France 24 launches new weekly “En tête à tête”

5 September 2023

France 24 launches new weekly “En tête à tête”

France 24 launches this week the new interview show « En tête à tête » broadcast at 11.45 a.m on France 24 in English (Thursday) and on France 24 in French (Friday). Every week, Marc Perelman receives leaders, personalities and figures from the world of politics, culture and activists to discover those who shape the world.

On Thursday, 14 September, at 11.45am (Paris time) his guest is Reza Pahlavi, son of the late Shah of Iran.

Marc Perelman began his career at Jeune Afrique as a reporter, then joined The Forward in New York as an international correspondent for the Middle East and the United States. He joined France 24 in 2009.

[Source: France 24 press release]

NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s programme focus: Fukushima

1 September 2023

NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s programme focus: Fukushima

A treasure of northeastern Japan

Through the Kitchen Window September 2 Sat. 5:40/8:40/17:40 September 3 Sun. 22:40 (UTC) A Taste of a Summer Festival: For nearly 60 years, Yasuko has run a fish shop where she makes a popular marinated herring dish for summer festivals.
Fukushima’s Iizaka Line: Keeping Business on Track September 7 Thu. 14:30/20:30/3:30/9:30 (UTC) The Iizaka Line is a small 9.2 km private railway line in Fukushima Prefecture. While many rural railways are facing severe business conditions, the Iizaka Line’s business remains stable. See how.
GRAND SUMO Highlights DAILY DURING TOURNAMENTS 16:30/23:30/4:30/8:30 (UTC) The September Tournament of GRAND SUMO is held from September 10th to 24th. NHK WORLD-JAPAN presents a sumo highlights program for fans around the globe. Enjoy this dynamic sport with background info and play-by-play commentary adding to the excitement!
Science View Tuesdays 14:30/20:30/3:30/9:30 (UTC) Science for our future. Cutting edge research, innovation and technology being created by Japanese scientists and engineers.

MBC GROUP signs agreement to launch and operate satellite TV channel dedicated to celebrating the richness of Saudi culture

18 August 2023

MBC GROUP signs agreement to launch and operate satellite TV channel dedicated to celebrating the richness of Saudi culture

His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, signed an agreement with Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, the Chairman of MBC GROUP, to launch and operate a brand-new satellite television channel dedicated to celebrating the richness of Saudi culture.

The establishment of the new channel – which is set to broadcast a diverse range of programming focused on the Kingdom’s rich history, in addition to current events and offerings – is in line with the cultural objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, cementing the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for culture.

Airing on MBC GROUP’s TV satellite network, as well as its streaming platform, Shahid, the channel – whose name will be unveiled in the coming period – aims to appeal to a wide-ranging audience including those who enjoy compelling storytelling such as documentaries, as well as more general entertainment.

Launching this September 2023, the channel – which also aims to further establish the presence of Saudi content within the global creative landscape – will focus on content that reflects the Kingdom’s rich heritage, majestic civilisation, and exciting culture. Ground-breaking programming is set to include expertly produced content on arts, literature, history and heritage, poetry, film and theatre, design, fashion, and dining and hospitality. Documentaries scheduled to feature include ones centred on the lives and memoirs of prominent Saudi figures, while other programming will comprise theatre performances and productions, Saudi arts and culture talks and showcases, as well as talk shows with renowned academics in their space.

In addition to the new channel, the agreement also incorporates the launch of a new digital media platform dedicated to similar content in the Saudi cultural space. Aimed at audiences who prefer to consume most of their content online, the platform will continuously publish articles, podcasts, and videos such as short documentaries.

Reflecting the ever-changing needs of both local and global audiences, both the upcoming channel and digital platform welcomes the involvement of Saudi talent and creatives, with MBC GROUP spearheading the transformation of their content into important cultural assets.

The establishment of the channel is in line with the cultural objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, cementing the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for culture. This aligns with the aspirations of a new generation of audiences, content creators, and others, who are passionate about showcasing their country to the rest of the world. More information on both offerings will be released in due course. MBC GROUP is the largest and leading media company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. [Source: MBC press release]

NHK WORLD programme focus: Re-assessing Ukraine’s lost nuclear deterrent

31 July 2023

NHK WORLD programme focus: Re-assessing Ukraine’s lost nuclear deterrent

Re-assessing Ukraine’s lost nuclear deterrent

NHK WORLD PRIME: Ukraine’s Nuclear Dilemma August 5 Sat. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) In 1994, Ukraine’s leaders gave up a formidable nuclear arsenal. But the country is now mired in war. We follow one young man who asks his fellow citizens if they’d have been better off keeping what is often dubbed the ultimate deterrent. His grandfather advocated disarmament as a government minister. So did William Perry, the US defence secretary tasked with overseeing the dismantlement process, who reflects on his work now that Russia threatens to use the most destructive weapon of all.
100 Cameras: Aomori Nebuta Festival August 4 Fri. 14:30/20:30/3:10/10:10 (UTC) August 9 Wed. 19:00 (UTC) The Nebuta Festival is the most exciting event of the year for the people of Aomori. Giant parade floats, or nebuta, are skillfully maneuvered through the city streets. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the festival was held once again. We received special permission to film the local community as it eagerly prepared for the festival. What amazing behind-the-scenes material did our 100 cameras capture this time? We uncover the touching and poignant stories of the local people.
J-MELO Sundays 15:10/20:10/3:30/9:30 (UTC) Japan’s exciting music scene! Pop, rock, traditional and more! Live performances, artist interviews, plus all the latest news!

NHK WORLD Focus July: Manga artistry + Kagoshima

30 June 2023

NHK WORLD Focus July: Manga artistry + Kagoshima

Programme focus for July: Manga artistry + Kagoshima

Manben: Behind the Scenes of Manga with Urasawa Naoki July 2 Sun.0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) Minase Ai Join us as we see a manga being brought to life by artist Minase Ai, known for her stories of young love. We go behind the scenes to see her working on Seishun Heavy Rotation. July 16 Sun.0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) Tezuka Osamu Explore the artistry of “the god of manga.” Tezuka Osamu drew Black Jack and many more famous series. Rare documents and interviews with assistants reveal secrets to his success.
Kagoshima: The Taste and Style of “Kuro” Culture July 9 Sun. 0:25/6:25/12:25/18:25 (UTC) Black (kuro) is a primary color for the area around Kagoshima. It’s reflected in the pottery, the cuisine, the shochu liquor, and even the ash from the volcano at Sakurajima. Discover the kuro culture of Japan’s far southwest.
Iojima: A Volcanic Island with a Passion for Rhythm July 15 Sun. 0:25/6:25/12:25/18:25 (UTC) Iojima Island is located in the Pacific about 1,000 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. In this episode of Journeys in Japan, Canadian Shizuka Anderson explores the volcanic island’s striking natural environment and experiences the unique culture of this oceanic outpost.
Hit the Road KAGOSHIMA July 19 Wed. 1:30/6:30/12:30/17:30/22:30 (UTC) In the second episode of Hit the road we explore the active Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture. Our discoveries include ceramic art made from lava and a naturally heated sandbath. Join us as we experience this volcanic wonderland.
Barakan Discovers Amami Oshima: Isson’s Treasure Island July 23 Sun. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) Explore Amami Oshima, the island paradise that was home to Japan’s very own “Gauguin.” Artist Tanaka Isson devoted his final years to depicting the natural beauty of a location that was later inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.