France Médias Monde establishes regional hub in Beirut

28 February 2025

France Médias Monde establishes regional hub in Beirut

Since February 27, 2025, France Médias Monde has established a new hub near Beirut, Lebanon. Situated in the heart of the Near and Middle East, this initiative complements existing newsrooms in Africa, Latin America, and Central and Eastern Europe. Through a localised approach, it aims to foster audience trust by delivering news in their native languages. The Beirut-based team enhances the digital production capabilities of France 24’s Arabic editorial team and Monte Carlo Doualiya (MCD), creating content for both media outlets’ websites and social media platforms.

AN EDITORIAL TEAM AT THE CORE OF THE NEAR AND MIDDLE EAST

A team of approximately 15 Arabic-speaking journalists from across the region (Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Morocco, and beyond) has been recruited for this digital newsroom. They are supported by specialists in digital technologies, including SEO and infographics. Joumana Fehmi, a seasoned journalist with experience at MTV Lebanon, Alrai TV Koweit, Future TV, and Info3 News, has been appointed editor-in-chief and operational director.

Operating under the local subsidiary ‘France Médias Monde Orient,’ the team collaborates closely with France 24 and MCD newsrooms at France Médias Monde headquarters, ensuring strong editorial alignment between Paris and Beirut. Additionally, they benefit from the expertise of all France Médias Monde editorial divisions (RFI, France 24, MCD). All journalists recruited in Beirut in late 2024 underwent a two-month training programme with the France Médias Monde Academy, receiving guidance from experts in editorial, digital, technical, and security fields.

A STRATEGY OF GEOGRAPHICAL AND LINGUISTIC PROXIMITY

The Beirut regional hub is a key element of France Médias Monde’s strategy to cultivate public trust by maintaining geographic and linguistic proximity to its audiences.

Lebanon was chosen for this digital newsroom due to France Médias Monde’s longstanding presence in the country — a Francophone nation where RFI, France 24, and MCD extensively cover political, economic, social, and cultural news through on-site correspondents in French, English, and Arabic. This initiative also strengthens France Médias Monde’s partnerships in Lebanon. For instance, Radio Liban airs 12 hours of RFI’s French-language programming daily, while Télé Liban broadcasts France 24’s Arabic-language programmes.

By establishing an Arabic-speaking editorial team in Beirut, France Médias Monde reinforces its commitment to promoting Francophonie in a multilingual world. Expanding Arabic-language content allows the group to share the values of Francophonie with audiences in regions where French is less commonly spoken.

STRENGTHENED EFFORTS AGAINST DISINFORMATION

Like the Arabic-language editorial teams based in Paris, the Beirut newsroom produces free, independent, verified, and balanced news coverage of current events in the Near and Middle East and across the Arab world. This regional perspective enriches and complements France 24’s Arabic and MCD’s digital offerings while playing a crucial role in combating disinformation. The newsroom leverages the expertise of France 24 Observers, a recognised leader in fact-checking and countering fake news.

Content produced on-site is specifically tailored for digital platforms, including mobile videos, infographics, vertical formats, articles, and podcasts. This strategy enhances the visibility of France 24 in Arabic and MCD in the digital landscape, driving growth across their websites, apps, and social media channels. Additionally, this new structure enables France 24 in Arabic and MCD to expand onto platforms such as TikTok.

CONTENT PRODUCED IN BEIRUT

> Around 15 digital-first programmes from France 24 in Arabic and MCD, adapted for various platforms and social networks;

> Daily columns covering Gulf-region current events, health, and environmental topics;

> ‘Explainers’ on economic and societal issues;

> Video capsules and short clips published daily on YouTube and other social media platforms;

> International news articles for other France Médias Monde Arabic-language outlets.

A BASE AT ESA BUSINESS SCHOOL IN BEIRUT

The new France Médias Monde office in Beirut is housed within the ESA Business School (École Supérieure des Affaires). This partnership provides the newsroom with modern infrastructure, materials, and technical resources. The ESA Business School also serves as a hub of expertise, with faculty members offering valuable insights for journalists, particularly in economics, society, and environmental issues.

A PROJECT FUNDED BY PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT AID

France Médias Monde’s Arabic-language digital newsroom in Beirut is funded by France’s official development assistance budget (Programme 209: “Solidarity with Developing Countries”) under a multi-year grant from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. This funding supports the group’s proximity-based strategy and commitment to independent journalism.

Three other projects are also supported by this initiative:

In Dakar (Senegal), the Africa hub of France Médias Monde is expanding its pan-African digital offerings, targeting young audiences on social media, and developing a TV branch of France 24 for French-speaking Africa.
In Bucharest (Romania), the Central and Eastern Europe hub is being reinforced with RFI Romania, RFI in Ukrainian, and ENTR in Romanian.

With its new Arabic-language newsroom in Beirut, France Médias Monde strengthens its role as a trusted source of information, bringing audiences closer to accurate, independent, and relevant news coverage.

[Source: FMM press release]

MBC GROUP unveils MBCNOW, its groundbreaking entertainment service aggregator

25 February 2025

MBC GROUP unveils MBCNOW, its groundbreaking entertainment service aggregator

MBC GROUP, the largest and leading media organisation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has launched MBCNOW, the brand-new, groundbreaking entertainment service aggregator set to deliver an unlimited and unrivalled viewing experience across the region.

MBCNOW offers an unmatched approach to content consumption for Saudi and wider Arab audiences. Transcending traditional TV viewing, MBCNOW has been designed to seamlessly bridge the gap between digital streaming and traditional broadcast television – bringing together MBC’s award-winning channels, as well as Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform all in one destination.

Packed with a vast content library spanning live sports and TV channels, on-demand films, TV shows, games, and exclusive original content, MBCNOW is the go-to hub for all entertainment needs. Merging cutting-edge technology – such as comprehensive voice search and innovative features – with a simple plug-and-play setup and affordable subscription options, MBCNOW is simply accessible for users across all demographics.

Sam Barnett, Group Chief Executive Officer at MBC GROUP, commented: “At MBC GROUP, our ongoing mission is to continuously innovate and meet the evolving demands of today’s audiences across the MENA region and internationally. With MBCNOW, we are taking a significant step forward in unifying the way consumers access and enjoy entertainment content across traditional broadcasts, digital streaming, and future telco integrations.

“MBCNOW is the future of content consumption, one that supports our broader digital strategy for Shahid. Just as importantly, we remain committed to providing an excellent viewing experience for those who continue to watch linear channels. We’re thrilled to introduce a platform that goes beyond a single device, offering endless possibilities for partnerships and expansion. By bringing Shahid, linear channels, and emerging technologies together in one seamless ecosystem, we’re paving the way for the next generation of entertainment experiences.”

Fadel Zahreddine, Group Director of Emerging Media at MBC GROUP, added: “We’re always keen to deliver exciting new viewing experiences, and MBCNOW offers just that. Developed with flexibility and functionality in mind, MBCNOW aggregates content in a way that simplifies discovery, enhances user engagement, and ultimately provides a superior, personalized viewing experience all in one place. As our slogan goes, ‘It’s simply amazing!’.

He continued: “Additionally, MBCNOW offers a flexible partnership model for telcos, enabling them to bundle MBCNOW with their core offerings, co-brand the service, or leverage MBCNOW’s existing infrastructure and expertise to reduce platform development time and costs. By partnering with MBCNOW, telcos can increase customer loyalty, drive revenue growth, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.”

To celebrate its launch, MBCNOW is offering an exclusive introductory promotion featuring two months of free subscription. This offer includes access to premier sports channels – such as those by SSC (Saudi Sports Company) – and broadcasting events including the Saudi Pro League (RSL), Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, SAFF Women’s Cup, and NFL.

Beyond sports, MBCNOW subscribers can also enjoy access to MBC’s top TV channels live, as well as Shahid – the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform. An extensive lineup of Arabic, English, and international television and cinema releases, is also available, alongside dedicated children’s and family content.

Looking ahead, MBCNOW plans to introduce attractive bundles with regional and international services, making it a one-stop hub for the entire household’s entertainment needs.

MBCNOW is now available in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For more information on MBCNOW’s offers, options, and availability, please visit: mbc-now.net.

[Source: MBC press release]

BBC World Service + British Council launch International Audio Drama Competition 2026

19 February 2025

BBC World Service + British Council launch International Audio Drama Competition 2026

Writers from around the world are invited to submit their scripts for the 29th International Audio Drama Competition (previously the International Playwriting Competition) which opens for entries on 19 February 2025.

The global competition, hosted by BBC World Service and the British Council, offers the unique opportunity for writers to use the medium of audio drama to tell stories for an international audience.

There are two categories: ‘English as a First Language’ and ‘English as a Second Language’. Winners will receive a cash prize, be invited to attend an award ceremony in the UK in 2026, and to participate in the recording of their dramas for a world premiere on BBC World Service platforms. A Special Commendation will be made for the runner-up in honour of the BBC World Service journalist and writer Georgi Markov (1929-1978).

The last competition in 2023 attracted 677 entries from 94 countries, with regional winners coming from the USA, Lebanon, Nigeria and Australia.

The winner in the First Language category was The Mighty Corbeau, written by Julien Marvin Neaves from Trinidad and Tobago. It tells the story of an ageing calypso singer who decides to come out of retirement to prove, once and for all, that he is better than his rival of many years. In the Second Language category, Michaela Kwon from South Korea won with her bold and imaginative drama Steady Eyes about a family from Seoul dealing with a world in which a mysterious force starts abducting animals.

Nadya Todorova from Bulgaria won the Georgi Markov commendation with Slamming Doors, a funny and sharply observed relationship drama about the lies we tell and the secrets we keep.

Former winner Michaela Kwon, says: “The International Playwriting Competition provided me with not only the best platform any writer could dream of debuting through, but also an unforgettable week at Broadcasting House, during which I learnt so much and made lifelong friends. I am ever so grateful for the opportunity and will always be proud to be a part of it.”

Former winner Julien Marvin Neaves, says: “Amazing. Life changing. Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These may all sound like hyperbole, but that was my experience as a winner of the BBC and British Council International Radio Playwriting Competition. From touring the culture-rich city of London to seeing The Mighty Corbeau come to the life with an excellent cast and crew to a wonderful friendship with my co-winner, it was more than I could ever have imagined. As a writer, it has become a major milestone in my career and for that I will forever be grateful. Thanks again to the BBC and the British Council for this amazing, life-changing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Simon Pitts, Commissioning Editor BBC World Service English, says: “We are pleased to announce the 29th International Audio Drama Competition, which celebrates emerging talent and storytelling through the exciting medium of audio drama. The competition discovers and develops voices from all around the world, showcasing original stories that bring new perspectives to life.

“Once again, two winning writers will be developing their scripts and participating in the studio sessions together with the BBC drama team and a professional cast. Last year’s winning entries The Mighty Corbeau and Steady Eyes were beloved by BBC World Service listeners, and we look forward to sharing more outstanding work on our global stage.”

Neil Webb, Director Theatre and Dance, British Council, says: “At the British Council, we help talented people find new opportunities and collaborate internationally, thereby growing the UK and international creative sectors. We’re excited to launch a fresh round of this inspiring competition, searching for writers who have stories to share and who are intrigued by the unique possibilities of audio drama.”

“This is a significant opportunity for two writers to work with the BBC to bring their plays to production and find a global audience. Last year’s winning entries brought us thoughtful, humorous voices from South Korea and Trinidad and Tobago, and I can’t wait to see (or hear) what writers around the world are thinking and dreaming about at this moment in time.”

The shortlisted scripts and judging panel will be announced in due course. Previous judges have included Kwame Kwei Armah, Dame Eileen Atkins, Doris Lessing, Roy Williams, Patricia Cumper and Nina Sosanya.

The International Audio Drama Competition welcomes scripts from anyone outside the UK, whether established or new writers. The dramas need to be between 40-50 minutes long and can be on any subject. The closing date for entries is 11.00 GMT on Wednesday 4June 2025. Further details on the competition can be found at bbcworldservice.com/dramacompetition, where you’ll find full terms and privacy notice.

[Source: BBC press release]

Marc Thiessen and Ilan Berman Join RFE/RL Board of Directors

14 February 2025

Marc Thiessen and Ilan Berman Join RFE/RL Board of Directors

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) has announced that Marc Thiessen and Ilan Berman have joined its Board of Directors.

Thiessen is an author and weekly columnist for The Washington Post who served as a speechwriter for President George W. Bush and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. He is a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

Berman is Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council and a veteran national security policy advisor for the Department of Defense, Congress, and U.S. government agencies. He also recently served as head of the team handling the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) transition on behalf of the Trump administration.

RFE/RL President & CEO Stephen Capus said: “Both Marc and Ilan bring decades of respected foreign policy and defense experience to RFE/RL’s Board of Directors. Marc has been a champion for American values and leadership in his extensive writings. And Ilan is one of the most knowledgeable experts on regional security in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Russia – exactly where we work. I look forward to working with them to ensure that our journalists have the tools they need to bring accurate news and information to our weekly audience of 47 million people in places where censorship is the norm.”

Lisa Curtis, Chair of the RFE/RL Board, said of the new members: “I’m delighted to welcome Marc and Ilan, who deeply understand the valuable role RFE/RL plays in making America safer and more respected around the world. Authoritarian governments are spending a staggering amount of money on propaganda trying to turn people against America, but RFE/RL has one important advantage: people trust us because we deliver the news without censorship. As we mark RFE/RL’s 75^th year, the Board of Directors will continue to make sure that our global audiences, from Russia to Iran, have access to the truth.”

Thiessen and Berman join a distinguished Board of Directors with extensive experience in foreign policy, national security, and journalism. They include Lisa Curtis (Chair); Stephen Capus; Scott Carpenter; Usha Chaudhary; Jackson Diehl; Margaret Hoover; Michael Kempner; Tom Malinowski; and Vance Serchuk.

[Source: RFE/RL press release]

BBC World Service launches Arabic edition of award-winning educational programme ‘Dars’ in the Middle East and North Africa

4 February 2025

BBC World Service launches Arabic edition of award-winning educational programme ‘Dars’ in the Middle East and North Africa

Dars, described by the UN as a “learning lifeline” for children barred from school in Afghanistan, supports learning for children who cannot access education

In line with its commitment to providing vital services to audiences in crisis, the BBC World Service is bringing its educational programme, Dars or ‘lesson’– which was described by the United Nations as a “learning lifeline” for children in Afghanistan – to the Middle East and North Africa through Dars Arabic, a new programme by BBC News Arabic.

At least 30 million children are out of school in the Middle East and North Africa[1], many have been displaced by conflict and crises in Sudan, Yemen and Gaza, which have severely affected access to education. Dars Arabic aims to connect these children facing immense barriers to an education with learning.

Dars Arabic utilises the content and expertise of BBC Education to offer children aged 11-16 lessons in Maths, English, Science and Geography at varying skillsets. Each week, the programme also shares inspirational stories about young people overcoming obstacles, positive news stories on climate, tech, health and more, and bespoke mental health lessons.

These mental health lessons are short, animated films, produced in consultation with expert conflict psychologists to provide young people with the tools needed to understand their emotions and improve their wellbeing. Topics covered include coping with bereavement, adjusting to displacement and change, managing stress, and finding hope during challenging times.

The animated films are available across Dars Arabic broadcasts on BBC News Arabic TV and digital platforms, as well as internationally through broadcasts across the BBC World Service’s 41 language services and in English on the World Service YouTube channel.

Dars first launched in 2023 on BBC News Pashto and Dari, it brings learning to Afghan children who are not able to go to school. Girls aged 11-16 have been restricted from accessing education in Afghanistan since 2021. Dars is hosted by female BBC journalists, many of whom were evacuated from Kabul in 2021 after the Taliban’s return to power.

Dars Arabic provides an offering specific to children across the Arabic-speaking world. The 30 minute episodes launch on BBC News Arabic TV, digital platforms and lifeline radio services in Gaza and Syria from Sunday 9 February.

The programme is broadcast from the BBC Bureau in Cairo by a team of young presenters from across the region and its English lessons are presented by BBC News Arabic correspondents Hanan Razek and Yasmine Abukhadra.

Fiona Crack, Deputy Global Director BBC News, says: “Hearing from our Dari and Pashto speaking audiences about the difference Dars has made to their lives has been very humbling over the last two years. In line with the BBC World Service’s commitment to inform and educate audiences across the globe, we’re thrilled to launch a similar educational opportunity with Dars in Arabic. While it can’t replace going to school, we hope it will help spark curiosity and a love of learning for our youngest audience members and their families.’

BBC News Arabic TV airs new episodes of Dars Arabic weekly on Sundays at 05:30 GMT (07:30 EET) and is repeated at 10:05 GMT (12:05 EET) and throughout the week. Dars Arabic is also available on BBC News Arabic’s digital platforms, including BBC News Arabic YouTube, and through BBC News Arabic’s lifeline radio services in Gaza and Syria, available on medium wave and FM.

[Source: BBC World Service press release]