18 April 2016
The Broadcasting Board of Governors today will welcome Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Amanda Bennett as the 29th Director of the Voice of America (VOA). An introduction and swearing-in ceremony will be held at Voice of America headquarters at 10 a.m. this morning and will be streamed live on the BBG website, www.bbg.gov
“We are thrilled to have such a talented, experienced and award-winning journalist as Amanda take the helm at VOA,” said BBG Chairman Jeff Shell. “Her unique skills and deep understanding of the rapidly evolving digital news marketplace will serve VOA well.”
“Amanda embodies everything we’ve been looking for in a VOA Director,” agreed BBG CEO and Director John Lansing. “In today’s complex geopolitical environment, VOA’s work is more important than ever, and we are confident that Amanda will lead VOA to great success around the world on all media platforms.”
“I am happy and excited to be part of such a vital news organization,” said Bennett. “We are the only source of reliable, objective, credible news and information for a large part of the world. What’s more, our mission of covering the fascinating complexity of our country and its people is a beat like no other. I look forward to working with the skilled and passionate journalists at VOA to bring those stories alive for the world.”
Bennett served as executive editor of Bloomberg News, where she created and ran a global team of investigative reporters and editors and co-founded the Bloomberg News Women’s project. She also served as editor of The Philadelphia Inquirer, editor of the Herald-Leader in Lexington, Kentucky, managing editor/projects for The Oregonian in Portland, and reporter and editor for the Wall Street Journal for more than 20 years, including a stint as the Journal’s Beijing correspondent. Most recently, she has been a contributing columnist for The Washington Post.
Bennett shared the 1997 Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting with her Journal colleagues, and in 2001 led a team from The Oregonian to a Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. Projects by the Bloomberg projects and investigations team, led by Bennett, won numerous awards, including Loeb, Polk, Barlett & Steele, Headliners, Society of American Business Editors and Writers, and Overseas Press Club awards.
Bennett is the author of six books and a graduate of Harvard College. Together with her husband, Donald Graham, she co-founder of TheDream.US, which provides college scholarships to the children of undocumented immigrants.
Bennett succeeds David Ensor, who served as VOA Director from 2011-2015. VOA’s Associate Director of Language Programming Kelu Chao has served as Acting VOA Director since June of last year. (Source: BBG press release)
14 April 2016
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), operator of the world’s first Globalized Network, powered by its leading satellite backbone, announced today that BBC World News, a leading global news TV channel, has renewed and expanded its contract for use of multiple Intelsat premier video neighborhoods and the IntelsatOne® terrestrial network to distribute high-quality standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) content across several continents.
Under the multi-year agreement, BBC World News will be delivered to millions of viewers in the Americas and Asia via four of Intelsat’s premier video neighborhoods:
- Galaxy 13 at 127˚ West – a North America cable distribution neighborhood utilized by the world’s top programmers to deliver premium HD channels
- Intelsat 19 at 166˚ East – a Pacific Rim cable distribution neighborhood and South Pacific Direct-to-Home (DTH) platform
- Intelsat 20 at 68.5˚ East – a cable distribution and DTH neighborhood and transcontinental hotspot from Europe to East Asia, and the number one video neighborhood serving India
- Intelsat 21 at 302˚ East – a Latin America cable distribution neighborhood with the highest cable head-end penetration on the continent
“Information is critical to any community and by leveraging Intelsat’s globalized network, we’re able to reliably deliver high-quality content that keeps millions of viewers up to date on the latest events happening around the world,” said Karen Schmidt, Intelsat’s Vice President of Marketing. “Intelsat’s strong regional neighborhoods and the IntelsatOne terrestrial network provide our customers with flexible, cost-effective and secure, distribution solutions, enabling them to efficiently expand their coverage and reach.”
The IntelsatOne terrestrial network, featuring more than 36,000 miles of leased fiber and eight strategically located teleports around the globe, will provide uplink services for the distribution network. IntelsatOne will also provide dual and geographically diverse fiber routing from the BBC World News playout facilities.
“The world’s top programmers require access to the highest levels of cable and DTH penetration around the globe,” said Kurt Riegelman, Intelsat’s SVP, Sales and Marketing. “Our leading video neighborhoods in the Americas and Asia will allow clients such as the BBC to reach more viewers in more markets and offer them the chance to grow their businesses.”
Supporting Resources:
(Source: Intelsat press release)
14 April 2016
The world-renowned designer ELIE SAAB has partnered with MBC Group for a unique collaboration involving the production of the Arabic adaptation of ‘Project Runway’– the hit international reality programme and competition dedicated to all things fashion– with the regional version confirmed as ‘Project Runway ME’. The Lebanese international creative couturier will also serve as the head of the judging panel of industry luminaries, where he will support and offer his expertise to the young, up-and-coming designers participating in the show’s debut season.
Joining Elis Saab as a judge is renowned Tunisian-Italian fashion icon, actress and TV presenter Afef Jnifen. The third judge, meanwhile, will be a surprise every episode, with the appearance of a celebrity guest-star or expert.
Rounding up the show’s line-up, Saudi national Faris Al Shehri is set to mentor the participants as they take on weekly fashion challenges, while Lebanese-Australian model Jessica Kahawaty is to present the programme.
‘Project Runway’– which is a global TV format of “FremantleMedia” – is one of the world’s most prominent television shows dedicated to fashion, and is available in various local formats, including the original version produced in the United States. The show has gone on to be produced in numerous countries and local languages around the world.
Speaking of his involvement in ‘Project Runway ME’, Elie Saab said: “I am extremely enthusiastic with regards to this collaboration and its objectives, partnering the House of ELIE SAAB with MBC Group, which of course needs no introduction. My role in the programme is an integral part of my constant desire to develop the fashion industry in the Arab world, striving for ultimate excellence and sophistication in Art, craft and workmanship; factors that will allow us to streamline the Arab fashion industry and turn it into a more global one.”
Elie Saab concluded: “Throughout the season, we will work towards strengthening the talented participants’ skills, by developing their artistry in fashion design through the use of innovative techniques and the exquisite materials. Each episode will feature a different theme, challenging the contestants to adopt better concepts and so on. This unique opportunity will help open wide fashion doors to participating talents.”
In turn, Mazen Hayek, MBC Group’s Official Spokesman commented: “We are proud of this collaboration with the world-famous Lebanese creative designer Elie Saab, who is an inspiration to millions around the world, and a reference to the lovers of high-end, luxury fashion.”
“’Project Runway ME’ is the latest to build on the success of the current roster of talent and reality television entertainment offered by MBC Group across its channels, platforms and touch points. It’s also no doubt a welcome addition to the multitude of MBC’s shows and local productions, plus special reports that have always been unique offerings to the world of fashion.”
Hayek concluded: “The Arabic adaptation of ‘Project Runway’ will be further enhanced especially when compared to other local adaptations around the world – thus featuring additional features and greater entertainment production values during every episode, right down to the grand finale which will be televised live from the heart of the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates – more specifically at “Dubai Design District – d3”, the premier backer of the show, and the best destination for promoting and nurturing emerging local talent, and providing a creative hub for established international luxury, design, innovation and fashion brands.”
Filming for the first episodes of ‘Project Runway ME’ has already commenced at MBC studios in Beirut, in the presence of Elie Saab and Afef Jnifen, along with the celebrity guest-star judge in every episode, and of course, Faris Al Shehri and Jessica Kahawaty. The launch season of the programme is set to debut in the last quarter of 2016 on MBC4 and MBC MASR.
(Source: MBC press release)
5 April 2016
At a press conference held on 5 April at MIPTV in Cannes, Michael Peters, CEO of Euronews and Africanews, presented the positioning of a new group founded on one vision: promoting a diversity of viewpoints.
After the arrival nine months ago of a new majority shareholder, and the official opening last October of a new world HQ, Michael Peters unveiled the first elements that flow from the new positioning of the group, which now consists of two international news sources: Euronews and Africanews.
Michael Peters, CEO of Euronews and Africanews, said: “We are engaged in a fight against disinformation and the negative aspects of what we call ‘infobesity’ – an excess of news entirely lacking in perspective. These new phenomena, amplified by the digital revolution, provide daily fuel for our raison d’être: the urgent need to put pluralism back at the centre of the international debate.
“With the arrival of Naguib Sawiris last July; the willingness of all our shareholders to support Euronews in its sweeping changes; and having settled into a new HQ at the cutting edge of technology, we now have the resources to match our ambitions.
“Euronews is entering a phase of deep transformation. A renaissance that draws its strength from the identity of Euronews and from the unrivalled assets that determine its clear mission: making diversity central to news.”
Both media outlets make a claim: whatever the platform, our editorial teams will be driven by a diversity of viewpoints and by giving users a say. Euronews and Africanews want to give everyone the chance to form their own opinion, without imposing one of our own and without pretence.
Euronews, All Views
Euronews will officially launch its new look on 17 May at 22:00 CET. At this exact moment, Euronews will unveil a new logo and a complete graphic overhaul, designed in conjunction with UK agency Lambie Nairn; and its new brand claim: “Euronews, All Views”.
Also on 17 May, the beta version of the new euronews.com website will be launched in order to further build the loyalty of our multiple digital audiences worldwide. The new euronews.com has been designed as part of a whole new ecosystem of non-linear services. This new digital offer, in full responsive design, positions Euronews perfectly to cater for new consumer habits. On our platforms and those of our partners, of social networks and of OTT services, the type of screen no longer matters.
This 17 May launch will kick off a complete overhaul of the way we produce news. This transformation is the bedrock of the “Euronews NEXT” plan, our strategic response to a globalised news world that is becoming increasingly uniform. Our response aims to break away from the market’s usual way of doing things. It stems from Euronews’ constant ambition to offer differentiating, disruptive products.
Euronews NEXT, once approved by the supervisory board, will take effect in May this year, and will lead to the completion of Euronews’ transformation in spring 2017.
We will harness the fresh opportunities offered by technology to build a Euronews that is more meaningful to its audiences in each language, and thus more impactful. This will be a decisive step in the development of a more iconic Euronews.
In an ultra-competitive sector, all of our actions are geared to strengthening Euronews, which today is distributed in nearly 200 countries and 430 million homes. Euronews has established itself in Europe, where it is the most-watched international news channel; and worldwide, where it is consumed by nearly 40 million people daily, more than 130 million weekly, and more than 240 million monthly.
Africanews, Your Voice
After its online launch on 4 January last, Africanews will launch its TV channel on 20 April 2016 in 33 countries in sub-Saharan Africa simultaneously, and in more than 7 million homes via the main satellite packages, the main DTT offers, IPTV and also via our partners’ free-to-air windows in Africa.
Euronews’ sister channel, which covers African and world news from a pan-African perspective, shares its mission of meeting objectives of independence and the promotion of diversity. Produced in Pointe-Noire, Africanews has chosen a participatory format that will let it bring the pan-African perspective into the international debate. Africanews will be the voice of Africans, in Africa and worldwide. This ambition is reflected by a strong claim: “Africa, Your Voice”.
With a team of journalists from all over the continent, Africanews is fully aligned with the group’s new positioning.
(Source: Euronews press release)
4 April 2016
RT’s global video news agency RUPTLY has reached 200 million views on the world’s largest video sharing platform, ahead of many competitors .
Global video news agency RUPTLY was launched by RT in the spring of 2013. Currently, more than 600 media organizations – from global broadcasters to independent blogs – in 45 countries, including the US, UK, Germany, France and China, are using its materials and services.
”We are proud to have reached 200 million views in such a short time. This indicates a high level of interest and trust on the part of the audience, which naturally attracts customers as well,” RUPTLY chief Xenia Fedorova said. “The key to our success is that, considering the tough competition we face, our correspondents are able to get truly exclusive, original content from all around the world. Oftentimes RUPTLY is the only agency covering a story that otherwise would go underserved or altogether ignored by other news outlets.”
RUPTLY uses cutting-edge technology to collect and transfer video news content: from drone cameras to real-time live-streaming of events, as well as the recently-launched RUPTLY Stringer application, which allows the agency to obtain content from eyewitnesses in a matter of minutes.
RUPTLY provided live coverage of a number of key events such as the meeting between Russia’s Patriarch Kirill and Pope Francis in Cuba. RUPTLY’s drone footage of Homs was used by the BBC, CBS, Fox News, Al Jazeera and the Daily Mail website. In August 2015, RUPTLY’s exclusive footage of a shooting in Ferguson on the anniversary of Michael Brown’s killing was also widely picked up by international news media.
VISIT RUPYLY THIS WEEK AT MIP TV IN CANNES, FRANCE – STAND P-1.N50
(Source: RT press release)
1 April 2016
The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) is launching its twelfth annual festival of factual TV, radio and online productions – the AIBs – on Monday 4 April at MIPTV. These awards, run by the not-for-profit global trade association for international broadcasting, are recognised as the preeminent celebration of documentaries and other factual genres from across the globe.
Over the past 11 years, the AIBs have rewarded the world’s leading factual storytellers who have reported on immensely significant issues to global audiences. The winners have sought out the truth, challenging those with power and influence. Their investigations have often been undertaken in difficult and dangerous situations, sometimes in remote parts of the world, where establishing the facts is not straightforward.
“Winning an AIB represents the pinnacle of achievement for factual programme makers,” says Simon Spanswick, chief executive of the Association for International Broadcasting. “Each year we see the most remarkable stories told and extraordinary facts uncovered. Because this festival is a truly global celebration, we are privileged to see work from every continent, from broadcasters and production companies large and small. The competition is incredibly strong each year and this contributes to the outstanding nature of the AIBs.”
Past television winners have covered subjects as varied as refugee crises in Africa and the Middle East to war crimes in South Asia, the high price of cheap food in Western Europe to narrowly averted nuclear disaster in Japan. In radio, the variety of stories has been equally diverse, ranging from Sudan’s independence to slavery in Asia, the Haiti earthquake to the high price of cheap credit.
Last year’s winner of the coveted investigative documentary award was Human Harvest by Flying Cloud Productions, a programme that investigated claims that first emerged from China in 2006 that state-run hospitals were killing prisoners of conscience to sell their organs. The judges said that this programme effectively captured the horror of the story through credible testimony and proactive research, complemented by outstanding production values and solid structures.
Keeping children informed is a key part of many broadcasters’ work, and the AIBs provide a platform for the makers of children’s factual programming to showcase their work. The AIBs have rewarded producers covering subjects from growing up in a war zone to body image and eating disorders, each story told imaginatively and sensitively helping children understand complex and often frightening issues.
“Since these awards are truly international, the AIBs are open for work produced in any country and in any language,” Spanswick continues. “Our winners have included work produced in Mandarin, German, Arabic, Danish, Swedish and Spanish, to give a few examples, as well as English. Language is definitely not a barrier in this festival.”
The AIBs 2016 have 17 categories:
TELEVISION
Journalism
Short form journalism
Domestic current affairs documentary
International current affairs documentary
Investigative documentary
Specialist programme
Science
Children’s factual
Short feature
Sport
ON-AIR TALENT
TV personality
Radio personality
RADIO
Journalism
Current affairs documentary
Investigative documentary
Creative feature
ONLINE
Online production
The AIBs 2016 are open for entry until 30 June. In September, the international panel of judges will assess the work and the results will be announced in London on 2 November at the AIB’s star-studded award dinner.
Full information is available in the entry book, available for download at theaibs.tv.
