USAGM CEO condemns Russia’s decision to extend detention of RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva

USAGM CEO condemns Russia’s decision to extend detention of RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva

1 December 2023

USAGM CEO condemns Russia’s decision to extend detention of RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva

Today, a court in the Russian city of Kazan extended by two months, or until February 5, the detention of Alsu Kurmasheva, a veteran journalist from RFE/RL’s Tatar-Bashkir Service who has been in Russian custody since October 18. Kurmasheva has been unjustly charged with failure to register as a foreign agent. The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

“Every day that Alsu Kurmasheva remains behind bars is a tragedy for her husband and two young children, her community, and journalists everywhere. As an American political prisoner being held in Russia, it is crucial for Alsu to officially be designated as ‘wrongfully detained’ so that her case can receive the time and attention it deserves,” said USAGM CEO Amanda Bennett.

“Alsu has spent 45 days behind bars in Russia and, today, her unjust, politically motivated detention has been extended,” said RFE/RL acting President Jeffrey Gedmin. “We call on Russian authorities to immediately grant Alsu consular access, which is her right as a U.S. citizen. Alsu must be released and reunited with her family.”

Kurmasheva is a dual U.S. and Russian citizen who lives in Prague, Czech Republic, with her husband and children.

[Source: USAGM press release]

RFE/RL Appoints Stephen Capus as Acting President

RFE/RL Appoints Stephen Capus as Acting President

6 November 2023

RFE/RL Appoints Stephen Capus as Acting President

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) Board of Directors has named Stephen Capus as the company’s Acting President, effective January 1, 2024. Board Vice Chairperson Margaret Hoover and Nominations Committee Chairperson Kristin Lord led the rigorous search process for the company.

Capus will serve in an acting capacity until the International Broadcasting Advisory Board is confirmed by the U.S. Senate and can vote on his appointment.

“We are very pleased that Steve has agreed to lead RFE/RL at this important moment in the company’s history,” said Board Chair Ambassador Karen Kornbluh. “He brings both distinguished experience as a senior manager in the news industry and a deep understanding of RFE/RL.”

Capus has more than 25 years of network news management, production, and journalistic experience. The former President of NBC News, Capus was also the Executive Producer of NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, The News with Brian Williams, and CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley. In recent years, Capus has provided strategic advice as a consultant to RFE/RL in Prague and its grantor agency, the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM).

Margaret Hoover added, “Steve’s vast experience as a journalist, producer, and news executive make him an exceptionally qualified choice to lead RFE/RL’s outstanding international team of journalists in these challenging times.”

“I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead RFE/RL as it remains steadfast in its mission as one of the world’s most trusted sources of independent news and information,” said Capus. “I look forward to continuing the dedicated work of RFE/RL’s existing leader, Jeff Gedmin, and in particular his important efforts to secure the release of four RFE/RL journalists who are unjustly detained.”

Capus will replace Jamie Fly, who stepped down from his position in the summer of 2023. Since July, Board Member Jeff Gedmin has led RFE/RL in an acting capacity.

About RFE/RL

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is a private, independent international news organization whose programs — radio, Internet, television, and mobile — reach influential audiences in 23 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the republics of Central Asia and the Caucasus. It is funded by the U.S. Congress through USAGM.

[Source: RFE/RL press release]

NHK WORLD-Japan Programme Focus for November

NHK WORLD-Japan Programme Focus for November

2 November 2023

NHK WORLD-Japan Programme Focus for November

Saitama: An Oasis a Stone’s Throw away from Tokyo

Where We Call Home

November 6 Mon.
0:30/5:30/10:30/15:30/21:30 (UTC)

A World of Home Flavors in Saitama:
Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo is home to many immigrants. Some of these incomers serve up dishes such as Cameroonian banga soup, Turkish baklava and Ukrainian dumplings, bringing compatriots a taste of home and creating a culinary wonderland in the process. 

Small Journeys – 
The Treasured Red of Benibana Flowers,
Okegawa, Saitama Prefecture

November 11 Sat.
1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC)

Okegawa, Saitama Prefecture once prospered through the cultivation of benibana, or safflower. Come and meet the dedicated individuals who safeguard the legacy of this crimson treasure.

We Did It, Grandpa!

November 4 Sat.
0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC)

Funahashi Kazuo has cerebral palsy, but is going strong at 74. Fifty years after a documentary was made about his life, we explore his approach to living happily with family despite his disability. 

Trails to Oishii Tokyo

Wednesdays 
14:30/20:30/3:30/9:30 (UTC)

Delicious food from Tokyo’s markets! Learn about the amazing ingredients which are sourced from across Japan and sold at Tokyo’s fresh food markets.

 

  

 

BBC World Service announces Emergency Radio Service for Gaza

BBC World Service announces Emergency Radio Service for Gaza

1 November 2023

BBC World Service announces Emergency Radio Service for Gaza

BBC News Arabic has today (1 November) announced an Emergency Radio Service for Gaza in response to the conflict in the region.

The emergency service – Gaza Daily – will broadcast vital news daily to the people of Gaza during this time of urgent need.

It will provide listeners in Gaza with the latest information and developments as well as safety advice on where to access shelter, food and water supplies.

Produced in Cairo and London and broadcast on medium wave, the service will initially run one programme a day at 1500 GMT from Friday 3 November. A second daily update will be broadcast at 0500 GMT from Friday 10 November.

The BBC World Service has a history of responding to emergency situations globally. Most recently, in May 2023 during the conflict in Sudan BBC News Arabic began an emergency radio service. In February 2022, the BBC News Ukraine service began extended TV bulletins following the invasion of the country. The BBC also previously launched a service for Gaza in 2014 following a summer of conflict.

Liliane Landor, Director, BBC World Service, says: “BBC News Arabic are extremely well-placed to offer this vital service for the people of Gaza at a time of greatest need. Their expertise and specialist knowledge of the region alongside the BBC’s reputation as the most trusted news provider, means we can reach civilians in Gaza with the information they need.”

Notes to editors: The Gaza service will be broadcast on MW 639kHz for morning and evening episodes.

[Source: BBC press release]

 

Al Arabiya Network launches Al Arabiya Business platform

Al Arabiya Network launches Al Arabiya Business platform

27 October 2023

Al Arabiya Network launches Al Arabiya Business platform

Al Arabiya Network, the Arab world’s leading source of news, announces the launch of Al Arabiya Business, a brand-new service dedicated to news and updates from the world of business, finance and more.

The launch of Al Arabiya Business comes in response to the growing demand for comprehensive and real-time coverage surrounding increasing and accelerating political events in the region and beyond necessitating more extensive and continuous coverage by Al Arabiya and Al Hadath TV channels around the clock.

Al Arabiya Business is available for free-to-air broadcast, as well as live streaming via Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform, in addition to Al Arabiya Network’s website and YouTube.

Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, Chairman of MBC GROUP and Al Arabiya Network, stated: “Al Arabiya and Al Hadath’s commitment to extensively covering significant events in the region – including current events in Gaza – has driven us to introduce Al Arabiya Business, a platform primarily dedicated to business and finance updates. It’s widely recognised that the heartbeat of global financial markets never falters, even in the midst of conflicts and disasters. Our objective is for Al Arabiya Network to maintain its status as a trusted source for viewers seeking updates on economic and financial developments, all the while staying informed about the ongoing critical events in our region and worldwide.”

Mamdouh AlMuhaini, General Manager of Al Arabiya Network and Al Hadath, added: “The financial and business sector, as highlighted in our ‘Aswaq Al Arabiya’ [Al Arabiya Markets] programme, has garnered considerable attention from our viewers. In light of the upsurge in conflicts and significant events, especially in the Middle East and North Africa – such as the earthquakes in Turkey, Syria and Morocco, the war in Sudan, and the ongoing situation in Gaza – our viewers are increasingly eager to stay informed around the clock.

“As a result, we made the decision to launch Al Arabiya Business as a service dedicated to the latest updates, as well as streaming ‘Aswaq Al Arabiya’ as standalone segments, aligning with our commitment to cater to our viewers’ ever-evolving informational needs, be it in the realm of politics, economics, or the business sector.”

Al Arabiya Business is available via the following outlets:

[Source: Al Arabiya press release]