Director of MBC STUDIOS.

A seasoned production veteran, Akrouk – who has dedicated nearly three decades of service to MBC GROUP – will also retain her position as Group Director of Production.

In her new role, Akrouk will lead MBC STUDIOS’ ongoing work in expanding the reach of its content to audiences around the world. She will be managing the entity’s mission to leverage the ongoing trend for non-English-language television content to reach more global markets.

Meanwhile, Akrouk will also continue her work as Group Director of Production where she leads a dynamic team of producers, directors, technicians, and creators, directly overseeing all of MBC GROUP’s non-scripted productions for MBC TV channels, Shahid, and social media – which comprises over 1,500 hours of original content production annually. This includes chat shows, social programming, game shows and competitions, comedy, as well as local adaptations of international franchises: “Arab Idol”, “Arab’s Got Talent”, “Project Runway”, “Top Chef”, “The Voice: Arabia”, “The Voice Kids”, “The Voice Seniors”, and “X Factor Arabia”. Samar Akrouk also headed the production team of the Arabic musical film “Sukkar”, inspired by the famous epistolary novel, “Daddy-Long-Legs” by American writer Jean Webster, which achieved unprecedented success and revenues for an Arabic musical film in Arab box office.

Commenting on her appointment, Akrouk stated: “I am absolutely delighted and thrilled to take on the responsibilities of my new role as Managing Director of MBC STUDIOS, building upon the exceptional achievements of the team so far. This role marks a significant milestone in my career, one which I have devoted to the MBC GROUP family since 1995.

She continued: “Our forthcoming endeavours in drama and film production arrive at an opportune moment. There’s no doubt that our region, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is in the spotlight, drawing considerable interest from leading international production studios focused on creating world-class content. I cannot wait to delve deeper, roll up my sleeves, and further contribute to this incredible organisation that I have called home for past 27 years.”

CAREER BACKGROUND

Joining MBC GROUP in 1995, Akrouk has played a pivotal role in establishing both MBC’s foundation and its exponential growth. Beginning her career with ARA Group International, MBC GROUP’s holding company, in its Washington DC office, Akrouk later moved to join MBC GROUP’s US branch of ANA Radio and Television as Assistant Director in 1996.

In 2001, Akrouk relocated to Beirut, where she was tasked with establishing the first main office for the Group in the Middle East, prior to MBC GROUP’s relocation from London to Dubai. The executive has not only been credited with playing a major role in building MBC GROUP’s in-house production powerhouse but has also led the transformation of production from solely linear TV broadcast content to a full, 360-degree multi-platform content operation.

Born in Amman and raised in New York, Akrouk received her bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and Law from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service.

MBC STUDIOS is the in-house premium content production arm of MBC GROUP, a media conglomerate that operates more than 13 free-to-air satellite TV channels, three radio stations, and Shahid – the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform – amongst other offerings.

[Source: MBC press release]

NHK WORLD-JAPAN Monthly Focus April

3 April 2024

NHK WORLD-JAPAN Monthly Focus April

Discover the magic of Kiyomizu-dera

The Perfect 2-Hour Guide: Kiyomizu-dera April 7 Sun. 1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC) Take a journey through Kyoto’s historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, from its iconic stage to its tranquil sacred spring. Explore this wondrous space and bask in springtime beauty in this two-hour program.
Documentary 360: Game Planet April 13 Sat. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) As growth in the game industry accelerates, game makers pursue increased global attention through new strategies. Japanese game companies, once undisputed champions, now face competition to survive.
Japan in Focus: Defending Fresh Starts April 12 Fri. 14:30/20:30/3:10/10:10 April 17 Wed. 19:10 (UTC) A drug-dealing yakuza member turned his life around and became a lawyer. Now he helps others start over.
Asia Insight Fridays 0:30/5:30/10:30/15:30/21:30 (UTC) Dynamic Asia. Stories behind the world’s largest continent as it faces political, economic, cultural and technological change.

VOA Launches New FM Station in Rwanda

28 March 2024

VOA Launches New FM Station in Rwanda

Voice of America launched its second FM radio station in Rwanda on March 28. Broadcasting to Karongi, a district of more than 375,000 people, the new station (93.3 FM) also serves the large refugee camp in Kiziba. VOA has successfully served audiences from an FM radio station (104.3 FM) in Rwanda’s capital of Kigali since 2004.

The new station will offer a mix of programming that caters to the many ethnic groups in Rwanda, offering translations in Kirundi, French, Swahili, and English as well as the Kinyarwanda language, which is spoken by the majority of Rwanda’s population.

“We are pleased to begin broadcasting directly to the Karongi district of Rwanda,” said VOA Acting Director John Lippman. “Our new radio station will expand our efforts to provide independent journalism and diverse perspectives, in many languages, to a fast-growing country.”

VOA operates more than 50 FM stations throughout Africa, Asia and Europe. The U.S. broadcaster reaches a weekly global audience of more than 354 million people in 48 languages in nearly 100 countries via radio, television, web and mobile media and a network of more than 3,500 affiliates worldwide.

[Source: VOA press release]

CNA’S 25th Anniversary: Mediacorp’s News Network Announces plans to scale up

25 March 2024

CNA’S 25th Anniversary: Mediacorp’s News Network Announces plans to scale up

Expansion strategy outlined at CNA’s Silver Jubilee includes the introduction of new editions in North America, UK and Indonesia, as well as plans for an increased presence in China

Mediacorp’s news and current affairs brand CNA will focus on reaching new audiences in regional and international markets like Indonesia, East Asia, US, and the UK, while continuing to serve Singaporeans by delivering trusted news and quality stories across its multiple platforms.

These plans were announced at CNA’s 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, held on 19 March at Capella Singapore with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as Guest-of-Honour.

Addressing a celebratory gathering of 300 guests, Mediacorp Chairman Niam Chiang Meng affirmed CNA’s commitment to continue evolving to meet the demands of a changing global mediascape: “We aim to be present at every touchpoint in people’s lives, engaging them through a combination of our own platforms and third-party platforms. This multiplatform approach is anchored on our understanding of how people consume content today – across platforms and devices, languages, and genres.”

Since its launch in Singapore in March 1999, CNA has grown from a local news channel to a network consumed around the world, reaching more than 94 million homes and hotel rooms in Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Digitally, CNA content is consumed by an average of more than 10 million unique visitors every month [1]. On YouTube, CNA has a combined four million subscribers and over 27 million views per month for its CNA and CNA Insider channels. Its strong presence on YouTube has introduced the brand to a growing international audience, with the US being one of the top three markets in terms of watch time for its content [2]. The brand has also earned recognition on the global stage, having garnered more than 500 international awards and accolades in the past decade. Please refer to the Annex for a list of key milestones since CNA’s establishment in 1999.

Fresh initiatives to expand audiences and enhance offerings

With an eye towards fostering further growth, CNA has embarked on developments aimed at building its existing base, meeting new needs, and engaging untapped audiences beyond Singapore:

Making inroads in the US, Canada, and the UK: The CNA brand will be introduced in North America, Canada, and the United Kingdom across a combination of platforms: television streaming services, YouTube, and a curated edition of the CNA website. The roll out will be conducted in phases over this year. This undertaking will cater to people in these regions who are looking for breaking news and insightful documentaries about Asia – in particular China, Japan, and Korea.

Strengthening depth of coverage on China: As part of its expansion strategy and to deepen its on-ground understanding and reporting of China-related news, CNA plans to augment its mix of TV and digital bureaus, with plans to open a new bureau in Shenzhen, and potentially station more correspondents at its Beijing and Shanghai bureaus.

Introducing East Asia Tonight: Audiences can also look forward to a new one-hour bulletin, East Asia Tonight. Airing on CNA every weekday at 6pm from April. Through a combination of ground reporting of the latest developments, original in-depth features and expert analysis, CNA will seek to help audiences around the world to better “Understand Asia”.

Adopting AI to debut a Bahasa Indonesia website: Tapping on a large audience profile closer to home, CNA has launched cna.id, a website in Bahasa Indonesia. To achieve this milestone, CNA’s first digital foray beyond English, CNA signed a research collaboration agreement with Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) to build an English-to-Bahasa Indonesia AI translation tool. A dedicated team of Bahasa Indonesia editors then checks these translated as well as original news reports and features before publishing them.

Providing more engaging content experiences: Continuing to harness AI, CNA has introduced AI-generated summaries (FAST) for articles on the CNA app. Launched on 18 March, the FAST feature uses AI large language models to extract key sentences from stories. These are vetted by the CNA editorial team before publication, providing time-pressed readers with an option to sample content quickly and efficiently when on the go. This feature will be launched on the website soon.

Earlier this year, CNA also introduced a text-to-speech conversion to enable readers to listen to digital stories; and improved its personalised experiences with MyFeed, a feature which allows readers to select and receive more stories on topics of interest to them.

Mediacorp Editor-in-Chief & Chief Sustainability Officer Walter Fernandez said: “CNA’s Silver Jubilee marks a significant milestone in our journey as CNA goes global.”

Added Mr Fernandez: “In the past decade, CNA has won more than 500 international awards for its outstanding content; CNA was named ‘Channel of the Year’ by the London-based Association for International Broadcasting in November 2020; and two years later CNA was named the global winner of the ‘Best News Website or Mobile Service’ by the World Association of News Publishers. Building on this track record of high-quality content and engaging programming, CNA has set its sights on being the global news source to ‘Understand Asia’. The next leg of CNA’s growth will focus on expanding our coverage and sharpening the nuance of our reporting about China; while growing our global audience particularly in North America and Europe.”

[1] Source: Adobe Analytics, April 2023 – February 2024
[2] Source: YouTube Studio