MBC GROUP’s Shahid named “Best Digital Platform in Media” by Saudi Media Forum 3

26 February 2024

MBC GROUP’s Shahid named “Best Digital Platform in Media” by Saudi Media Forum 3

Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform by MBC GROUP, has been named 2024’s “Best Digital Platform in Media” at the third edition of the Saudi Media Forum.

Part of the forum’s Digital Media category, the Best Digital Platform in Media award is open to both websites and mobile applications that excel in delivering content across a diverse spectrum of media.

Shahid is the premier destination for top-tier original productions from the Arab world, offering an expansive library of exclusive movies, premieres, live TV channels, sports, children’s content, and international offerings. Shahid streams a rich mix of free content through its Video on Demand (VoD) service and an enhanced viewing experience with exclusive content available via Subscription Video on Demand (SVoD).

The platform’s diverse programming includes Shahid Originals, Shahid Premieres, and the latest Arabic movies fresh off the box office. It also offers access to MBC GROUP’s live TV channels in true HD quality alongside more than 30 Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels.

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

Under the patronage of the Minister of Media, Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari, the third Saudi Media Forum took place last week: “Media in a World Taking Shape.” Organised by the Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA) in collaboration with the Saudi Journalists Association, the Forum took place in Riyadh over three days, engaging more than 2,000 prominent media professionals, academics, experts, and specialists, both locally and internationally, as well as 80 media entities, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

[Source: MBC press release]

BBC UKTV reaches 12.9 million viewers in Africa

23 February 2024

BBC UKTV reaches 12.9 million viewers in Africa

BBC Studios in Africa revealed today that its multi-genre channel, BBC UKTV, has attracted record numbers, reaching over 12.9 million people. Viewers have grown by 135% and the channel share has increased by 99% among all individuals since launching on DStv (channel 134) in December 2022.

BBC UKTV was crafted to match the viewing habits of families in South Africa with a variety of award-winning content from BBC Studios catalogue. The channel features a range of genres scheduled for all ages to enjoy, from Lifestyle programming, Come Dine With Me South Africa S1 and 10 Years Younger to soaps Eastenders, Doctors and Casualty, entertainment Total Wipeout: Freddie & Paddy Takeover, dramas The Mallorca Files, Call the Midwife and Shakespeare and Hathaway and award-winning factual series including Life Below Zero.

Since launching in 2022, audiences have tuned into the daily schedule and Secrets of the Supercars, Come Dine With Me, Bake-Off Crème de la Crème, Musketeers and The Great South African Bake-Off have become the most viewed shows to date.

Pierre Cloete, the Commercial Director at BBC Studios in Africa says “BBC UKTV has seen incredible growth over the past year, I am so proud that over 12.9 million people have watched our shows. We crafted the channel to match the viewing habits of families in Africa and give more people access to our high-quality shows. With a variety of genres available for all age groups to enjoy, it’s amazing to see how many families are tuning in. We have committed to the future of BBC UKTV and can’t wait for DStv audiences to explore even more of BBC Studios’ award-winning catalogue.”

BBC UKTV (DStv channel 134) is available on DStv Compact, DStv Family, DStv Access and DStv Easy View.

[Source: BBC press release]

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.