Al Arabiya News Network announces international expansion and new English show line-up

16 September 2024

Al Arabiya News Network announces international expansion and new English show line-up

Al Arabiya News Network, the Arab world’s leading source of news, announces its international expansion of its English-language news segments and the introduction of brand-new shows fronted by some of the world’s best-known journalists.

This strategic expansion highlights Al Arabiya’s commitment to delivering high-quality, comprehensive news coverage to viewers worldwide beyond its award-winning core Arabic-language TV channel and digital platforms.

Joining are a plethora of top names from the global news scene including Rosanna Lockwood, and Tom Burges Watson, who will be covering a wide range of topics from international politics and current affairs to culture and human-interest stories.

Mamdouh AlMuhaini, General Manager of Al Arabiya Network stated: “We are delighted to introduce Al Arabiya News Network’s English-language programming line-up. This international expansion reflects our dedication to providing our viewers with diverse perspectives and insightful analysis on the issues that matter most.

“We are looking forward to reaching new audiences around the world, providing them the trusted and accurate news coverage that our original Arabic network is known for.”

Global News Today (GNT) with Rosanna Lockwood

Backed by an industry-leading team, British journalist Rosanna Lockwood deploys her interviewing skills and deep journalism experience to bring viewers their daily dose of world news via compelling guests, expert insights, and analysis.

“Global News Today” encompasses wall-to wall coverage of the biggest global events – such as the recent UK General Election – and a comprehensive look at the issues shaping the world, while seeking to inform, educate and entertain.

About Rosanna Lockwood:

Working as a presenter and correspondent for major networks across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Rosanna Lockwood has fronted prime-time news shows from London, Istanbul, Moscow, Dubai, and Singapore. Prior to joining Al Arabiya News Network, Lockwood hosted her own daily news show on Talk TV in the UK. She has also presented for CNBC, MSNBC, Reuters, the BBC, Bloomberg TV, LBC, and ITN.

WE News with Tom Burges Watson

Fluent in English, French, Italian and Japanese (plus knowledge of basic Arabic), Tom Burges Watson joins Al Arabiya News Network as English-language news presenter. He brings with him nearly two decades of experience in television, radio, and print media.

Watson has rich experience in delivering breaking news and has covered major events such as the 2015 Paris attacks, the Beirut explosion, and the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

About Tom Burges Watson:

Until June 2024, Tom was the host of the evening news show “Prime News Paris” on France 24, a channel of which he was part of for the past 15 years. Alongside his role at France 24, Watson also worked as Paris Correspondent for Monocle Magazine. Prior to his time in France, Watson worked with CNN International in the United Kingdom.

TUNE IN NOW

Discover Al Arabiya News Network including its brand-new English content via Al Arabiya on free-to-air satellite TV, as well as the following online channels:

Global News Today (GNT) presented by Rosanna Lockwood: Live daily at 21:30 KSA / 18:30 GMT / 14:30 ET
We News presented by Tom Burges Watson: Live daily at 20:00 KSA / 17:00 GMT / 13:00 ET
English website: english.alarabiya.net
YouTube: AlArabiyaEnglish
Catch highlights on TikTok: @alarabiya_eng
And Instagram: @alarabiya_eng
All episodes can be found on Al Arabiya’s Facebook page & YouTube channel.
[Source: Al Arabiya press release]

France 24 English accessible on New Zealand’s DTT

16 September 2024

France 24 English accessible on New Zealand’s DTT

Already available on digital platforms in New Zealand, France 24 is launching its English channel on the Freeview DTT service in the country, which reaches 3.2 million users – 87% of the population.

Starting September 16, 2024, Freeview viewers can access France 24 English’s live broadcasts for free on channel #200 during the following time slots: weekdays from 1 am to 7 am and 12 pm to 1 pm, as well as weekends from 3 am to 9 am.

[Source: France 24 press release]

BBC Studios expands reach of BBC Player in Poland

1 September 2024

BBC Studios expands reach of BBC Player in Poland

BBC Studios and CDA partner to launch BBC Studios’ multi-genre VOD service, BBC Player, on CDA Premium from 1 September 2024

BBC Studios and CDA announced that BBC Studios’ multi-genre VOD service will launch on CDA Premium from 1 September 2024. BBC Player will be available to the entire CDA Premium subscriber base, providing them with a wide range of award-winning BBC programming.

BBC Player is the local on-demand destination for BBC content in Poland. CDA Premium subscribers will be able to stream curated content selected solely for the platform, as well as award-winning and critically acclaimed shows from BBC Studios’ linear channel portfolio – BBC Brit, BBC Earth, BBC Lifestyle, BBC First and CBeebies. This follows the successful launch of BBC Player on CANAL+ in June 2022 and online streaming service PLAY NOW and PLAY NOW TV.

CDA Premium subscribers will have access to a range of BBC drama and factual entertainment, as well as world-renowned natural history productions and even children’s programming. In September and October, audiences can look forward to a variety of programmes, including, but not limited to:

Absolutely Fabulous (season 3 and 4): Multi-award-winning British television sitcom created by Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, starring Joanna Lumley and Julia Sawalha.

David Beckham: For the Love of the Game: One of the most iconic players of his generation, David Beckham returns to the screens for a unique journey as he plays seven games in each of the seven continents around the world.

The Diplomat: Gripping crime series that shines a light on the secretive world of diplomacy. From the producers of Bodyguard and Line of Duty.

Inside No. 9 (season 1): Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton’s critically acclaimed and BAFTA Award-winning anthology of tales of the genuinely unexpected.

Mountains: Life Above the Clouds: A landmark 3-part series from the BBC Natural History Unit revealing the extraordinary animals and remarkable people who make a home in the iconic mountain ranges of the world, from the Himalaya, Rockies to the Andes.

Super Surgeons (season 2): A powerful documentary following a team of pioneering surgeons and their patients at one of the world’s leading cancer hospitals – The Royal Marsden.

Wonders of the Sun with Dara Ó Briain: The comedian’s latest documentary, in which he embarks on another journey of discovery, this time exploring our relationship with the Sun.

Bartosz Witak, General Manager for CEE at BBC Studios, says: ‘This deal marks the expansion of our on-demand platform in Poland, allowing even more people to stream BBC Studios’ award-winning content. Complementing our existing suite of linear BBC channels on CDA, I am proud to be providing CDA Premium subscribers access to a selection of dramas and factual shows on the go’.

[Source: BBC press release]

NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s focus in September: Kii

1 September 2024

NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s focus in September: Kii

Sacred Kii Mountains

Barakan Discovers KUMANO:Spirit of the Forest Sep 1 Sun. 1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC) Pioneering ecologist Minakata Kumagusu explored the forests of Kumano. Join Peter Barakan as he follows Minakata’s path and discovers a universe in nature.
Small Journeys Odaishi-San Bringing People Together —Koya-Sanroku, Wakayama Prefecture Sep 7 Sat. 1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC) Koyasan is the sacred site of a Buddhist sect established by monk Kukai around 1,200 years ago. Come meet the devoted residents who are grateful for his protection and the enduring bonds he fosters.
INNOVATIVE INVESTIGATIONS Sexual Exploitation of Minors Sep 22 Sun. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) Part 1 Threats to children survive, and even thrive, in the shadows of social media. Our investigation discovered a network of online communities fixated on sexualization of minors.
INNOVATIVE INVESTIGATIONS Sexual Exploitation of Minors Sep 29 Sun. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) Part 2 The second part of the series focuses on a child porn app with organized crime connections. Critics of mainstream platforms say they could do more to weed out harmful content.

France 24 signs a major distribution agreement with Sun Direct in India

30 August 2024

France 24 signs a major distribution agreement with Sun Direct in India

France 24 is strengthening its presence in India thanks to a new distribution agreement with Sun Direct, the country’s third-largest pay-TV operator. Starting August 1, 2024, Sun Direct has included France 24’s English channel in its offering, reaching an additional 12.5 million households.

Already available via a number of cable and satellite offerings in the country, France 24 is now accessible to over 90 million Indian households, representing 60% of all TV subscriptions. India, where the channel in English is highly followed, has the largest number of France 24 viewers globally.

[Source: France 24 press release]