RFI and France 24 condemn the suspension of their broadcasts in Niger

4 August 2023

RFI and France 24 condemn the suspension of their broadcasts in Niger

One week after the coup d’état in Niger, the broadcasting of RFI (Radio France Internationale) and France 24 have been interrupted in the country according to multiple sources on the ground. France Médias Monde deplores this decision taken outside any conventional and legal framework, further depriving citizens in the region of their access to free, independent and verified information.

This incident follows previous cases of censorship faced by RFI and France 24 in Mali and Burkina Faso in recent months. The group reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the freedom of information, and the safety of its journalists.

In Niger, RFI operates through 7 FM relay stations, in addition to shortwave broadcasts of its programmes in French, Hausa, and Fulfulde, as well as several satellites (free-to-air on SES 5, Eutelsat 16 An and SES 4 satellites). A network of 44 partner radios also broadcasts their programmes in French, Hausa, and Fulfulde.

In 2022, 1.9 million listeners tuned in to the radio service each week in the country (18% of the population), and RFI was the top international radio station among opinion leaders. Additionally, the channel was followed by a quarter of the Nigerien population each week 2022.

Currently, RFI and France 24 remain accessible in Niger through direct satellite reception with the following channels:

SES-5: RFI broadcasts in French, Hausa, Fulfulde, Mandenkan and Kiswahili, France 24 broadcasts in French and in English.
Eutelsat 16A: RFI and France 24 broadcast in French.
Arab-Sat/Badr: France 24 broadcasts in French, English and Arabic; RFI broadcasts in French.

Furthermore, RFI’s programmes in French, Hausa, and Fulfulde continue to be broadcast on shortwave. Additionally, RFI and France 24 can be accessed on YouTube, their respective apps, websites, and social media platforms.

How to continue watching and reading France 24 in Africa

How to continue listening to and reading RFI in Africa

BBC News launches week-long focus on Artificial Intelligence

17 July 2023

BBC News launches week-long focus on Artificial Intelligence

Throughout the week starting 17 July, BBC News is taking a closer look at Artificial Intelligence (AI) – exploring how AI is already affecting our lives, and looking at the ways it could impact all our futures.

Every day BBC News will launch new thought-provoking and informative journalism to help audiences understand what AI is, what it can do, and how it is shaping the world we live in. BBC News will speak to leading experts in the field and deep dive into issues around jobs, security and technology.

It kicks off with an exclusive interview with Ian Hogarth – the recently announced chair of the UK’s AI Foundation Model Taskforce.

In the interview, Hogarth talks to Zoe Kleinman about the importance of tech innovation in Europe, saying that we need to scale up companies in Europe instead of selling them on to be grown by larger global companies, citing the sales the sales of Skype to Ebay and Deep Mind to Google.

He also warns about AI and calls for greater understanding of the risks – telling the BBC “we’ve got to think about how to protect British jobs” and explore how we “really hold these [AI] companies to account in an appropriate way”.

They also discuss the environmental cost of the energy the data centres will need which will add up to “a tremendous carbon footprint”.

An interview with Deep Mind founder Mustafa Suleyman, also out on Monday, explores security, the culture of risk taking in the UK to facilitate significant tech innovation, and the potential impact of AI on the way we live. He told the BBC:

“[AI] is going to be hugely product productive and beneficial for our civilisation. And clearly that also means that some people are going to struggle to make the transition. The question is one of values, how do we compensate those people who need to retrain and rescale and give them opportunities to improve and get back into the workplace. And to me, that’s a question of government subsidisation and support and ultimately, of taxation.”

The full interviews can be found on www.bbc.co.uk/news

Across the week, audiences will be able to learn more across all BBC News platforms – including podcasts on BBC Sounds, news and investigations on the BBC News website and TV packages on the news bulletins and channel, as well as special content for iPlayer.

As AI increases in its capabilities and scope of work, BBC News will look across how it is currently affecting our working lives, and how it could change the job market and affect business. It will also look at the role of AI in education, and how it is already being used in sport and being used to create music and media.

The week also starts with a visual guide to help you understand AI, answering all the questions you need to understand the basics of what AI is, and what it does – from the different types of AI, to how it learns, and how it can understand images.

This follows on from the BBC Sounds ten-part series with Spencer Kelly – Understand: Tech and AI, which aims to demystify the technology in our lives, explore key topics and answers big questions such as ‘Can AI be controlled?’ and ‘Will AI take my job?’

Upcoming highlights will include Click with Marc Cieslak: Marc will create Click’s own AI ‘Gogglebox’, and an iPlayer special on AI Moments that Made your Jaw Drop.

More news and content will be launched every day this week, with range of BBC global platforms sharing the focus on AI including:

BBC Future – BBC.com’s science section will be publishing articles including the A-Z guide of artificial intelligence terms, how to spot an AI cheater and how AI companies are buying up the rights to actors, musicians and personalities.

BBC Worklife will also be looking at the effect AI can have on your personal and professional life, including how AI can make you feel terrible about yourself – but it shouldn’t and how AI could save Gen Z’s professional futures.

Radio Liberty’s Kyrgyz service unblocked

17 July 2023

Radio Liberty’s Kyrgyz service unblocked

Radio Liberty’s Kyrgyz service has reported that it is no longer blocked in Kyrgyzstan.

According to the broadcaster, almost all Internet providers in the country have restored access to Azattyk’s websites, rus.azattyk.org and azattyk.org.

The sites have been blocked since October 2022 when the Ministry of Culture implemented a ban and froze the broadcaster’s bank account following a report on a conflict on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border that it said contained “inaccurate information”.

On 12 July, a court approved a settlement agreement concluded between Azattyk and the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy and all legal proceedings were terminated. “The reason for concluding the agreement was that the material became unavailable on the platforms of Radio Liberty,” Azattyk said.

Rti named as the AIBs 2023 Event Partner

19 June 2023

Rti named as the AIBs 2023 Event Partner

As Radio Taiwan International marks the 95th anniversary of its founding, the multimedia company demonstrates its support of global journalism and factual productions

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) is thrilled to announce that Radio Taiwan International (Rti) has been named the Event Partner for the AIBs 2023, the renowned and respected 19th annual international competition for journalism and factual productions across TV, radio, and digital platforms.

The AIBs, widely recognised as one of the most prestigious awards in the broadcasting industry, celebrate outstanding achievements in journalism and content production worldwide. As Event Partner, Rti will bring its rich heritage, extensive experience, and commitment to journalistic excellence to the forefront of the competition.

This year holds special significance as it marks the 95th anniversary of the founding of Rti. Founded in 1928, the broadcaster has been a beacon of truth, impartiality, and quality reporting across the globe for 95 years. With its steadfast dedication to providing accurate news, insightful analysis, and diverse cultural programming, Rti has long been as a trusted voice in international broadcasting.

“We are delighted to have Radio Taiwan International as our Event Partner for the AIBs 2023,” said Simon Spanswick, CEO of the Association for International Broadcasting. “Rti’s longstanding commitment to objective journalism and its remarkable contributions to the media landscape make them an ideal partner for our competition. As we celebrate the 95th anniversary of Rti ‘s founding, we look forward to highlighting their exemplary work and their continued dedication to informing and enlightening audiences worldwide.”

As the Event Partner, Rti will collaborate closely with the AIB to ensure the success of the AIBs 2023. Together, they will promote the competition, attract top-quality entries, and engage the global broadcasting community in celebrating the outstanding achievements of journalists, broadcasters, and content producers.

“We are honoured to be chosen as the Event Partner for the AIBs 2023,” said Cheryl Lai, Chairperson of Radio Taiwan International. “As we commemorate our 95th anniversary, this partnership allows us to showcase the profound impact Rti has had on international broadcasting. We are excited to collaborate with the AIB in recognising the exceptional talent and remarkable stories that shape our industry. Through this platform, we aim to inspire, inform, and foster a greater understanding of the world.”

The AIBs 2023 feature a diverse range of categories, encompassing news, current affairs, documentary, investigative journalism, natural history, and more. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of international judges, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment of the submissions.

The partnership between AIB and Rti promises to elevate the AIBs 2023 to new heights, celebrating the power of journalism and the transformative impact of factual productions. Together, they will continue to advance the industry, recognising excellence and promoting the values of truth, accuracy, and impartiality.

BBC World Service launches emergency radio service for Sudan

4 May 2023

BBC World Service launches emergency radio service for Sudan

BBC World Service has launched an emergency pop-up radio service on BBC News Arabic for Sudan to provide vital access to news and information for those in the country.

Broadcast twice daily, and complementing our enhanced digital content, the service will feature eye witness accounts, news on diplomatic efforts and serve to counter disinformation in the country. Listeners will also hear information on how to access essential supplies and services as well as analysis from voices inside and outside Sudan.

The programme, which will be broadcast live in London with input from teams in Amman and Cairo, will air on short wave in Sudan and be available on radio, online and across social media.

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, says: “The World Service provides an essential lifeline to many around the world where access to accurate news and information is scarce. The enhanced emergency service for Sudan will be crucial at a time of great uncertainty in the country.”

Liliane Landor, Director, World Service, says: “The situation in Sudan has escalated quickly with its citizens seeking clear, independent information and advice at a time of critical need. BBC Arabic’s Emergency Radio Service for Sudan will bring vital live updates of the situation on the ground and inform listeners of life-saving resources.”

The programme will broadcast twice daily for three months at 0700 GMT (8am BST, 9am local time) on 21,510 kHz and 1500 GMT (4pm BST, 5pm local time) on 15,310kHz. The first programme aired on Tuesday 2 May at 1500 GMT.

The BBC World Service has a history of responding to emergency situations globally. Most recently, in February 2022, the BBC News Ukraine service began extended TV bulletins following the invasion of the country.

ABC brings home a swag of awards from New York Festivals

26 April 2023

ABC brings home a swag of awards from New York Festivals

ABC content has proven itself to be world class with its screen programmes taking home a number of wins including five gold awards at the 2023 New York Festival Awards.

Factual programmes and the ABC’s in house creative agency ABC Made were the big winners, with Catalyst specials taking home 3 awards and the ABC 90 Years campaign awarded two gold awards.

The two-part Catalyst special Keep on Dancing was awarded a gold in the Health/Medical Information category. The heart-warming special formed part of our ABC Your Move programming and followed a group of over 65’s as they attempted to slow the effects of aging through dance.

Catalyst’s Miracle Babies: Operation Hope was awarded gold in the Health/ Medical Information category. The program took an intimate look at the awe-inspiring world of fetal surgery in a story of hope and trailblazing medicine as parents face agonising decisions about their baby’s future.

Creative National Science Week Catalyst special Australia’s Favourite Tree was awarded a silver award in the Environment & Ecology category. The programme profiled Australia’s unique tree species and saw 270,000 votes cast to determine which tree was Australia’s favourite.

The latest iteration of the incredibly successful social experiment, Old People’s Home for Teenagers also took home a gold award in the Social Issues category adding to the programmes impressive run at home and on the world stage.

This season saw the uplifting series swap pre-schoolers for teenagers to see if they could transform the lives of older people and teenagers amid an epidemic of loneliness.

Of the awards, Richard Huddleston, ABC Acting Head of Factual and Culture said “I am delighted to see our content being recognised at such a prestigious global event. These awards are a testament to the quality of Australian storytelling and an acknowledgement of the creativity and passion that our teams pour into their work.”

The ABC’s brand campaign for our ABC 90 celebration was awarded two gold awards in the Station/Image Promotion and Station/Network ID categories.

Produced in-house by the ABC’s creative agency ABC Made, the campaign was filmed in four locations across Australia with ninety people in each location performing the iconic Bruce Woodley AO and Dobe Newton song, I am Australian.

ABC Director Audiences Leisa Bacon described the campaign as “A true celebration of our commitment to connecting Australians for the last 90 Years.”

The New York Festivals Radio Awards saw podcasts Pink Diamond Heist, Let Us In! and Beauty Queens Who Want to Save the World all recognised as finalists.