Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Russian opponent in exile, speaks to Marc Perelman (pictured) today, Tuesday 14 February, at 11.15pm (Paris time).
You can watch the interview at https://www.france24.com/en/live
[Source: France 24 press release]
MBC GROUP, the largest media company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), announces the appointment of Christina Wayne as Managing Director of MBC STUDIOS.
MBC STUDIOS is the in-house premium content production arm of MBC GROUP, a media conglomerate that operates more than 17 free-to-air satellite TV channels, two radio stations, and Shahid – the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform – amongst other offerings.
In her new role, Wayne will continue MBC STUDIOS’ ongoing work in expanding the reach of its content to audiences around the world, leveraging the continuous trend for non-English-language television content to reach more global markets.
She takes over the role from former managing director, Peter Smith, who is moving on to pursue other ventures. He will, however, remain as an advisor to MBC GROUP.
Sam Barnett, Group CEO of MBC GROUP, stated: “We’re incredibly excited to be welcoming Christina Wayne to the role of Managing Director at MBC STUDIOS. Christina brings with her a wealth of international expertise in content development and production where she has worked across a multitude of territories and languages, and led on the development of Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning series.
“We look forward to her building on the team’s successes as we continue to expand our horizons in international content even further.”
He continued: “Additionally, I would like to extend my gratitude to Peter Smith for his invaluable contributions to the growth of MBC STUDIOS during his four-year tenure, spearheading the production of numerous flagships, including ‘Rashash’, ‘Rise of the Witches’, and ‘Devil’s Promise’. Peter departs with a solid and successful team with an exciting slate of projects.”
Newly appointed Wayne commented: “I am absolutely delighted to join MBC GROUP and MBC STUDIOS and have heard great things about the incredible team Peter and the rest of MBC have built. This is a very exciting venture for me, and I cannot wait to get fully involved in one of the world’s most exciting territories for content production.”
CAREER BACKGROUND
Prior to joining MBC STUDIOS, Wayne was the Principal Creative Executive and Head of Canada and Australia for Amazon Studios, a role she held since September 2019, and where she oversaw creative on scripted series across more than 20 countries.
She also presided over local original workshops across all territories, with a focus on interconnected series and formats.
A member of the Writers’ Guild of America since 1997, Wayne – who began her career in entertainment as a screenwriter and director – has also held positions with Assembly Entertainment, Cineflix Studios, and AMC. As senior vice-president of scripted series and miniseries for AMC, she shepherded the development and production on award-winning series including “Mad Men”, “Breaking Bad”, and “Broken Trail”.
[Source: MBC press release]
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) award-winning programming is now available 24 hours a day for millions of Afghan listeners who have come to rely on the broadcaster in the last two decades. Two months after the Taliban removed RFE/RL from AM and FM radio transmitters in Afghanistan, Azadi, as RFE/RL is known locally, is doubling its time on air providing Afghans with independent news in the Dari and Pashto languages. From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time Azadi is broadcasting on mediumwave on 1296 kHz, while during the second half of the day programming is available on shortwave.
This broadcasting milestone comes on Azadi’s 21st anniversary, and further solidifies RFE/RL’s role as a true public broadcaster – the only non-governmental radio broadcaster available 24/7 in Afghanistan. In the last two decades Azadi has become a staple of everyday life. Afghans frequently referred to Azadi as their “national broadcaster,” and its mix of news and information is commonly heard in public settings in the country, from marketplaces to taxis.
“Our expanded programming for Afghan audiences is indicative of the resilience and creativity of our team and their dedication to continue to reach our audiences in Afghanistan in the face of extreme Taliban pressure,” said RFE/RL President and CEO Jamie Fly. “Azadi will now be available for Afghans day and night to give them hope for a better future.”
Despite significant pressure from the Taliban, RFE/RL continues to provide bold coverage of stories suppressed by state media. Azadi has given a platform for the most vulnerable – women and girls, victims of violent extremism, the LGBTQI+ community, and youth — to share their experiences. At every step, Azadi has responded to the Taliban’s restrictive governance: when the Taliban forbade music, Azadi continued to play music on air; when the Taliban banned women from public life, Azadi gave women space to tell their stories; when the Taliban barred girls from attending school, Azadi and Learn Afghanistan provided a rigorous curriculum over the radio. For 21 years, Azadi has helped the powerless find community and hope.
In contrast to official Taliban claims, Afghans have again and again expressed their appreciation and gratitude to RFE/RL for providing a vital public service. RFE/RL will continue to find new and innovative ways to reach audiences.
Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists, and RFE/RL journalists have paid the ultimate price for their commitment to a free press. In 2018, three Radio Azadi journalists — Maharram Durrani, Abadullah Hananzai, and Sabawoon Kakar — were killed in a suicide bomb attack in Kabul. In 2020, Mohammad Ilyas Dayee was killed in a targeted bomb attack.
[Source: RFE/RL press release]
BENTO EXPO
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NHK Documentary
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Journeys in Japan
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Why I’m at WarFebruary 25 Sat. Volodymyr Demchenko has been deeply involved in the defense of his Ukrainian homeland in the years since the street protests of the 2014 Maidan Revolution. He has recorded a great deal of his part in this effort to defend Ukraine and sent dispatches around the world. His video diary of more than 500 hours offers a raw, up-close account of a kind not seen elsewhere and provides a glimpse of a nation’s harrowing experience of conflict. |
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Dining with the ChefTuesdays Traditional techniques and resourceful recipes! Chefs Saito and Rika, present their unique approaches to cooking delicious Japanese food. |
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CYCLE AROUND JAPANSaturdays Come ride with us! Bicycle through the scenery of Japan, stay with locals and discover hidden traditions in a Japan you didn’t know existed. |
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The Saudi capital of Riyadh just hosted the third edition of its biggest entertainment awards event to date.
Presented by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), and co-hosted by MBC GROUP, the Joy Awards 2023 successfully concluded on Saturday 21 January 2023, live from the Baker Al-Sheddi Theatre.
Taking place in the presence of His Excellency Turki Al-Alshikh, Chairman of the GEA, the Joy Awards recognises and honours the Arab world’s best artists and their achievements, from cinema, TV, and music, to sporting and digital influence.
The latest edition of the Joy Awards – which is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 Quality of Life Programme – saw a host of stars grace the lavender carpet at Riyadh Boulevard, with all the latest updates televised live on MBC1, MBC MASR, MBC IRAQ, and MBC5, and via Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform.
Celebrities in attendance included Mel Gibson, Amitabh Bachchan, the filmmaker Michael Bay, Sofia Vergara, Spanish actress Esther Acebo, as well as Turkish stars Engin Akyurek, Demet Özdemir, and Aras Bulut İynemli.
THE EVENT
Presented by Wissam Breidy and Valerie Abou Chacra, the Joy Awards 2023 kicked off with a dance performance themed “Sadiq Waf”, before showcasing a documentary entitled “Beyond Imagination” – the tagline of Riyadh Season. The documentary narrated the GEA’s most prominent events, top achievements, and records made during 2022.
In addition to the awards presented, the ceremony also featured performances from a host of top names, including Rashed Al-Majed, Ahmed Saad, Rahma Riad, Marwan Khoury, Mohamed Mounir, Nancy Ajram, followed by a joint performance by REMA with Dalia Mubarak, and then Cairokee.
The ceremony also included the screening of a short film entitled, “A Tribute to Those Who Have Gone”, accompanied by music by Pamela Tan Nicholson and the Classical Ladies Orchestra.
Finally, the event concluded with a group photo with HE Al-Alshikh.
JOY AWARDS 2023 – THE WINNERS
What sets this event apart from others in the region is that the winners are voted for by the fans.
Best Film: “Kira w Al-Jin”
Best Actress (Film): Hind Sabri (“Kira w Al-Jin”)
Best Actor (Film): Ahmed Ezz (“Kira w Al-Jin”)
Best TV Series: “Salon Zahra” (Season 2)
Best Actress (TV Series): Nadine Nassib Njeim (“Salon Zahra – Season 2”)
Best Actor (TV Series): Ibrahim Al Hajjaj (“Minho Waladna”)
Best Newcomer (TV Series): Helda Yassin (“Banat Sanawy”)
Best Song: “Shokran” by Assala Nasri
Best Female Artist: Angham
Best Male Artist: Abdul Majeed Abdullah
Best Newcomer: Jori Kattan
Best Social Media Influencer (Female): Abeer Sagheer
Best Social Media Influencer (Male): Ahmad Al Shugairi
Best Female Sports Personality: Mariam Saleh Bin Laden
Best Male Sports Personality: Achraf Hakimi
JOY AWARDS 2023 – HONORARY WINNERS
HE Al-Alshikh took to the stage to present a number of distinguished honorary awards, with the first one going to Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, Chairman of MBC GROUP, who received the Diamond Entertainment Makers award.
Additional honorary Entertainment Makers awards went to Hollywood actor Mel Gibson, Spanish actress Esther Acebo, and the Arab stars Ahmed Helmy, Mona Zaki, Mohamed Mounir, Rashed Al-Majed, Souad Abdullah, Hayat Al-Fahad, Angham, Nawal El Kuwaitia, and Salem Alhendi.
Two Lifetime Achievement awards were granted to Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan and the international filmmaker Michael Bay.
Finally, Sofia Vergara received the Person of the Year award.
Missed the show? The Joy Awards 2023 is available on catchup via Shahid.
[Source: MBC press release]