Hit the Road:
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Japan in Focus:
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Trails to Oishii Tokyo:
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Oscar Nominee for Best Documentary Short FilmFeb 28 Fri. Instruments of a Beating Heart |
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Asia InsightFridays Dynamic Asia. Stories behind the world’s largest continent as it faces political, economic, cultural and technological change. |
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MBC GROUP, the largest and leading media organisation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has launched MBCNOW, the brand-new, groundbreaking entertainment service aggregator set to deliver an unlimited and unrivalled viewing experience across the region.
MBCNOW offers an unmatched approach to content consumption for Saudi and wider Arab audiences. Transcending traditional TV viewing, MBCNOW has been designed to seamlessly bridge the gap between digital streaming and traditional broadcast television – bringing together MBC’s award-winning channels, as well as Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform all in one destination.
Packed with a vast content library spanning live sports and TV channels, on-demand films, TV shows, games, and exclusive original content, MBCNOW is the go-to hub for all entertainment needs. Merging cutting-edge technology – such as comprehensive voice search and innovative features – with a simple plug-and-play setup and affordable subscription options, MBCNOW is simply accessible for users across all demographics.
Sam Barnett, Group Chief Executive Officer at MBC GROUP, commented: “At MBC GROUP, our ongoing mission is to continuously innovate and meet the evolving demands of today’s audiences across the MENA region and internationally. With MBCNOW, we are taking a significant step forward in unifying the way consumers access and enjoy entertainment content across traditional broadcasts, digital streaming, and future telco integrations.
“MBCNOW is the future of content consumption, one that supports our broader digital strategy for Shahid. Just as importantly, we remain committed to providing an excellent viewing experience for those who continue to watch linear channels. We’re thrilled to introduce a platform that goes beyond a single device, offering endless possibilities for partnerships and expansion. By bringing Shahid, linear channels, and emerging technologies together in one seamless ecosystem, we’re paving the way for the next generation of entertainment experiences.”
Fadel Zahreddine, Group Director of Emerging Media at MBC GROUP, added: “We’re always keen to deliver exciting new viewing experiences, and MBCNOW offers just that. Developed with flexibility and functionality in mind, MBCNOW aggregates content in a way that simplifies discovery, enhances user engagement, and ultimately provides a superior, personalized viewing experience all in one place. As our slogan goes, ‘It’s simply amazing!’.
He continued: “Additionally, MBCNOW offers a flexible partnership model for telcos, enabling them to bundle MBCNOW with their core offerings, co-brand the service, or leverage MBCNOW’s existing infrastructure and expertise to reduce platform development time and costs. By partnering with MBCNOW, telcos can increase customer loyalty, drive revenue growth, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.”
To celebrate its launch, MBCNOW is offering an exclusive introductory promotion featuring two months of free subscription. This offer includes access to premier sports channels – such as those by SSC (Saudi Sports Company) – and broadcasting events including the Saudi Pro League (RSL), Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, SAFF Women’s Cup, and NFL.
Beyond sports, MBCNOW subscribers can also enjoy access to MBC’s top TV channels live, as well as Shahid – the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform. An extensive lineup of Arabic, English, and international television and cinema releases, is also available, alongside dedicated children’s and family content.
Looking ahead, MBCNOW plans to introduce attractive bundles with regional and international services, making it a one-stop hub for the entire household’s entertainment needs.
MBCNOW is now available in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For more information on MBCNOW’s offers, options, and availability, please visit: mbc-now.net.
[Source: MBC press release]
Radio Taiwan International (Rti) has officially received the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) certification from Reporters Without Borders (RSF). This achievement marks not only the first time a Taiwanese media organisation has earned the certification but also the first for a news outlet serving Chinese-speaking audiences.
To obtain a JTI certification, media outlets must first complete a comprehensive self-assessment covering 18 categories and 130 standards—including disclosure of ownership types, funding sources, editorial policies, accountability systems, fact-checking procedures, and staff training. After publishing a transparency report detailing this self-assessment, they must then undergo an independent third-party audit before being officially certified.
Over 2,000 media organisations in 110 countries have adopted the JTI certification process, with 100 already certified by external agencies such as Deloitte or Bureau Veritas.
Director of the Journalism Trust Initiative, Benjamin Sabbah, noted that JTI serves as a best practice framework for news organisations globally and expressed hope that more publishers will follow Rti’s lead.
Rti Chairperson Cheryl Lai (pictured) emphasised that the certification not only positions the organisation as an international media partner—standing alongside global news agencies and showcasing the strength of Taiwanese journalism—but also signifies Rti’s support for international non-governmental organisations like RSF, thereby helping to deliver important information to audiences around the world.
The BBC issued this statement on 20 February:
Following verbal instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, the BBC has made the reluctant decision to close its office in the country and to suspend the activities of our excellent journalists in Baku.
We deeply regret this restrictive move against press freedom, which will hinder our ability to report to and from Azerbaijan for our audiences inside and outside the country. Each week around 1million people get trusted impartial news from BBC News Azerbaijani.
We are in contact with the Azerbaijani government to clarify their instruction and to try to resolve the situation.
We will continue our news services in Azerbaijani.
It is unclear what has prompted this move by the Azerbaijan government. The BBC launched its Azeri radio service in 1994, moving to digital platforms where it continues to attract upward of a million users each week – one tenth of the country’s population. BBC Monitoring, which watches and listens to television and radio services globally, operated an office in Baku monitoring Central Asia media outlets.
Writers from around the world are invited to submit their scripts for the 29th International Audio Drama Competition (previously the International Playwriting Competition) which opens for entries on 19 February 2025.
The global competition, hosted by BBC World Service and the British Council, offers the unique opportunity for writers to use the medium of audio drama to tell stories for an international audience.
There are two categories: ‘English as a First Language’ and ‘English as a Second Language’. Winners will receive a cash prize, be invited to attend an award ceremony in the UK in 2026, and to participate in the recording of their dramas for a world premiere on BBC World Service platforms. A Special Commendation will be made for the runner-up in honour of the BBC World Service journalist and writer Georgi Markov (1929-1978).
The last competition in 2023 attracted 677 entries from 94 countries, with regional winners coming from the USA, Lebanon, Nigeria and Australia.
The winner in the First Language category was The Mighty Corbeau, written by Julien Marvin Neaves from Trinidad and Tobago. It tells the story of an ageing calypso singer who decides to come out of retirement to prove, once and for all, that he is better than his rival of many years. In the Second Language category, Michaela Kwon from South Korea won with her bold and imaginative drama Steady Eyes about a family from Seoul dealing with a world in which a mysterious force starts abducting animals.
Nadya Todorova from Bulgaria won the Georgi Markov commendation with Slamming Doors, a funny and sharply observed relationship drama about the lies we tell and the secrets we keep.
Former winner Michaela Kwon, says: “The International Playwriting Competition provided me with not only the best platform any writer could dream of debuting through, but also an unforgettable week at Broadcasting House, during which I learnt so much and made lifelong friends. I am ever so grateful for the opportunity and will always be proud to be a part of it.”
Former winner Julien Marvin Neaves, says: “Amazing. Life changing. Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These may all sound like hyperbole, but that was my experience as a winner of the BBC and British Council International Radio Playwriting Competition. From touring the culture-rich city of London to seeing The Mighty Corbeau come to the life with an excellent cast and crew to a wonderful friendship with my co-winner, it was more than I could ever have imagined. As a writer, it has become a major milestone in my career and for that I will forever be grateful. Thanks again to the BBC and the British Council for this amazing, life-changing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Simon Pitts, Commissioning Editor BBC World Service English, says: “We are pleased to announce the 29th International Audio Drama Competition, which celebrates emerging talent and storytelling through the exciting medium of audio drama. The competition discovers and develops voices from all around the world, showcasing original stories that bring new perspectives to life.
“Once again, two winning writers will be developing their scripts and participating in the studio sessions together with the BBC drama team and a professional cast. Last year’s winning entries The Mighty Corbeau and Steady Eyes were beloved by BBC World Service listeners, and we look forward to sharing more outstanding work on our global stage.”
Neil Webb, Director Theatre and Dance, British Council, says: “At the British Council, we help talented people find new opportunities and collaborate internationally, thereby growing the UK and international creative sectors. We’re excited to launch a fresh round of this inspiring competition, searching for writers who have stories to share and who are intrigued by the unique possibilities of audio drama.”
“This is a significant opportunity for two writers to work with the BBC to bring their plays to production and find a global audience. Last year’s winning entries brought us thoughtful, humorous voices from South Korea and Trinidad and Tobago, and I can’t wait to see (or hear) what writers around the world are thinking and dreaming about at this moment in time.”
The shortlisted scripts and judging panel will be announced in due course. Previous judges have included Kwame Kwei Armah, Dame Eileen Atkins, Doris Lessing, Roy Williams, Patricia Cumper and Nina Sosanya.
The International Audio Drama Competition welcomes scripts from anyone outside the UK, whether established or new writers. The dramas need to be between 40-50 minutes long and can be on any subject. The closing date for entries is 11.00 GMT on Wednesday 4 June 2025. Further details on the competition can be found at bbcworldservice.com/dramacompetition, where you’ll find full terms and privacy notice.
[Source: BBC press release]