NHK WORLD Monthly Focus: Ramen culture

1 June 2023

NHK WORLD Monthly Focus: Ramen culture

Ramen Japan

Tonkotsu Ramen: Fukuoka #01 June 21 Wed. #02 June 28 Wed. 1:30/6:30/12:30/17:30/22:30 (UTC) Japan’s famous ramen soup has captivated people around the world with its tasty blend of umami-rich broth and perfectly cooked noodles. Originating in China and adapted in Japan, ramen has absorbed diverse local influences. The wide variety of regional styles now on offer often transcend the conventional combination of soy sauce, miso, salt, and pork broth. This program takes you on a journey of exploration in the world of Japanese ramen, providing an encyclopedic view of local customs and food culture along the way. Join us as we meet everyone from dedicated chefs and growers who strive to create the perfect bowl of ramen to afficionados who can’t get enough of this delectable dish.
Game Genome: Deep Dive with Kojima Hideo June 25 Sun. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) Half a century since the birth of video games, we explore how legendary titles have shaped our ideas and created a new culture. “Death Stranding” won new plaudits for its uncanny predictions of our experiences during the pandemic. Program guests share their love for the game, and why it’s captivated so many. Renowned developer Kojima Hideo guides us on a deep dive into his creation and explores his inspiration and motivations. A special, expanded episode with new footage in response to the reaction to last year’s broadcast.
Where we call home Mondays 0:30/5:30/10:30/15:30/21:30 (UTC) People from around the globe who put down roots in Japan offer a glimpse into their lives and the hardships they face in Japanese society.

RFE/RL President and CEO Jamie Fly to Depart

15 May 2023

RFE/RL President and CEO Jamie Fly to Depart

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) President and CEO Jamie Fly has announced his resignation, effective June 30, to move his family back to the United States and pursue an opportunity in the private sector. Former RFE/RL President and current board member Dr. Jeffrey Gedmin will serve as Interim President and CEO to provide steady and continued leadership as the RFE/RL Board of Directors carries out a search for a permanent President and CEO.

“I want to thank Jamie for his contributions to RFE/RL,” said Ambassador Karen Kornbluh, Chair of the RFE/RL Board of Directors. “As a result of his leadership and enduring strategic vision, RFE/RL is in a strong and stable position to carry out its mission, free from political interference, and reach growing audiences. He should be proud of this legacy.”

Fly was first named RFE/RL President and CEO in July 2019, and served until June 2020. After a brief period as a Senior Fellow and Senior Advisor to the President of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, he resumed leadership of RFE/RL in February 2021 following his reappointment by the Board of Directors.

Fly’s tenure prioritized RFE/RL’s response to Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine through an expansion of RFE/RL’s operations in Ukraine and programming for Russian audiences. He also expanded RFE/RL’s focus on Chinese malign influence across Eurasia. He oversaw a digital transformation of a news division that is reaching ever-growing audiences, opening new bureaus, and responding strategically to authoritarian censorship. RFE/RL staff will remember Fly’s relentless advocacy on behalf of detained and imprisoned colleagues, and his resolve to secure their safe release to their families.

“I am honored to have been able to serve twice at the helm of this iconic institution, and to have spent time with the brave and talented journalists and support staff who make RFE/RL’s success possible,” said Fly. “I am optimistic that despite the authoritarian challenges we face, RFE/RL is well-positioned to excel in our markets and grow our audiences at a time when our independent reporting is needed more than ever.”

Fly led the development of RFE/RL’s comprehensive plans to counter Russian and Chinese disinformation and reach surging audiences with trusted news. As part of these strategies, RFE/RL established new bureaus in Riga and Vilnius to house exiled journalists and produce new content offerings. RFE/RL is launching a Digital Innovation Lab and Digital Forensic Unit to respond to censorship and disinformation narratives and is making greater investments in investigative journalism.

Dr. Jeffrey Gedmin led RFE/RL from 2007 to 2011. He is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of American Purpose, and previously served as President and CEO of the Aspen Institute in Berlin, as Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C., and as Executive Director of the New Atlantic Initiative. He is the author and editor of several books focused on Germany and European security, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Together with former U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Norm Eisen, Dr. Gedmin is co-chair of the Transatlantic Democracy Working Group, hosted by the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

RFE/RL board members Margaret Hoover and Kristin Lord are leading the search process to select a permanent President and CEO. The Board of Directors has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to find a candidate who will build on Fly’s achievements and shepherd the organization into its next phase with continued bipartisan support from the U.S. Congress. Inquiries should be directed to RFERL.CEO@russellreynolds.com.

[Source: RFE/RL press release]

MBC’s Shahid strengthens partnerships across MENA region, achieves 3.5x growth in 12 months

9 May 2023

MBC’s Shahid strengthens partnerships across MENA region, achieves 3.5x growth in 12 months

Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform powered by MBC GROUP, announced today its continuing success story on partnerships across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), which has led to a 3.5x growth over the past 12 months. Shahid’s strong and dynamic partnerships across various industries – including telcos, device manufacturers and other brands, banks, and airlines – have been key in driving growth and expansion.

TELCOS

Starting with telcos, Shahid has partnered with over 30 telecommunication operators across the region to date, offering smart and easy mobile billing for subscribers. Additionally, Shahid has agreements in place with 12+ partners so far that bundles complimentary Shahid subscriptions along with core mobile plans.

Major telcos to have partnered with Shahid include Saudi’s STC, Egypt’s Vodafone, and Orange Morocco. Not only do the partnerships focus on special deals for Shahid subscribers, but they have also resulted in creating exclusive experiences for telcos clients. For example, in November 2022, Vodafone RED customers in Egypt were given the exclusive opportunity to be part of the private screening of the Shahid Originals production, “Room 207”. Meanwhile, this January saw Orange Morocco supporting the launch of “Casa Street”, the first Moroccan series produced for Shahid Originals through various experiences and activations for viewers.

DEVICE MANUFACTURERS

During the past 12 months, Shahid announced partnerships with major device manufacturers in the region to bring exclusive bundles and subscription offers to customers. They include Samsung, LG, Elaraby, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PlayStation, Hisense, and OPPO.

BRANDS

Shahid has also formed regional partnerships with Talabat, Anghami, Noon, Mastercard, Al Rifai and Careem, focusing on running co-branded subscription campaigns.

BANKING & PAYMENT PROVIDERS

Part of Shahid’s continued growth has been thanks to its ongoing facilitation of payment options for a highly diverse region. It expanded its payment methods through e-wallets, launching with Egypt’s Paymob and Vodafone Cash.

Shahid has also launched a variety of prepaid cards in 100+ retail distributors across 15 countries, including via Fawry, Jarir, Virgin Megastore, Sharaf DG, and Like4card.

As for recent banking agreements, Shahid has formed regional partnerships with Arab Bank and Emirates NBD Egypt.

AIRLINES

And finally, one major partnership to have been announced over the past year was that of Shahid joining forces with Emirates to offer premium content exclusively onboard its award-winning inflight entertainment system, ICE.

Announced in July 2022, the collaboration made Emirates ICE the only platform in the world – aside from the streaming service’s own premium-subscription online platform – to offer access to highly popular titles by Shahid Originals.

At time of debut, all Emirates customers enjoyed access to an extensive selection of over 135 hours of Shahid content from 15 programmes.

Commenting on Shahid’s growth in partnerships, Natasha Matos-Hemingway, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Shahid, stated: “We are delighted with the growth and expansion we have achieved over the past year, and we attribute much of our success to the strong partnerships we have formed across the MENA region.

“We look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationships with our partners, and delivering compelling storytelling, innovative digital offerings, and lifestyle experiences to our subscribers and fans.”

MBC GROUP is the largest and leading media company in the MENA region.

[Source: MBC press release]

NHK WORLD Monthly Focus: Hiroshima

2 May 2023

NHK WORLD Monthly Focus: Hiroshima

Hiroshima, a journey to global peace

I’m Still Here: An A-Bomb Victim Speaks May 12 Fri. 14:30/20:30/3:10/10:10 May 16 Tue. 19:00 (UTC) In this program we join Hiroshima atomic-bombing survivor Keiko Ogura as she engages residents of a small US town in discussion on the dilemma posed by nuclear arms.
ISSEY MIYAKE May 27 Sat. 1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC) The Human Inside the Clothes Issey Miyake, the world-renowned clothing designer, died in 2022 at the age of 84. Interviews with those who knew him provide insight into what inspired his captivating designs.
Hit the Road May 31 Wed. 1:30/6:30/12:30/17:30 (UTC) The Michi no Eki, or way stations, on Japan’s road network provide a place to rest and sample regional specialties. Join us as we begin exploring these appealing spots by experiencing delicious local fare and warm hospitality in Hiroshima Prefecture.
J-FLICKS May 6 Sat. 1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC) Close-up: Berlin International Film Festival Join presenter Sarah MACDONALD and guest Alexander ZAHLTEN of Harvard University as they look at four captivating Japanese films that have attracted attention at international festivals this year. Director SHINKAI Makoto’s animated feature Suzume and KUMAKIRI Kazuyoshi’s thriller #Manhole were shown at the Berlin International Film Festival, while FUNAHASHI Atsushi’s The Burden of the Past featured at the Asian Film Festival in Osaka. SAKAMOTO Junji’s Okiku and the World, meanwhile, was shown at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
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 names new Latin America Division Director

21 April 2023

VOA names new Latin America Division Director

The Voice of America has selected Sandra Thomas-Esquivel as the new director of its Latin America Division, providing news and information to audiences throughout Latin America as threats to freedom of expression, political instability, drug trafficking, organized crime, violence and corruption continue to plague the region.

A native of Mexico City, Thomas-Esquivel has extensive experience in leading complex news teams and has dedicated the last 25 years of her career in television and journalism to serving the Latino community in the U.S. and Latin America. As Univision’s Senior Director of Local and Affiliate News, she supported strategic initiatives for all Univision Television Group news departments across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. As Vice President of News for Telemundo 39 in Dallas, she oversaw the station’s news department as well as local productions across multimedia platforms. As Telemundo Network News Bureau Chief for Mexico and Central America in Mexico City, she led a team of correspondents, producers and video crews. She joined Voice of America in 2019 as chief of the Spanish language service.

In 1994, Thomas-Esquivel received an Emmy® from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for a network special about poverty-stricken Latino children in the U.S., and in 2005, the California Chicano News Media Association honored her for her career achievements in broadcasting and for her many years of mentoring young journalists. That same year, she received the “Trailblazer Award” from American Women in Radio and Television.

She holds a master’s degree in international journalism from the University of Southern California and Bachelor of Arts degrees in journalism and radio, television and film from the Instituto Latinoamericano de Comunicación Educativa (ILCE-UNESCO) and the University of Maryland.

“We’re excited to see Sandra permanently appointed to the position of Latin America Division Director, as she has been in this role for a while in an acting capacity,” said Acting VOA Director Yolanda Lόpez. “She has excelled in guiding VOA’s activities in the very diverse Latin America media market and advancing her division’s relationship with the large number of VOA’s affiliate stations in the region.”

Sandra Thomas-Esquivel’s appointment is effective as of April 23, 2023.

[Source: VOA press release]