20 March 2017
Arab Satellite Communications Organization – Arabsat – participates in the Broadcast, Satellite & Digital Media Event for the Middle East and North Africa, “Satellite MENA 2017”, from March 21st to 23rd at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
As an active member of the Satellite Interference Reduction Group, Arabsat sponsors IRG workshop with the presence of many broadcasters in both public and the private sectors on Monday 20th March 2017 at the Address Hotel in Dubai.
Eng. Khalid bin Ahmed Balkheyour, President & CEO of Arabsat, said that Arabsat will showcase its latest agreements to promote its exclusive orbital position 26⁰ East, such as the agreement with MBC Group – MBC has already begun to shift all its important channels to be broadcast exclusively on Arabsat satellites – in addition to many other similar agreements.
Balkheyour also added that Arabsat will showcase the capabilities of its new successfully launched satellite Badr-7 and the 6th generation satellites. This includes at present 4 satellites, three of which are being manufactured: one is scheduled to be launched by the end of 2017 and the other two will be launched in 2018. The 4th satellite 6-D agreement was recently signed in a partnership with Taqnia Space.
(Source: Arabsat press release)
16 March 2017
The BBC Academy has further expanded its global outreach, adding content in five languages. Free resources, dedicated to journalism and language use in Bangla, Kyrgyz, Somali, Spanish and Ukrainian, are now live with mobile-first new design (in the first iteration of the sites) – bringing the total number of BBC Academy’s non-English-language sites to 23.
Najiba Kasraee, Editor of Academy International Sites, says: “Language and journalism are inseparable. It’s important to provide journalists not only with skills training but also to make them aware of the importance of observing language standards that have been honed by BBC journalists, based on our guidelines of unbiased, accurate and fair reporting.”
The new websites, which offer content in three main categories – Language, Skills and Standards – provide a guide to the BBC’s editorial principles and core values. Journalists will find language tools that ensure standards such as impartiality and accuracy are maintained as they translate materials or create and deliver original content.
Covering a wide range of multimedia skills – television, radio and digital production – the sites focus on presentation, writing, and use of social media. A special focus is given to helping journalists produce and present under pressure of tight deadlines.
The new content adds to sites for BBC journalism in Arabic, Burmese, Chinese in simplified form, Chinese in traditional form, French, Hausa, Hindi, Indonesian, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Pashto, Persian, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, Urdu, Uzbek and Vietnamese. This development is in line with BBC Academy’s pledge to provide support for all of the BBC World Service languages – including the new language services that will start delivering content as part of BBC World Service’s expansion.
The sites are available via the BBC Academy International Language Sites and can be accessed via homepages of respective BBC World Service languages websites.
(Source: BBC press release)
15 March 2017
First European-built high-power all-electric satellite on track for launch on 25 April
Enhanced capacity and innovationfor Asia-Pacific markets
The EUTELSAT 172B satellite of Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) is in the final stages of preparation at the Airbus Defence and Space facility in Toulouse and will be boarded onto a special flight to French Guiana on 20 March. The 3.5 tonne satellite is scheduled for an Ariane launch on 25 April from the European Spaceport in Kourou.
EUTELSAT 172B will deliver increased capacity for fast-growing applications that include in-flight and maritime connectivity, cellular backhaul, corporate networks, video distribution and government services. It will be located at 172° East, a key neighbourhood providing exceptional Asia-Pacific reach over land and sea, from Alaska to Australia. Eutelsat’s new satellite will replace the EUTELSAT 172A satellite to provide service continuity and improved performance via C and Ku-band payloads connected to a range of footprints.
Setting a new benchmark for in-flight connectivity over the Pacific
EUTELSAT 172B will also feature a new Ku-band multi-beam payload delivering 1.8 Gbps of throughput to serve the world’s fastest-growing region for air traffic. The Asia Pacific represents the largest opportunity for in-flight entertainment and connectivity services, with over 8,000 aircraft to be delivered to the region by 2034.
The customised High Throughput payload on EUTELSAT 172B will be a major growth platform for in-flight connectivity, notably Panasonic Avionics Corporation, one of the leading suppliers of in-flight entertainment and connectivity services for commercial airlines. Eleven elliptical spotbeams will enable Panasonic to bridge the West coast of North America to Asia, and down to Australia, supporting rapid air traffic growth in the region and surges in bandwidth use across densely used flight paths.
Innovations abound
EUTELSAT 172B satellite will be the first satellite to fly new features and capabilities devised by Europe’s industry.
- The key enabling technology for the inflight connectivity mission is the Multi-Port Amplifier (MPA) that will dynamically distribute power between the 11 spotbeams in direct response to surges in capacity on-board aircraft.
- EUTELSAT 172B will also use innovative deployable robotic arms to orientate and control thrust direction during the approximately four-month ride to geostationary orbit and for station-keeping during its minimum 15 year life.
- The satellite will also fly structural components made with 3D-printing (Additive Manufacturing) techniques that reduce the cost and time required to build spacecraft parts.
EUTELSAT 172B is expected to enter service in third quarter 2017, replacing EUTELSAT 172A that will be relocated to another orbital position.
(Source: Eutelsat press release)
15 March 2017
RFE/RL has published never-before-seen color images of life in the Soviet Union in the 1950s, from a trove of original video and still images that was recently discovered in cardboard boxes in a former auto body shop in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.
The archive belonged to U.S. Army Major Martin Manhoff, who spent more than two years in the Soviet Union in the early 1950s, serving as assistant army attache at the U.S. embassy. From his vantage point at the embassy, then located just off Moscow’s Red Square, he filmed what is thought to be the only independent footage of Stalin’s funeral procession, providing an unfiltered view of the event not conveyed in official Soviet reels.
CLICK TO VIEW THE MANHOFF ARCHIVE
Douglas Smith, the award-winning historian and author of five books on Russia who discovered the Manhoff Archive, has said that the photos have “a human quality that is missing from any other depiction” of Soviet life at the time.
This first installment of the Manhoff Archive, released by RFE/RL in English and Russian and featuring the Stalin funeral procession video, has been viewed more than 2 million times on Russian-language platforms and over 250,000 times in English, as has been shared 20,000 times on Facebook in Russian and English.
Part two of the series, which will be published on March 20, will feature Manhoff’s collection of photos of city life in the Soviet Union of the 1950’s. Part three, “On The Road,” to be issued on April 3, is a selection of his photos taken during his travels outside Moscow. On April 10, the final instalment, “Spy or Artist,” will focus on the discovery of the archive and the man himself.
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).
(Source: RFE/RL press release)
8 March 2017
MBC studios in Dubai Studio City has commenced production and broadcast of a wide range of programmes for its television channels and online media portals, primarily through MBC1
MBC Group has officially announced the launch of its new television studios in Dubai Studio City, a move that aims to develop unrivalled media content in the region with the latest industry tools, including cutting-edge, state-of-the-art equipment of international standards. Following a few final changes to the hub, MBC in Dubai Studio City is now open for production and broadcast of a wide range of currently popular – as well as new programmes – set to air on MBC Group’s network and online media portals, primarily through MBC1 and MBC3, marking a major breakthrough in the presentation of content.
One of the most technologically advanced additions to MBC’s new studios is the ‘Social Tower’, a first-of-its-kind in the world that works to keep up-to-the-minute with the global new media industry. It also allows for viewers to connect and interact directly during broadcast.
The first shows to be produced from these brand new studios during phase one include ‘Sabah Alkhair Ya Arab’ with Badr Zydan, Ghada Mousilli, Hani Al-Hamed and Sarah Mourad – showcasing a new look for the show – as well as ‘Akhbar Altase’a’ (9 O’clock News Bulletin) with Suhair al-Qaisi, Hamoud Al Fayez and Ola Al Fares. Also broadcasting from the new studios will be ‘Sada Al-Mala’eb’ with Mustafa Al-Agha, ‘MBC Fi Isbo’o’ (MBC In A Week) with Suha Nuylaty and Ali Al-Ghufaily, ‘Badriyah’ with Badriyah Al-Bishr, ‘Bil-Mokhtasar’ presented by Yasser Al-Amro, and ‘Ma Lam Tarra’ with Ibrahim Al-Farhan. More programmes are expected to be added later on in the year.
Commenting on the launch, Dr. Amina Al Rustamani, CEO of TECOM Group said that Dubai Studio City is “the ideal hub and business environment to support companies operating in the fields of film, television and music production and broadcasting in the Middle East. It is Dubai’s leading centre for the creation and production of premium media content, offering the latest in advanced industry technology of the best international standards,” and that MBC Group “is always one step ahead in terms of investing in the right locations and equipment, thus enhancing television production and techniques in the region in close partnership with us.”
On his part, Ali Jaber, Group TV Director of MBC Group stated: “The presence of MBC today in Dubai Studio City started with the launch of our partnership with O3 Productions in 2013 for the production and distribution of drama and film content. Following that, our studios were soon equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology that puts us on par with the world’s top studios. Our goal is to strengthen our offerings on our various channels and platforms, offering a value-added media experience. This can only contribute towards enhancing the quality of daytime programming submitted to MBC’s channels, driving it to become on par with our primetime evening content, including those of our international branded entertainment shows that have been adapted into Arabic. Today, we follow through with what we started four years ago – to enrich the region with the most creative media and entertainment content that ranges from drama productions right through to live programming. Hence, stems the strategic importance of this partnership that constitutes a quantum leap that will inevitably lead to the development of content in all its forms across MBC Group’s channels and other media platforms. Through this partnership, we will also be able to attract top talent, the right expertise, and bright, creative minds of the various disciplines that are related to the creative and production fields.”
It is worth noting that the launch of MBC Group’s new studios in Dubai Studio City complements Dubai’s efforts to enhance and develop the media infrastructure in the UAE and beyond, thereby reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global media, entertainment and content hub. This includes the latest in advanced digital technology and audio-visual production.
The 7 MBC1 shows that will be broadcast from MBC Group’s new state-of-the-art studios in Dubai Studio City
Ø ‘Sabah Alkhair Ya Arab’
Translating into ‘Good Morning, Arab World’, this family breakfast show – now with a new look and hosted by Hani Al-Hamed, Ghada Mousilli, Badr Zydan and Sarah Mourad – comprises a variety of features that touch upon everything from education and the arts, to sports and technology.
Ø ‘Akhbar Altase’a’ (9 O’clock News Bulletin)
Commonly known as the ‘9 O’clock News’, this daily bulletin will present the day’s headlines, along with an in-depth segment on Saudi news. With Suhair al-Qaisi, Hamoud Al Fayez and Ola Al Fares.
Ø ‘Sada Al-Mala’eb’
Sports journalist Mustafa Al-Agha and his show ‘Sada Al-Malaeb’ need no introduction. This immensely popular show focuses on Saudi football league results and hosts stars from the world of sport and entertainment.
Ø ‘MBC Fi Isbo’o’ (MBC In A Week)
With Suha Nuylaty and Ali Al-Ghufaily, ‘MBC Fi Isbo’o’ recalls the major events of the week gone, especially those highlighted on social media that occurred on the streets of Saudi Arabia, as well as the rest of the GCC and Arab world.
Ø ‘Badriyah’
In this current affairs programme, Saudi writer and novelist Badriyah Al-Bishr discusses a variety of issues every episode, particularly those affecting Saudi families. Each topic will be further explored using detailed research and analysis, as well as public opinion that explains different viewpoints and approaches.
Ø ‘Bil-Mokhtasar’
Broadcast live daily, Yasser Al-Amro invites Arab personalities who are considered pioneers in their field for a friendly chat about their personal lives and what makes them tick.
Ø ‘Ma Lam Tarra’
Fronted by Ibrahim Al-Farhan, ‘Ma Lam Tarra’ investigates social issues by uncovering hidden facts and events that may have not been available or apparent to begin with. It demonstrates how the absence of information can influence an incident.
MBC3 in Dubai Studio City – Revamped programmes thanks to advanced technology:
Aimed at children, MBC3 will broadcast a number of revamped and updated productions from its new home in Dubai Studio City. The studios have been designed to incorporate high-quality digital production methods, as well as modern systems to facilitate and enhance the broadcast experience. With content suitable for the whole family, viewers can expect updated shows, including ‘Tasaly’, ‘Khatawat Na’aema’ and brand new entertainment content for in-between shows.
(Source: MBC press release)
7 March 2017
NewTek™ today announces Celebro Media has expanded its Central London studio facilities with a significant investment in the NewTek IP Series. The NewTek IP Series will become the heart of Celebro Media’s operations in Oxford Circus and will be extended to its four new studios at the facility.
Celebro Media has five studios at its central London location with further facilities in Moscow. By Autumn 2017, Celebro Media will have completed works on an additional five studios in London and two in New York. Also, Celebro Media has recently begun trials of a new OB service that allows multi camera switching down a single transmission line. The service is currently being offered to international broadcaster on a trial basis.
Celebro Media specialises in live production, providing studio space, galleries, uplink facilities, staff and everything required producing and transmitting live content. Global broadcasters such as BBC World Service, MTV and TRT World all use Celebro Media’s studios.
Offering unparalleled efficiency and flexibility, the NewTek IP Series will allow Celebro Media to usher in a new paradigm of production workflow, based upon NewTek’s software-driven live production technology. IP Series’ modular approach to production systems delivers virtually limitless access to video sources and video mixing possibilities.
The NewTek IP Series is one of the first large production systems designed from the ground up for IP video, whilst providing full backwards compatibility with traditional SDI equipment. Video, audio and control signals are transferred digitally using NewTek’s NDI™ technology resulting in a fully customisable IP workflow solution with the flexibility to handle the most demanding production needs.
Jahlene Joseph, Head of Studios at Celebro Media Group, said; “The extraordinary flexibility of NewTek IP Series means we can push video content around our building using NDI – giving us unparalleled control over how our clients can view, ingest and manage live video streams. We’re looking to further invest in NewTek IP Series over the next 12 months to grow our services.”
(Source: Celebro press release)
