BBC Kids launches in the Middle East on Shahid platform

1 February 2024

BBC Kids launches in the Middle East on Shahid platform

BBC Studios announced today its agreement with MBC GROUP to launch BBC Kids content on the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform, Shahid from 8 February 2024.

The collaboration will bring BBC Studios’ exceptional children’s content to a wider audience in the Middle East, providing families and children aged 0-12 with digital access to a diverse range of inspiring, entertaining and educational shows. With a commitment to delivering content that sparks imagination and creativity, BBC Kids aims to enrich the viewing experience for children and parents alike. This launch makes the Middle East the sixth market to introduce the BBC Kids brand following previous launches in Australia (April 2021), US (January 2022), Taiwan (July 2022), South Africa (September 2022) and most recently in India, where it has been available to audiences on Prime Video Channels since July 2023.

Curated to offer dedicated sections aimed at pre-school children and older children, BBC Kids will offer 200 hours of premium programming, fully dubbed into the Arabic language, in a safe environment. New series available on the SVOD service for pre-schoolers include JoJo and Gran Gran, and several titles from children’s favourite Andy’s Adventures collection. Older viewers will enjoy tracking down the most deadly animals on the planet in Deadly 60 and following best young bakers competing in Junior Bake Off.

In addition to the launch of BBC Kids, BAFTA and International Emmy® award-winning pre-school animation Hey Duggee (Series 1-3) will make its free-to-air debut across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and North Africa through children’s channel MBC3. Created and written by Grant Orchard, Senior Director of Studio AKA, Duggee is a big loveable dog who inspires pre-school children to be energetic, explore and problem solve. Each episode starts with Duggee welcoming the Squirrels to discover new things about the world around them. Bringing smiles, laughter and hugs along the way, the Squirrels enjoy every moment on their amazing adventures in the care of huggable Duggee who has A-woof for every occasion! Hey Duggee is a Studio AKA production with CBeebies and BBC Studios.

“We are excited to bring BBC Kids to Shahid allowing our critically acclaimed content to connect with a broader audience and enhance the entertainment experience for kids and families in the Middle East. The inclusion of Hey Duggee on MBC3 channel strengthens our commitment to providing exceptional content that teaches valuable lessons in a fun and accessible way, and is accessible both in digital and linear – said Andrea Raman, Director, Business Development for Nordics, MENA, Turkey at BBC Studios

Tareq Al-Ibrahim, Director of Content at Shahid, added: “Shahid’s exciting kids’ library stands out thanks to the richness of its educational and entertaining content, while also ensuring a trusted and safe viewing experience for families across the Arab world. Today, with the launch of BBC Kids, we are bringing more globally renowned and award-winning content to the Middle East and North Africa through Shahid and MBC GROUP’s channels.”

He continued: “We’re excited to add a plethora of titles online, bringing over 200 hours of new kids’ content to Shahid. We’re always looking to add the best value and experiences for our important young viewers!”

BBC Kids is an ad-free video destination available to Shahid subscribers. All programming features Arabic dubbing. The new digital proposition complements the youngest audience’s experience in the Middle East, adding to the CBeebies Pre-school linear channel already available in the region since 2016.

[Source: BBC press release]

RFE/RL Condemns Extension of American Journalist’s Detention in Russia

1 February 2024

RFE/RL Condemns Extension of American Journalist’s Detention in Russia

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is outraged by today’s decision in Kazan, Russia to extend the detention of imprisoned American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva until April 5. Alsu has been behind bars and separated from her family since October 18, 2023 during a trip to Russia to visit her ailing, elderly mother.

RFE/RL President Stephen Capus says: “Russian authorities are conducting a deplorable criminal campaign against the wrongfully detained Alsu Kurmasheva. Imprisoned and treated unjustly simply because she is an American journalist, Alsu’s prison sentence has been extended again.

The world’s journalistic, human rights organizations, and diplomatic communities are standing with Alsu today. RFE/RL thanks the EU governments who sent representatives to today’s proceedings. Yet, Russia continues its systematic prosecution.

Alsu should be officially declared “wrongfully detained” by the United States Department of State, just as the Wall Street Journal’s Evan Gershkovich was immediately designated after his unjust arrest.

Russia bears the ultimate responsibility for Alsu’s fate. Alsu should be released immediately and allowed to return to her loving family. It is beyond time to #FreeAlsu.”

Last week, on CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper, Alsu’s husband, Pavel Butorin, said, “100 days in detention in Russia is 100 days too many. For 100 days now, Alsu has been denied phone calls with her family, with her children. And for 100 days, as an American citizen, she has been denied visits from the U.S. embassy in Moscow.”

On January 25, dozens of Alsu’s RFE/RL colleagues released a video saying “Free Alsu” in 38 languages, including the 27 languages in which RFE/RL broadcasts to its local audiences.

Alsu began her career with RFE/RL in 1998 and is a journalist with RFE/RL’s Tatar-Bashkir Service. She holds U.S. and Russian citizenship and lives in Prague with her husband and two daughters.

[Source: RFE/RL press release]

NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s Focus in February is Chiba

31 January 2024

NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s Focus in February is Chiba

CHIBA: Your Entrance to Japan and So Much More

Coastal Encounters Part 1 Chiba’s Peninsula: Along Tokyo Bay February 17 Sat. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) Part 2 Chiba’s Peninsula: Facing the Pacific Ocean February 18 Sun. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) Explore coastlines from a bird’s-eye view! This time, the peninsula between Tokyo and the Pacific. Part 1 features Tokyo Bay, which has long supported the city. In Part 2, traditional food, crafts and sightseeing spots created by the rough seas.
Small Journeys February 18 Sun. 0:35/6:35/12:35/18:35 (UTC) A Future with the Century-Old Railway:Choshi, Chiba Prefecture The city of Choshi in Chiba is home to the Choshi Electric Railway commemorating its 100th year. The line endures, upheld by the steadfast support of local residents.
My Dear Ukraine February 24 Sat. 1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC) Returning home after five years, a Ukrainian journalist living in Japan confronted the harsh realities of war. She created an intimate documentary, showing how life has been upended.
Dining with the Chef Tuesdays 1:30/6:30/12:30/17:30/22:30 (UTC) Traditional techniques and resourceful recipes! Chefs Saito and Rika, present their unique approaches to cooking delicious Japanese food.

Joy Awards 2024 unveil winners in star-studded event in Riyadh

22 January 2024

Joy Awards 2024 unveil winners in star-studded event in Riyadh

The vibrant city of Riyadh once again set the stage for the biggest event on its annual entertainment calendar as the highly anticipated Joy Awards returned for its fourth edition on Saturday 20 January.

Part of Riyadh Season and presented by the General Entertainment Authority (GeA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Joy Awards 2024 recognised and honoured some of the biggest names in music, cinema, television, sports, and more from the Arab world and beyond.

The star-studded event, co-organised by MBC GROUP, was graced by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the GeA, alongside a host of regional and global celebrities.

Special guests honoured and/or attended included Sir Anthony Hopkins, Kevin Costner, Mark Wahlberg, Jean Reno, Eva Longoria, Salman Khan, Martin Lawrence, Quincy Jones, Lang Lang, Alia Bhatt, Georgina Rodriguez, Anthony Anderson, Sam Worthington, Paul Anderson, directors Zach Schneider and Doug Liman, and the global sports stars Tyson Fury, John Cena, and Francis Ngannou.

Joining in attendance were prominent Arab and international journalists and media personalities, as well as notable figures and distinguished invitees.

Supported by the Saudi Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program, the Joy Awards 2024 began with arrivals on the lavender carpet, with proceedings broadcast live on MBC1, MBC MASR, MBC IRAQ, and MBC5, in addition to via Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform.

The event featured a star opening with Wissam Breidy and Carmen Bsaibes, followed by the duo presenting segments to unveil the names of the Joy Awards 2024 winners, spanning both individual and production categories. The stage, meanwhile, lit up thanks to a number of performances by artists including Abdul Majeed Abdullah, Amr Diab, Assala, Sherine, the legendary Gloria Gaynor, Lang Lang, Bebe Rexha, and legendary artist Nagat El-Sagheera.

Furthermore, acclaimed international music composer Claudio Constantini delivered a captivating musical composition as part of a poignant short film entitled “Message to Those Departed”. The piece served as a heartfelt tribute to those in art, culture, and media within the Arab world who left us over the past year.

The evening concluded with the winners and performers gathering on stage to capture a commemorative photo with HE Alalshikh.

AND THE WINNERS ARE…

CINEMA

Best Film
Sattar

Best Actress (Film)
Nelly Karim (Voy! Voy! Voy)

Best Actor (Film)
Karim Abdelaziz (Beit El-Ruby)

—

TELEVSION

Best TV Series
Crystal

Best Actress (TV Series)
Rahaf Mohammad (Brahim Fe El-Beit)

Best Actor (TV Series)
Saad Aziz (Sikkat Safar)

Best Newcomer (TV Series)
Walid Qashran (Studio 23)

—

MUSIC

Best Song
Ya Leil W Yal Ein (Al-Shami)

Best Female Artist
Assala Nasri

Best Male Artist
Ayed

Best Newcomer
Talal Sam

—

DIGITAL

Best Social Media Influencer (Female)
Bibi Alabdulmohsen

Best Social Media Influencer (Male)
Ahmed Al-Qahtani (ShoNgxBoNg)

—

SPORT

Best Female Sports Personality
Ons Jabeur

Best Male Sports Personality
Abdullah Al-Rubaie

—

HONORARY AWARDS

HE Alalshikh granted a number of recipients a special Entertainment Industry Honorary Award. They include esteemed maestro and music arranger Walid Fayed, Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, renowned pianist Lang Lang, director Zach Schneider, US actor and comedian Martin Lawrence, the production team behind “Taht-El-Wesaya” (TV series starring Mona Zaki), legendary Kuwaiti actor Mohammed Al-Mansor, Lebanese singer Najwa Karam, Mohamed Abdel Motaal (General Manager for MBC MASR), Fadel Zahreddine (Group Director of Emerging Media at MBC GROUP), and Zaki Hassanien (CEO of Benchmark).

The Joy Awards 2024 Lifetime Achievement honour was presented to several recipients. They are Hollywood star Sir Anthony Hopkins and Kevin Costner, music producer Quincy Jones (whose son accepted the award on his behalf), Saudi singing legend Rabeh Saqer, renowned Saudi actor Ali Al-Mdfa, Egyptian actress Essad Youniss, and Syrian actress Muna Wassef. An award was also granted to the legendary Egyptian singer and actress Nagat El-Sagheera.

The internationally acclaimed Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab received the Diamond Entertainment Industry Award, while Hollywood’s Eva Longoria was awarded Personality of the Year.

Last but not least, the highly coveted Leader of Arab Art honour – awarded only once in the Joy Awards – was presented to the acclaimed Egyptian actor Adel Emam, who addressed the audience with a recorded message. The award was received on his behalf by his sons, director Rami Imam and actor Mohamed Emam.

What sets the Joy Awards apart from others is that the audience/viewer chooses the winners from a number of categories and subcategories via the official app. Each user is allowed one vote per category.

The Joy Awards are brought to you by the General Entertainment Authority (GeA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and are co-hosted by MBC GROUP.

MBC GROUP is the largest and leading media company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

[Source: MBC press release]

NHK WORLD-JAPAN Monthly focus: Unveiling the Essential Japan

1 January 2024

NHK WORLD-JAPAN Monthly focus: Unveiling the Essential Japan

Unveiling the Essential Japan

Barakan Discovers IZUMO: Glimpses of the Unseen January 6 Sat. 1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC) In the 19th century, Lafcadio Hearn helped introduce Japan to the wider world. Barakan visits Izumo to learn about the unseen realms that Hearn treasured.
The Mysteries of Ozu: A Master Filmmaker’s Enduring Legacy January 13 Sat. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) Join experts such as Wim Wenders to explore the masterful film-making of renowned Tokyo Story director Ozu Yasujiro, the 120th anniversary of whose birth fell in December 2023.
GRAND SUMO Highlights DAILY DURING TOURNAMENTS 16:30/23:30/4:30/8:30 (UTC) The January Tournament of GRAND SUMO is held from January 14th to 28th. The best of today’s sumo! Enjoy daily highlights of this dynamic sport with background info and play-by-play commentary adding to the excitement!