Manuela Kasper-Claridge is Deutsche Welle’s new editor-in-chief

4 May 2020

Manuela Kasper-Claridge is Deutsche Welle’s new editor-in-chief

Manuela Kasper-Claridge, former deputy editor-in-chief and head of the economics, science and environment editorial department at Deutsche Welle, is the new editor-in-chief of Germany’s international media organization. After three years in this position, Ines Pohl will become DW bureau chief in Washington.

DW Director of Programming Gerda Meuer: “I am very pleased that the excellent journalist and program manager Manuela Kasper-Claridge will set new trends as editor-in-chief. She has always kept a close eye on the successful digitization and regionalization of our programming. Together with her team, she will provide fresh impetus. Manuela Kasper-Claridge is an experienced manager, who is committed to strengthening the journalistic profile of the brand DW. Her energy and journalistic judgement will be of particular benefit to us, not only in these times when our audiences are increasingly relying on us to provide reliable information as a result of the coronavirus crisis.”

For the first time, in March, content from all channels and platforms in DW’s 30 broadcasting languages reached more than one billion viewings worldwide. The main driver of the increase is the coverage of COVID-19, but longer documentary formats are also popular.

Manuela Kasper Claridge: “It is exciting to see how DW’s services are in demand worldwide, especially in these times. As editor-in-chief, I will work together with my colleagues to continue building on the strengths of our journalistic reporting,” said Manuela Kasper-Claridge. “Digital and diverse, innovative and clear, explanatory and reliable. We want exclusive stories that stimulate debate; we want to create added value for the users in all our target regions. And we aim to achieve all this with editorial teams, who are experts for the continents and know exactly what moves and inspires people.”

Kasper-Claridge joined Deutsche Welle 28 years ago and has reported from all parts of the world. She has developed award-winning international TV and multimedia formats, including Global Ideas, Founders’ Valley, Eco Africa and Eco India.

The outgoing Editor-in-chief Ines Pohl will take over as DW bureau chief in Washington in July. Pohl previously reported from the U.S. from 2016 to 2017, primarily on the first presidential election campaign and the inauguration of Donald Trump. “From a journalistic point of view, with the upcoming presidential elections and the impact of the Corona pandemic on the U.S., this year is an enormously exciting time for the move back to Washington,” said Pohl. “I am interested in questions of democratic legitimacy and the shaping of social transitions – and my passion is human rights.”

(Source: DW press release)

NHK World-Japan’s programme highlights for May

1 May 2020

NHK World-Japan’s programme highlights for May

Some of the programming highlights from NHK World-Japan in May:

Sake R-Evolution

Part 1: May 22

Part 2: May 23

23:10/ 5:10 / 10:10 / 17:10

Sake is growing in profile along with the global boom in Japanese cuisine. Micro sake breweries are now being founded overseas, and a foremost French cellar master visited Japan to blend his own sake.

Bento Expo

Mondays
0:30 / 6:30 / 13:30

Bento connects the world! Discover a universe of bento from Japan and around the world, with step-by-step instructions and delicious tips and tricks!

Journeys in Japan
Mondays
23:30 / 5:30 / 12:30 / 17:30

Explore a different side of Japan. Meet the locals and discover traditions and cultures not usually found in guidebooks!

Trails to Oishii Tokyo
Wednesdays

14:30 / 20:30 / 2:30

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.

Trt World Citizen’s “Journalism For Juniors” starts online workshops

27 April 2020

Trt World Citizen’s “Journalism For Juniors” starts online workshops

‘Journalism for Juniors’ (J4J) was launched by TRT World Citizen – the social responsibility arm of Turkey’s public broadcaster TRT – with the slogan of ‘’Inspiring for Positive Change.’’ As in-person trainings have been temporarily put on hold due to the Covid-19 outbreak, J4J will continue its training online with a new series of workshops.

As many of TRT’s journalists continue to work and produce content from their homes, Journalism for Juniors is launching a new series to help you create content using just your smartphones. The workshops will be available via weekly online videos, with TRT staff serving as volunteer trainers.

The workshops will be hosted on the social media accounts of “TRT World Citizen” and “Journalism for Juniors” (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube) and will continue throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. The objective of the workshops is to help participants continue to develop their knowledge, skills and competencies related to journalism. The titles of some of the workshops are as follows: “Journalism 101”, “Storytelling”, “Video Journalism”, “Field Production”, “How to Use Social Media”, “Introduction to Youtube for beginners “, “Mobile Journalism” and “Image Capture with Camera”.

The Journalism for Juniors program gives the students an opportunity to learn new skills including: Mobile Journalism, Storytelling, Field Production, and Journalism Basics.

Through interactive workshops the program combines theory and the opportunity for students to practice new skills. The aim is to motivate, educate, and allow the students to express themselves in an impactful way.

(Source: TRT World press release)

DW launches several new social media formats

23 March 2020

DW launches several new social media formats

Many users worldwide are facing uncertainty regarding the coronavirus which has changed everyday life considerably within just a few weeks. DW is responding to the situation with several new social media offerings which will be launched this week. DW’s accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube in many languages are currently experiencing high viewing figures, showing trust and an increased global interest in DW’s independent reporting.

#InThisTogether

It can be comforting to think that all countries hit by the coronavirus crisis seem to be in this together. Everywhere, people are asking themselves questions such as: How do you maintain peace in the family if you are suddenly spending 24/7 together? How can social distancing be implemented without causing a feeling of loneliness? The English-language web series #InThisTogether with DW reporter Kiyo Dörrer explores these issues that concern everyone at the moment. It will be published on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook and shortly translated into other languages.

The format provides tips for the new everyday life, based on the findings of international experts and the experiences of users in many countries. In the first issue, Dörrer talks to Romain Charles of the European Space Agency (ESA) about his Mars500 mission, which involved him and five other volunteers simulating a stay of more than 500 days on planet Mars. Professor Rima Styra from the University of Toronto reports on her research on the psychological impact of individual isolation during the SARS pandemic in 2002/03. Users can send videos to the editorial team and ask questions using the hashtag #InThisTogether.

COVID-19 special on TV and YouTube

German and international experts, mainly scientists, will analyze a wide range of pandemic-related topics in the daily COVID-19 special which will be broadcast on DW’s English-language TV channel as well as on the DW News YouTube channel. The first issue deals with the so-called herd immunity, among other topics. A report shows how biotech company Qiagen is adapting to the high demand for its newly developed quick test for the coronavirus. The importance of home office for the working world in the future is also being examined. Additionally, experts from other continents will elaborate on the respective situations their regions are facing.

Bright Spots

In times of uncertainty, the need for positive, constructive news increases for some people. Users will be offered some “bright spots”, i.e. short pieces on Facebook or Instagram, social card or video to lighten the mood. Two examples are a spontaneous flashmob of applause for hospital staff or citizens singing together on their balconies.

DW Director General Peter Limbourg praised the creativity and stamina of the employees of Germany’s foreign broadcaster: “I’m impressed by how fast efficient models for a new form of teamwork have been created in this difficult situation. These enable our colleagues, most of whom are working from home now minimize the risk of contagion, to ensure a comprehensive range of information for our users around the world.”

DW News on social media:

https://twitter.com/dwnews

https://www.instagram.com/dwnews/

https://www.facebook.com/dw.deutschewelle/

https://www.youtube.com/dwnews

(Source: DW press release)

#StayAtHome: MBC GROUP’s Shahid offers free VIP subscription for all

19 March 2020

#StayAtHome: MBC GROUP’s Shahid offers free VIP subscription for all

Given the current circumstances, Shahid wants you to stay safe but also be able to enjoy your time, while you #StayAtHome. As one of several initiatives to bring an amazing array of premium entertainment choices to everyone across the region, MBC GROUP’s video on demand (VOD) platform is offering new users a one-month Shahid VIP subscription – for free – starting Friday 20 March.

Shahid VIP grants access to Shahid’s premium library of family entertainment, which includes binge worthy exclusive Shahid Premieres, Shahid Originals, Arabic movies fresh off the big screen, live TV channels in true HD quality, as well as diverse range of offerings to the entire family courtesy of Disney, Marvel, FOX, ABC Studios and more.

Here’s just a snapshot of what is in store…

Shahid PREMIERES

Shahid Premieres is dedicated to first-look exclusives from the world of cinema and television.

This month’s highlight is “Al Theeb fi Al Qleeb” (The Wolf in the Heart), which marks Saudi comedy icon Nasser Al-Qasabi’s return to theatre after 30 years. The play tells the story of an accountant who is accused of embezzlement and seeks to prove his innocence. Only he has to rely on the contradictory accounts of his family members regarding his case – will he be proven innocent?

Then there’s the film “Born a King” (Wulida Malikan), which documents the extraordinary true story of 13-year-old Faisal, the young son of the first King of Saudi Arabia, who in 1919 is sent on a diplomatic mission. In the frenetic post-WWI atmosphere, Faisal becomes the first Saudi royal to visit the UK on a politically precarious trip lasting five months. He ultimately becomes the hugely popular King of Saudi Arabia (1964-1975), implementing modernisation and reform.

Looking at series, “Domoa Farah” (Tears of Joy) starring Shujoun Al-Hajri, is a Khaleeji social drama that explores what happens when a holiday abroad turns into a nightmare for one Kuwaiti family, who lose their daughter in one of Georgia’s most dangerous forests.

Shahid ORIGINALS

Shahid Originals brings you a whole host of local and regional productions, set to include long-form content such as film and drama series, as well as short-form content.

Catch the exclusive Egyptian drama thriller, “Fe Kul Esboa Youm Gomaa” (Every Week Has A Friday), starring Menna Shalaby, Asser Yassine and Sawsan Badr. It tells the story of Laila, a girl with a mysterious past forced to live with a mentally challenged man “Emad”, in his house where a series of gruesome crimes happen every Friday.

Meanwhile, “Ahd El Dam” (Blood Oath), starring Bassel Khayat, is an action, suspense, drama that revolves around a man who mistakenly murders the daughter of a notorious drug dealer, which results in him forced into many situations and dilemmas to protect the ones he loves.

Be sure to catch a whole host of other content, including programmes courtesy of Disney, as well as other children’s shows, plus the biggest box-office hits.

THE MARVEL UNIVERSE

Get your superhero fix with an extensive catalogue of Marvel hits, such as “The Avengers”, “Guardians of the Galaxy”, “Iron Man”, “Captain America: Civil War” and “Thor”, exclusive till end of May.

DISNEY

Little (and big) kids will love catching up on releases from the happiest production company on earth! There’s “Moana”, “Beauty & The Beast”, “Muppets: Most Wanted”, and of course, “Frozen”.

Other fabulous blockbuster titles include “Up”, “Monster University”, and “Toy Story 3”.

To enjoy one free month of Shahid VIP, users must sign up between Friday 20 March and 5 April 2020. This promotion is exclusively available to new users in the Middle East region.

Those based in Egypt must register via DCB Vodafone.

(Source: MBC press release)