27 April 2017
(WASHINGTON – April 26, 2017) Two RFE/RL video documentaries have won Silver Awards at the 2017 New York Festivals International Television and Film Awards ceremony in Las Vegas on Tuesday, April 25.
RFE/RL’s Russian Service’s “She Was Called Tatiana” profiles Russian singer and actress Miriam Sekhon, who was born in the final years of the Soviet Union and now fronts the band Tatiana, which performs songs by Russian singers from the 1930s. The Kyrgyz Service’s short video feature “A Snowy Trek On Horseback To Teach School” tells the story of Kenesh Shorukov, a dedicated schoolteacher who rises before dawn every day to ride 10 kilometers on horseback across northern Kyrgyzstan’s rugged and snowy terrain to get to class on time. Both videos were recognized in the “Human Interest” category.
RFE/RL President Thomas Kent welcomed the awards as “recognition of our strength in visual formats,” and said “they testify to our journalists’ deep connection to the people and places they report, and their ability to identify great stories and tell them powerfully.”
The award-winning videos were among five RFE/RL documentaries that were shortlisted in the competition, which honors programming in all lengths and formats from over 50 countries. The other finalists were “Poisoned Truth,” the first serious journalistic investigation into the mysterious fainting of schoolchildren in the Kazakh village of Berezovka (RFE/RL Kazakh Service); “Generation Emigration,” an exploration of the issues driving mass out-migration among Moldova’s youth (RFE/RL Moldovan Service); and “Frozen In Time: Russia’s Norwegian Colony,” a report from the Russian coal-mining colony that endures on Norway’s Spitsbergen island (RFE/RL Russian Service).
This is the second consecutive year that RFE/RL videos have won recognition at the New York Festivals. The video documentary “Desperate Honeymoon,” a chronicle of one Syrian couple’s months-long migration to Europe, won Silver and Bronze awards in 2016.
The New York Festivals International Television and Film Awards, first presented in 1957, celebrate the exceptional and innovative programs being created today on all continents by the television and film industries.
About RFE/RL
RFE/RL is a private, independent international news organization whose programs — radio, internet, television, and mobile — reach 27 million people in 26 languages and 23 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the republics of Central Asia and the Caucasus, and the Baltic states. It is funded by the U.S. Congress through the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG).
31 March 2017
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.
22 March 2017
Radio Sawa, the Arabic-language radio network that has changed the media landscape in the Middle East and North Africa, is celebrating its 15th anniversary on 22 March 2017.
Since its launch in 2002, the pan-Arab radio network has been known for offering an innovative format combining accurate and objective news with popular Arabic and English music. With more than 12 million listeners each week across the MENA region, Radio Sawa provides breaking news through up-to-the-minute reports on unfolding events in the Middle East as well as in-depth coverage of topics often unaddressed in the Arab media, such as freedom of speech, religious freedom, countering extremism, women’s rights, and political pluralism. The station has attracted the admiration of Arab audience and forged a reputation that has inspired imitators throughout the region.
“Over its first 15 years, Radio Sawa has successfully broadened the perspective of our audience on issues of importance in the Middle East and around the world,” said Brian Conniff, President of Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN), pictured right, which manages and operates Radio Sawa. “Robust access to balanced, unbiased, and accurate journalism makes Radio Sawa an indispensable resource in the Arab media landscape.”
Today, Radio Sawa is expanding its reach by providing news and information to Arab audience through different media platforms, including mobile devices and the Internet. Radio Sawa maintains an active all-news website (www.radiosawa.com) which provides both up to the minute news and information as well as live streaming audio, making the network one of the most trusted sources of news and insights on social and political life in the Middle East and North Africa. The Radio Sawa Android and iOS mobile apps offer a mobile-first experience for engaging with millennial audiences to solicit their voices and opinions. The apps stream eight Arabic channels, feature Sawa Chat interactive conversations, newscasts and the top tech, entertainment and culture news of the day. In addition, Radio Sawa shares compelling stories, audio and photos with millions of social media users on Facebook and Twitter.
Innovative use of technology and high quality journalism earned Radio Sawa several high profile awards, including New York Festivals, AIB Awards, GSMA Global Mobile Awards, and Appy Awards.
Radio Sawa is operated by the non-profit corporation “The Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc.” (MBN). MBN is financed by the U.S. Government through a grant from the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), an independent federal agency. The BBG serves as a firewall to protect the professional independence and integrity of the broadcasters.
22 February 2017
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.
21 February 2017
London-based international media facilities house to benefit from AIB’s global networks and services
The Association for International Broadcasting, the trade association for television, radio and online, has welcomed London-based studio and facilities house Celebro Media as its latest Member.
“It is great to have Celebro Media on board as a Member of the Association for International Broadcasting,” said Simon Spanswick, AIB chief executive. “Celebro Media is an innovative company and we have been impressed by the innovative solutions it offers to broadcasters. We are looking forward to helping Celebro Media as it develops its services in the UK and around the world.”
“We are extremely pleased to be part of the AIB community,” commented Wesley Dodd, CEO of Celebro Media (pictured). “We are dedicated to supporting the international broadcasting industry and being involved in the AIB’s global networks will be a real benefit to my colleagues and me. Celebro Media is looking forward to sharing its expertise and its innovations with other AIB Members in the Association’s working groups. And of course, we’re happy to explore how Celebro Media can help and assist other AIB Members.”
Through its Membership of the Association for International Broadcasting, Celebro Media now has access to the full range of the AIB’s work, ranging from market intelligence briefings to participation in working groups that focus on key areas of activity such as emerging technology, cyber security, sustainability and audience measurement. The AIB also supports its Members on key issues that affect their business through its international lobbying activities.
The Association for International Broadcasting is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation that works for the benefit of its Members and of the wider media industry.
20 February 2017
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)
