Abu Dhabi Media launches new radio stations

Abu Dhabi Media launches new radio stations

Abu Dhabi Media (ADM) has launched two new radio services. Radio 1 and Radio 2 are part of the Abu Dhabi Radio Network, and bring the total number of stations it operates to eight.

The  launch, which increases ADM’s brands  to 27, underscores the corporation’s plans to expand its English-language radio stations. The launch of the two stations follows Abu Dhabi Radio Network’s comprehensive development of both stations to ensure that they broadcast exceptional content that appeals directly to audience interests. This approach is aligned with Abu Dhabi Media’s commitment to offering targeted and diverse media content that resonates with the organisation’s broad audience base.

Radio 1 launched on 100.5 FM in Abu Dhabi and on 104.41 FM in Dubai, while Radio 2 started airing on 106 FM in Abu Dhabi and on 99.3 FM in Dubai.

ADM revealed that Radio 1 has been transformed to specialise in! delivering music content which targets audiences aged 18-30, while Radio 2 will broadcast content catering to those aged between 30 and 45, who are interested in music and hits from the 1980s and 1990s.

Mohamed Ebraheem Al Mahmood, Chairman and Managing Director at ADM, said, “The official launch of Radio 1 and Radio 2 under Abu Dhabi Media underscores our strategic efforts to create tangible change in media content at Abu Dhabi Media, and diversify the media brands under its umbrella. The addition of Radio 1 and Radio 2 reaffirms our continuous commitment to enhancing Abu Dhabi Media as a comprehensive and diverse media platform. It also highlights our ongoing efforts to further advance the media sector in the UAE and the region by supporting all traditional and modern media.”

Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Director General at ADM, said, “Since its establishment, Abu Dhabi Media has worked tirelessly to build a broad audience base through our 27 diverse brands and disting! uish a strong media presence not only in the UAE but also across the Middle East. “

Both stations offer six main programmes that will air around the clock. These programmes aim to entertain and engage listeners through various tailored segments which appeal directly to their interests.

Hong Kong ends its DAB adventure

Hong Kong ends its DAB adventure

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) is about to come to an abrupt end in Hong Kong as its remaining provider, RTHK, plans to shut down the DAB service within six months. The broadcaster has vowed not to fire any staff; five employees are responsible for the DAB services.

A Commerce and Economic Development Bureau spokesman said carrying on would be impractical. The decision was made at an Executive Council meeting that tackled a DAB review yesterday. “In the absence of the participation of commercial operators, it would not be realistic to rely on RTHK to operate alone on the DAB platform,” the review said. 

“The retreat of three commercial DAB operators due to difficulties in their operation and the lack of a critical mass of audience demonstrated the exhaustion of interest in the services.”

A Legislative Council brief published on the Hong Kong Digital Radio website sets out the entire story. 

Phoenix U Radio surrendered its licence in September 2015, followed by DBC and Metro Radio roughly a year later.

Director of Broadcasting Leung Ka-wing rejected claims that it was an attempt to cut down expenses and added the issue had been “deliberated over a long period of time.” He added: “As the government had said, Hong Kong is not a suitable market for developing DAB service. We will try to reallocate current programmes under the five DAB channels to the AM and FM analogue platforms.”

RTHK launched five DAB services in 2012, achieving population coverage of 83%, according to the World DAB forum.

 

BBC selects AFPTV as major video news supplier

BBC selects AFPTV as major video news supplier

The BBC has selected AFPTV as a key supplier of English-language video news, significantly expanding its relationship with the Paris-headquartered international news agency AFP.

Under a multi-year agreement starting April 1 2017, the British broadcaster will receive edited and live video from AFPTV for use on all its platforms: television channels, websites and mobile applications, as well as radio for audio production. According to reports in the UK City AM newspaper, the AFP deal replaces the BBC’s longstanding contract with Associated Press. The paper says: “News staff have been informed that they will no longer be permitted to use AP video, pictures and wire copy from later this week. Fran Unsworth, head of the World Service, today told staff in an email that the BBC was instead starting a “new relationship” with Agence France Presse.”

AFPTV, the video news division of AFP, has developed over 15 years into a major international player with a monthly English-language production of 2,500 edited videos and 200 live videos from around the world. The BBC already receives AFP’s photo and English, French and Arabic text news services.

Jonathan Munro (right), the BBC’s Head of Newsgathering, said: “We are delighted to be working even more closely with AFP in the years ahead. The BBC’s coverage of the world will benefit enormously from the growing firepower of AFP including its strengths in regions which are underserved by the mainstream media. We hope that the BBC’s new relationship with AFP will prove enduring and positive for both organisations.”

Emmanuel Hoog (pictured), chairman and chief executive of AFP, described the partnership as “an emblematic recognition of everyone’s efforts to make video a top priority”. He added: “It encourages us in our long-term investment strategy to extend and consolidate AFPTV’s unique positioning in Europe and worldwide.”

According to the Paris-based agency, AFPTV has developed rapidly since its launch in France in 2002. It started international news production in 2007 and then began a process of substantial expansion on every continent from 2011. AFPTV is now at the forefront in covering top world news as well as offering its clients in-depth features, file images and stock shots in six languages. Since 2015, it has successfully developed live video production. Journalists working for AFPTV have notably won Rory Peck awards for coverage of the migrant crisis in Greece (Will Vassilopoulos – 2015-2016); rebel-held Aleppo (Zein Al-Rifai – 2014-15); and civil war in the Central African Republic (Pacome Pabandji – 2013-14). In addition to the BBC, AFPTV has some 300 clients, a number that is steadily increasing. The further development of AFPTV is a strategic priority for the agency.

Komla Dumor Award 2017: Seeking a future star of African journalism

Komla Dumor Award 2017: Seeking a future star of African journalism

The BBC is seeking a future star of African journalism for the BBC World News Komla Dumor Award, now in its third year.

Journalists from across the continent are invited to apply for the award, which aims to uncover and promote fresh talent from Africa.

The winner will spend three months at the BBC headquarters in London, gaining skills and experience.

Applications close on 15th March 2017 at 23:59 GMT.

The award was established to honour Komla Dumor, an exceptional Ghanaian broadcaster and presenter for BBC World News, who died suddenly aged 41 in 2014. In November 2014, the Association for International Broadcasting presented its Founders Award in memory of Komla to his widow, Kwansema.

You can read about eligibility criteria for the Award here.

Qatar’s Ooredoo TV channel launched with MBC content

Qatar’s Ooredoo TV channel launched with MBC content

Ooredoo and MBC GROUP hosted a star-studded event at the Museum of Islamic Art last night to launch the exclusive new MBC+ Ooredoo Channel for Ooredoo TV subscribers.

The event was attended by Ooredoo Qatar CEO Waleed Al Sayed, MBC GROUP CEO Sam Barnett and a host of MBC talent including:  “Sabah Al Khair Ya Arab” star Khaled Al Shaer, reporter and broadcaster Ali Al Ghofaily, journalist Ola Al-Fares, as well as presenter Ghada Mussali from MBC1 and presenter Mariam Said from ET Bil Arabi.

The MBC+ Ooredoo Channel launch is part of a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Ooredoo and MBC GROUP signed last year, which gave Ooredoo exclusive rights to some of the GROUP’s most popular High Definition (HD) channels in Qatar.

With this latest partnership, Ooredoo TV customers will now be able to exclusively enjoy a brand new channel and that will include a selection of MBC’s best Arabic content.

MBC+ Ooredoo Channel is available on channel 180 now and content will include: Tabakh Al Sultan, Scoop, Dahsha, El Hokm, El Hob Al Halal and much more.

Talking at the event, Waleed Al Sayed, Ooredoo Qatar Chief Executive Officer, said: “Since its launch Ooredoo TV has offered the latest and best content, whether live, On Demand or on the go via the Ooredoo TV App. This is the latest step in our vision of offering leading local and international content to Qatar and we hope you enjoy the wide range of programmes we have selected especially for Ooredoo TV customers in HD.”

MBC Group CEO, Sam Barnett said: “It’s a privilege to be partnering with such an innovative telecommunications company.

The speed and sophistication of the network provided by Ooreedoo means that viewers in Qatar are able to experience audiovisual content at industry leading levels of quality”.

Barnett further added: “It was only a few months ago when we announced our intention to work together, and now today our combined teams are ready to launch both MBC+ Ooreedoo and our premium Video On Demand service SHAHID PLUS”.

To ensure that Ooredoo’s entertainment portfolio stays ahead of the growing switch to digital content, Ooredoo and MBC GROUP have recently announced that all Ooredoo customers can now exclusively enjoy MBC’s SHAHID PLUS online service in Qatar. They can catch-up with the latest & the exclusive shows, award-winning content among many dramas and movies with no ads.

With MBC’s SHAHID PLUS service, Ooredoo customers enjoy MBC’s premium VOD service and enjoy its strong content offering (exclusive Arabic series, shows and the latest Arabic movies) on-the-go in an uninterrupted experience with no ads.

Existing Mozaic TV customers who want to upgrade to Ooredoo TV to take advantage of the MBC+ Ooredoo Channel can simply visit any Ooredoo retail shop to register and collect a free Ooredoo TV play device.

Ooredoo TV offers features such as 4K resolution, time shift, Android apps, parental control, thousands of hours of on-demand content and much more at no extra cost. Ooredoo TV is available from Ooredoo Shops, Starlink, TechnoBlue and Jumbo outlets. The service has no upfront charges, no equipment costs and no ongoing contracts.

Visit ooredoo.qa/portal/OoredooQatar/ooredoo-tv_2 for more.

About Ooredoo

Ooredoo is Qatar’s leading communications company, delivering mobile, fixed, broadband internet and corporate managed services tailored to the needs of consumers and businesses. As a community-focused company, Ooredoo is guided by its vision of enriching people’s lives and its belief that it can stimulate human growth by leveraging communications to help people achieve their full potential.

(Source: MBC press release)

Celebro Media offers news broadcasters free trial

Celebro Media offers news broadcasters free trial

London-based Celebro Media are in trials with a new type of HD OB Vehicle.

On Monday 20th February the studio and facilities company is offering a free trial to all broadcasters.

The new truck will be outside the UK Parliament at College Green (right) for planned coverage of the two parliamentary debates relating to the visit of Donald Trump. 15 minute slots will be available from Midday (1200GMT) till 1830 (GMT). Camera and sound is provided.

You can simply book a slot for a reporter or guest stand-up and Celebro Media will provide downlink details and IFB. The signal can be picked up at BT Tower for downlink (it may also be possible to arrange feeds to Reuters and EBU, by agreement) and there are no hidden costs or charges. We can also hand-off the signal via Streambox if required.

This is a totally free trial day with no commitment. Please pass on to your relevant Sat-Desk or bookings team – or any colleagues in international news media.

You can book your slot at studio@celebromedia.co.uk

For more details contact Andrew Lebentz on +44 7875 595 005 . Andrew is the on-site co-ordinator.