BBC relaunches global apps

21 March 2024

BBC relaunches global apps

Redesigned website and app offer a new contemporary look and more BBC content for digital audiences outside of the UK, alongside enhanced advertising capabilities.

BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the BBC, and BBC News has announced the global launch of the all-new BBC.com and BBC app, transforming the way digital audiences read, watch, and find the BBC’s renowned journalism and storytelling outside of the UK. Available to users worldwide, the new website and app boast an updated design and navigation along with more of the trusted, impartial journalism that consumers rely on the BBC for across the world. The new BBC.com and BBC app also allow for a more premium and sustainable commercial offering with ad tech enhancements that unlock new opportunities for advertisers.

The BBC app, which replaces the International BBC News app, brings together content from across the BBC, for the first time ever. The app mirrors the refreshed BBC.com experience, offering stories and videos across Business, Innovation, Culture, Travel, Earth and more, alongside News, Sport, and live coverage. The BBC app is available for download today in the App Store for Apple users and for Android devices via Google Play.

Tara Maitra, Chief Commercial Officer, BBC Global Media & Streaming, BBC Studios, said: “We are excited to bring the new website and brand-new BBC app to audiences and partners around the globe, following a successful first introduction to consumers in North America,” said “These new digital products deliver an experience as premium as our news and storytelling and offers us the opportunity for future growth as we remain focused on finding new and innovative ways to make BBC content more easily accessible across the globe.”

Naja Nielsen, Digital Director for BBC News, said: “We know there is huge appetite for impartial BBC News journalism as we report – without an agenda – on the burning issues of our time. Thanks to our independent journalism, the BBC is the world’s most trusted international news media organisation, reaching more than 400 million people each week. As we expand and develop our global digital newsroom, I am thrilled our new global app and website will provide an excellent experience and much better showcase our world-beating journalism”.

BBC.com, which re-launched in North America last December, and the BBC app allow users to engage with the BBC’s content in a more cohesive experience. Some of the changes to the website and app include:

New Homepage: The new BBC.com homepage and home screen now include a mix of the biggest global news stories of the moment plus a selection of timely and relevant features, curated by BBC editors.
New Look, Same Trusted News: Visitors looking to dig deeper into what’s happening around the globe can navigate to News to find articles, videos, and live coverage. Those looking for news from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East can find it in the World section under News.
New Sections: BBC’s arts and entertainment coverage in Culture, technology, health and science in Innovation, and sustainability and environment in Earth. Sport, Business and Travel continue to offer agenda-setting stories from around the world, as well as the thought-provoking features readers have come to love from the BBC.
More BBC Videos: New Video section offers an extensive library of BBC videos and multimedia storytelling featuring content ranging from news and sport updates to captivating stories on climate, sustainability, science, health, entertainment, and history.
More Live Coverage: New Live section makes it easier to find live news updates and live global sport coverage as they unfold.
Up-to-the-Minute Breaking News Alerts: Audiences can sign up to receive the same breaking news notifications they always have.
The BBC Direct to your Inbox: Discover our newsletters, including The News Briefing, US Election Unspun, Tech Decoded, Future Earth, The Essential List and the brand-new In History

The new website and app, together, create a streamlined digital ecosystem that makes it easier than ever for audiences worldwide to discover a wider array of BBC content. The consistent, unified layout across web and app results not only in an improved user experience, but the unified, single product suite also allows for more opportunities and flexibility for advertising and sponsorship across both web and app.

Advertising partners can now take advantage of more premium high impact ad units that live seamlessly alongside the BBC’s content, making for a more effective consumer journey. Marketers will also benefit from advanced targeting capabilities featuring more sophisticated audience intelligence, segmentation, and attribution that connects campaigns across web and app products, delivering enhanced measurable results for partners.

These new digital platforms and features, coupled with research that shows advertising within news can drive business results, together bolster the opportunity for marketers to reach the coveted BBC.com audience of engaged and informed news consumers. In fact, according to the IAB1, advertising in news creates a halo effect, with consumers more likely to consider making a purchase after being exposed to a brand’s advertisement within their preferred news sources. Findings show that 90% of consumers have either a positive or neutral response to brands that advertise within news, while nearly half of consumers find brands that advertise in the news to be more customer-focused and engaging, more innovative, and relevant to them. The study from the IAB reinforces internal findings into the aggregated performance of advertising on BBC.com, which show an 80%+ average lift in likelihood to recommend and consideration across key categories.2

BBC.com and the BBC app are the latest step in the company’s ongoing digital transformation, and is supported by its investment in North America, which includes an expanded newsroom that facilitates deeper analysis and local expertise of the regional stories affecting the world. Recently, the company also launched the BBC News FAST channel in the U.S. across leading services, more than doubling the channel’s reach in the region. Ranked as the most trusted news broadcaster in the world, the BBC is driven by its public service mission and editorial guidelines and standards for which the organization is known.

The development and operation of BBC.com and the BBC app is driven by BBC Studios Global Media & Streaming division, which leverages the power of the BBC to reach and engage audiences worldwide. GM&S is responsible for the distribution and advertising of BBC News globally outside of the U.K. GM&S is a division of BBC Studios, the BBC Group’s commercial arm that helps to fund innovation, internationally recognized programming, and the organization’s public service mission.

RFE/RL declared “undesirable organisation” by Russian government

22 February 2024

RFE/RL declared “undesirable organisation” by Russian government

The Russian government has designated Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty an “undesirable organisation,” according to a registry maintained by the country’s Justice Ministry.

The label effectively bans RFE/RL from working in Russia and exposes anyone who cooperates with the outlet to potential prosecution.

RFE/RL President Stephen Capus said the move shows that Moscow considers independent reporting to be “an existential threat.”

The move comes just days after the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Image: Adobe Stock

France 24 launches on Freeview UK

22 February 2024

France 24 launches on Freeview UK

France 24, the renowned international news channel launched on Freeview UK channel 266. This strategic expansion allows Freeview users across the UK to access France 24’s diverse and comprehensive coverage of global news, culture, and current affairs in French, English, Spanish and Arabic languages.

Freeview viewers can now enjoy France 24’s high-quality journalism, bringing a unique perspective on international events directly to their screens. With this launch, France 24 aims to further strengthen its presence in the UK market and provide Freeview audiences with a broader spectrum of global news content.

“We are excited to bring France 24 to Freeview users in the UK, offering a valuable addition to the UK news landscape,” said Tanya Kronfli, managing director of Global Distribution Services and France 24 distribution partner, “This expansion reflects our commitment to delivering engaging and diverse news coverage to the UK audiences using cutting-edge technology”.

“We are delighted that France 24 has joined the Freeview line-up. To have all 4 language feeds available on a single channel, on such a widely available platform, is great news and we are confident that UK viewers will appreciate our offer, whether in English, French, Spanish or Arabic.” said Serge Schick, Director of International Development and Commercial Resources.

France 24 is known for its 24/7 news programming, featuring in-depth analysis, interviews, and reports from correspondents around the globe. The channel covers a wide range of topics, including politics, business, culture, and sports, catering to a diverse and international audience.

The launch of France 24 on Freeview utilises the cutting-edge FAST SSAI & CDN, compatible with modern HbbTV-based TVs as well as older Freeview devices. This ensures maximum accessibility across the Freeview network.

Iconic London communications tower to become a hotel

21 February 2024

Iconic London communications tower to become a hotel

UK telecommunications provider BT has announced that it is selling the iconic BT Tower in central London to a hotel group

The BT Tower has handled voice, data and broadcast signals for six decades but according to BT as the UK heads rapidly into an all-digital future, a number of network operations that were traditionally provided from BT Tower are now delivered via BT Group’s fixed and mobile networks. For example, the Tower’s microwave aerials were removed more than a decade ago, as they were no longer needed to carry telecommunications traffic from London to the rest of the country.

The BT Tower is a grade II listed communications tower located in Fitzrovia, London. An iconic part of the London skyline, the main structure is 177 metres (581 ft) high, with a further section of aerial rigging bringing the total height to 189 metres (620 ft). Upon completion in 1964, it overtook the Millbank Tower to become the tallest structure in London until 1980, when it was surpassed by the NatWest Tower.

BT Tower was opened for operations in 1965 by Prime Minister Harold Wilson. As well as acting as a hub for the UK’s communication networks, BT Tower was open to the public until 1971, with a restaurant making use of the revolving top floor. Since 1984, BT Tower has been operated by BT Group, with its top floor regularly hosting corporate and charity events, and its “infoband” screen regularly displaying messages across London.

The BT Tower has long been an important site for BT Group’s Media & Broadcast business, as one of the key global interchange points for live television. As part of its long-term strategy, the Media & Broadcast division has already been migrating services onto its cloud-based platform, which will allow a more straightforward move to more modern and efficient premises. This will enable the division to continue to sit at the heart of UK and global media distribution.

Brent Mathews, Property Director, BT Group said: “The BT Tower sits at the heart of London and we’ve been immensely proud to be the owners of this important landmark since 1984. It’s played a vital role in carrying the nation’s calls, messages and TV signals, but increasingly we’re delivering content and communication via other means. This deal with MCR will enable BT Tower to take on a new purpose, preserving this iconic building for decades to come.”

Tyler Morse, CEO and owner of MCR Hotels, said: “We are proud to preserve this beloved building and will work to develop proposals to tell its story as an iconic hotel, opening its doors for generations to enjoy.”

MCR Hotels own around 150 hotels, including the historic landmark Eero Saarinen-designed TWA Hotel in New York City. Payment for the sale will be made over multiple years, as BT Group equipment is progressively removed from the building, with final payment on completion of the purchase.

Image: Adobe Stock/Charliephotox

OUTtv Proud heads to Freeview UK

24 January 2024

OUTtv Proud heads to Freeview UK

OUTtv, the leading LGBTQ+ television and streaming service, in partnership with Fuse Media, the leader in inclusive content, has secured a deal with Channelbox to distribute OUTtv Proud, its international FAST channel, in the UK via Freeview.

Following the recent deal with Netgem in 2023 which saw OUTtv Proud launch in the UK and Ireland, OUTtv is further expanding the reach of its FAST channel which features over 400 hours of content including OUTtv originals Call Me Mother, Hot Haus, and For The Love of DILFs. The service is available on Freeview UK, with audiences able to watch brand-new series via channel 271.

Brad Danks, CEO of OUTtv, said: “The UK is a primary market for us for both SVOD and FAST channel streaming and we had significant growth in 2023, but still have much more room to grow. This is why we are so excited about partnering with Channelbox to form part of Freeview’s extensive channel offer. They are an important leader in the UK FAST space and this launch enables us to extend our offering to reach more people who have yet to discover our diverse, fun and authentic LGBTQ+ programming made for and by the queer community.”

“OUTtv Proud has quickly become a destination for viewers around the world since its launch last year because of its truly robust offering of quality storytelling,” said Patrick Courtney, Head of Streaming & Business Development. “We’re happy that even more of the UK’s LGBTQ+ viewers and their allies will be able to access and enjoy OUTtv Proud on Freeview UK.”

Tanya Kronfli, Head of Content and Business Development for Channelbox, said “We are thrilled to launch the first LGBTQ channel on Freeview UK. OUTtv Proud is a fantastic addition to the diverse Channelbox lineup”

The OUTtv Proud channel, created by OUTtv and Fuse Media, features LGBTQ+-targeted original programming as well as library content from OUTtv’s original series, documentaries, films and specials.

France Médias Monde kicks off the road to the European elections 2024

16 January 2024

France Médias Monde kicks off the road to the European elections 2024

Special programmes aire on RFI, France 24, MCD and ENTR

In the run-up to the European elections, and as Belgium takes over the rotating presidency of the European Council, RFI, France 24, MCD and ENTR are launching a major editorial programme to give more space to European issues, institutions, and the daily lives of Europeans, against a complicated geopolitical backdrop of war on the Union’s borders. Entirely devoted to Europe throughout the year, and recognised for this work, the channels place Europe at the forefront of their on-air and digital coverage, debating with those who are building Europe in Brussels and in Strasbourg. It will also be an opportunity to speak with those who live in Europe, through more than 30 hours of programming every week in some 20 languages. New programmes will be added in the run-up to the European election campaign and the vote, highlighting the expectations of Europeans, especially young people, to fight disinformation and to debate Europe’s place in the world, with reactivity and perspective.

From January 16 until the European elections in June, « Talking Europe » (En) and « Ici l’Europe » magazine teams on France 24, (the leading 24-hour international news channel in terms of its coverage of European issues according to the Foundation Jean Jaurès) are focusing on these crucial elections for the future of Europe, with a series of exclusive and special programmes. All of them will be aired on France 24 in English and in French and can be found in dedicated online specials and on social media. France 24 in Arabic and in Spanish also offers daily coverage of European news, electoral issues, and the upcoming June elections.

600^th edition of the show “Talking Europe” on France 24

To be aired on Saturday January 20^that 1.15pm * on France 24 in English

In a special show presented by Armen Georgian, Talking Europe heads to the European Parliament for an exclusive interview with Slovakian Maros Sefcovic, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission.

As part of the campaign for the European elections, Armen Georgian (En) and Caroline de Camaret (Fr) are offering a series of debates on two Saturdays a month until June in « Talking Europe » and « Ici l’Europe » to analyse the main topics of the 2024 European elections. In partnership with Public Senat, a focus on a member state or group of states will be proposed.

To be followed until the European elections on France 24 :

> Saturday February 24^th 24 at 1.10 pm* : To mark the 2nd year of the war in Ukraine, « Talking Europe » and « Ici l’Europe » teams travel to Ukraine to meet the ministers in charge of the country’s accession into the European Union, and talk to leading figures and Ukrainians.

> Saturday May 4^rdat 1.10 pm*: On the occasion of Europe Day in Paris, in partnership with France 24 and RFI, Caroline de Camaret will be live from the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville in Paris, offering debates with numerous guests. This edition will focus on the Paris Olympic Games, and the personalities will be on hand to answer questions from the public.

> From May 27^th: daily column at 1.15 and 7.10 pm*: Each day, Armen Georgian (Ang) and Caroline de Camaret (Fr) offer twelve minutes of news on the European election campaign. The programme includes reports from across Europe by France 24’s special reporters, portraits, and exclusive content.

> Sunday June 9^th: European election night on France 24 and RFI.

Every day, European issues are part of RFI’s programme schedule, giving listeners a view of current events on the continent. From 12:00 to 12:30 pm*, the news edition “L’Europe à midi” (Europe at noon) offers listeners daily content on European issues, as well as the news magazine « Accents d’Europe » presented by Juliette Gheerbrandt, Frédérique Lebel and Juliette Rengeval.

Throughout the European election campaign, RFI’s Europe journalists (Anastasia Becchio, Julien Chavanne, Romain Lemaresquier and Daniel Vallot) are mobilising to offer reports, interviews and analysis on the major debates driving the continent’s societies today.

In collaboration with France 24, RFI also hosts a weekly show « Ici l’Europe » at 8.40 pm* on Friday evenings. Reports, exclusive content and guests on European issues can also be found throughout the day, especially in “Reportage international”, “Reportage France” and « Ici l’Europe » .

To be found throughout the 2024 European election campaign:

> A major debate in Brussels in April, jointly organized with France 24, with the heads of the European lists.

> A weekly international guest: « Grand invité international » ” (7.20 am*) with a leading figure in European current affairs.

> A regular report: « Grand reportage » (8.40 pm*) to bring topics about European societies to air on RFI.

To speak to all audiences, in French and in foreign languages, France Médias Monde has also set up a Central and Eastern Europe regional centre in the heart of the continent, in Romania. This includes its subsidiary RFI Romania, RFI’s Ukrainian-language newsroom, and ENTR’s Romanian-language newsroom, all of which offer a variety of programmes and content as close to the ground as possible.

The 14 foreign-language newsrooms (English, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Spanish, Fulfulde, Hausa, Khmer, Kiswahili, Mandenkan, Persian, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian and Vietnamese) are also dedicated to providing their listeners and web users with expert daily coverage of European news, including the elections and polls in June 2024.

The 100% digital offering dedicated to young Europeans in eight languages, will provide social network coverage of the highlights of the European campaign. The ENTR team will explain the issues of the major European themes in connection with the daily lives of young people, by airing a new podcast format on the YouTube channel. In collaboration with France 24 and the programme « Ici l’Europe » as well as RFI and the programme « Accents d’Europe », it will also produce a series of testimonies posted on Instagram to give a voice to first-time voters on major European issues.

Since 2021, ENTR has been developed by France Médias Monde and Deutsche Welle in partnership with a dozen media outlets and civil society organisations in Europe. It is available in eight languages (French, German, English, Bulgarian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, and Romanian) on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), and offers content on all the issues that interest young people and make them react. ENTR recorded over 100 million views between January and October 2023.

Monte Carlo Doualiya (MCD) brings Europe to life in the Arabic language, through its daily news editions on major European issues, and will be stepping up its coverage in the run-up to the European elections. MCD is one of the few Arabic-language radio stations to offer comprehensive coverage of the highlights of European news, thanks to its correspondents in the capitals of Europe.