2 July 2015
- Bringing a wealth of media experience with him, Rob Fox joins arvato Systems’ New York office as VP, Media
- Rob Fox worked previously for the global news giant CNN and Rohde & Schwarz, handling Broadcast Markets for their DVS Server & Storage products
- arvato Systems will strengthen their presence in North America
arvato Systems is pleased to welcome Rob Fox to arvato Systems North America. He joins the New York office as VP, Media where he reports to Frank Zimmermann, CEO at arvato Systems North America.
With a career history spanning some of North America’s most prestigious suppliers and broadcast companies, from Avid to CNN, Rob Fox is expected to make a significant contribution to arvato Systems North America. His tasks will include working with the existing team to strengthen arvato Systems position in the USA with particular focus on Digital Media Management products including arvato Systems flagship MAM product, VPMS. Being a market leader in Germany for many years, arvato Systems solutions are increasingly used in North America. Hence, Rob is going to build a sales, delivery, and service unit to serve the growing demand for professional broadcast and media software in the US. His recruitment is another demonstration of arvato Systems continuing commitment to and engagement with the North American market.
In his most recent position, Fox handled Broadcast Markets for DVS Server and Storage products at Rohde & Schwarz. Previously, he had his own video consulting and project services company, Fox Rox Productions.
For over 10 years Rob worked at CNN in New York City where his roles included Director of Operations for their financial network CNNfn and Director of Media Operations at the New York Broadcast Studios in the Time Warner Center. Fox also spent 3 years at Avid as the Manager of Network Operations for their broadcast clients in NY and LA.
“I’m looking forward immensely to the new role. I hope to use my broadcast knowledge and extensive network to support the arvato Systems team as they expand and grow. Digital transformation is at the heart of arvato Systems and the time is right for products such as VPMS to find their place in North American markets,” says Fox.
“We are pleased to have recruited such an enthusiastic and dynamic player in the world of broadcast technology,” comments Holger Noske, VP Digital Media Management at arvato Systems S4M GmbH. “We expect Rob’s experience and expertise to play a significant role in taking arvato Systems to the next level in the USA and Canada”.
About arvato Systems
As global next generation IT systems integrator arvato Systems focuses on “Digital Transformation Solutions”. We use the technology talent and expertise of over 3,000 people at more than 25 sites throughout the world. Being a part of the arvato network and belonging to Bertelsmann, we have the unique capability to create entire value chains. Our team creates integrated, future-proof business infrastructures that help make our customers more agile and competitive, and enable them to deliver new standards of service to their customers. We create streamlined digital processes that support innovative business models. Moreover we provide operation and support services.
Customers from the world of media, one of our core areas of expertise, can also benefit from these solutions. Custom-tailored arvato Systems solutions for broadcast management, media asset management, and publishing, enhanced by marketing and enterprise solutions are in use today in more than 30 countries.
arvato Systems offers an exceptional combination of international IT engineering excellence, the open mindset of a global player, and the dedication of employees. We also ensure that all our customer relationships are as personally rewarding and long-lasting as they are successful. www.arvato-systems.com
2 July 2015
Intelsat EpicNG will enable Axesat to meet diverse range of customers’ needs while consolidating operations previously spread across multiple satellite platforms
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), the world’s leading provider of satellite services, today announced that Axesat S.A. has signed a multi-year agreement for satellite services on the high-performance Intelsat EpicNG platform. Axesat, the largest provider of satellite-based corporate networks in Colombia, selected the Intelsat 29e satellite as the best choice to support the growing needs of its corporate enterprise customers as well as its cellular backhaul customers throughout Latin America.
Under the agreement, Axesat will consolidate services spread across multiple satellites and operators, including Intelsat 805 and Intelsat 14, onto Intelsat 907 at 332.5°E and Intelsat 29e at 310°E. This will enable Axesat to deliver services to a diverse group of customers and, with the flexibility of Intelsat’s satellite services, to tailor unique solutions for each.
Intelsat 29e, scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2016, features the most advanced digital payload in the commercial satellite market, bringing unprecedented power, efficiency and accessibility to the marketplace. Its combination of high-power Ku-band spot beams, wide beams, open architecture design and backward compatibility will enable Axesat to easily integrate Intelsat EpicNG into its existing network with minimal upfront capital expenditures. This will result in increased efficiencies and allow Axesat to focus on growing its business and expanding into new geographic areas.
“We reviewed many high throughput satellite (HTS) options and committed to Intelsat EpicNG because it provides the improved efficiency and hardware independence that we considered vital to our plans,” said Mauricio Segovia, President of Axesat. “Intelsat will allow us to seamlessly integrate HTS into our existing network, deliver more bandwidth and cost-efficient commercial solutions to our corporate and cellular backhaul customers, as well as support our growth strategies in the countries where we operate.”
“We designed Intelsat EpicNG to bring more power, better economics and make satellite more accessible to existing and potential customers. This enables companies such as Axesat to easily scale their existing infrastructure and take full advantage of HTS to meet the burgeoning demands for broadband connectivity in the region,” said Kurt Riegelman, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Intelsat. “With 3G networks on the rise in Latin America and the need for rural connectivity never greater, the Intelsat EpicNG platform will allow Axesat to capture growth in existing markets, expand their services into new locations and, importantly, improve broadband connectivity in the areas they wish to serve.”
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2 July 2015
This week, RFE/RL marked its 20th anniversary in the Czech Republic in an event convened under the auspices of Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka and attended by dignitaries from over 22 countries.
In his keynote remarks, Prime Minister Sobotka recalled listening to RFE/RL as a student in Czechoslovakia.
“I want to thank RFE/RL not only for the last 20 years, but…for the indispensable help in difficult times of oppression, for being a fixed point in space of objectivity in a universe of disinformation, for providing a sense of direction for so many listeners, and for disseminating the voices of freedom,” he said.
Sobotka announced the award of two Karel Kramar medals for national service to former RFE/RL Czechoslovak Service Director Pavel Pechacek and former RFE/RL President Kevin Klose. Pechacek was the only independent journalist to report to audiences in their native Czech language directly from Wenceslas Square during the 1989 Velvet Revolution. Klose led RFE/RL during the move to Prague in 1995. The medals will be presented to the recipients during the Prime Minister’s visit to the U.S. this fall.
Representing the Broadcasting Board of Governors at the event, Ambassador Ryan Crocker paid tribute to the importance of informed media in conflict zones, and the courage of RFE/RL journalists working on the front lines in Ukraine, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.
U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Andrew Schapiro expressed the United States’ deep appreciation for the U.S.-Czech bilateral relationship and their partnership in supporting RFE/RL.
RFE/RL began broadcasting from Munich to the former Soviet Union and eastern and central Europe in 1950, moving its operations to Prague in 1995 at the invitation of then Czech President Vaclav Havel. Sixty-five years after its first broadcast, RFE/RL is a leading innovator in international media, reaching an audience of 23.3 million people in 24 countries and 28 languages on TV, web, social networks, and mobile platforms.
About RFE/RL
RFE/RL is a private, independent international news organization whose programs — radio, Internet, television, and mobile — reach influential audiences in 21 countries, including Russia, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the republics of Central Asia and the Caucasus. It is funded by the U.S. Congress through the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG).
1 July 2015
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s multimedia expansion and rapid growth was the focus of today’s Broadcasting Board of Governors meeting held in Prague, Czech Republic. The Board traveled to the RFE/RL headquarters to tour the facilities, meet the staff and learn more about the network’s operations.
With 18 bureaus and more than 1,000 journalists on the ground, RFE/RL continues to expand its traditional media outlets while also creating new, innovative ways to distribute the news to more than 23.3 million people a week – a 13 percent increase since the previous fiscal year.
“It’s been a demanding and exciting year for RFE/RL,” said Nenad Pejic, Editor-in-Chief and co-interim manager. “Our top priority was launching new Russian-language programming providing fair and balanced independent reporting on Russia and the region; We did this.”
He went on to detail the growth of Current Time, a popular news and information program jointly produced with Voice of America. Launched in October, Current Time now airs on 15 private and public television channels throughout the Russian periphery. In May, RFE/RL and VOA began producing weekend editions, and next month a Central Asian version of the program is expected to launch.
Governor Ken Weinstein noted the pace of change at the network, adding that the “energy level is impressive.”
Many of the changes outlined in the network’s presentation included a new video production capability fueled by extensive training and the construction of television studios, as well as a robust television affiliate outreach effort. A revamped digital strategy to engage audiences on multiple platforms was also discussed in detail. RFE/RL’s Russian Service, for example, operates on four key platforms: its website (average around 6 million visits per month), Facebook page (340,000 followers), Twitter (more than 120,000 followers) and YouTube (more than 1.6 million views monthly).
Governor Michael Kempner opened the meeting by reporting on the numerous threats journalists in the BBG networks have faced. He echoed the State Department’s urging for the release of Radio Free Asia Uyghur Service reporter Shohret Hoshur’s brothers who have been arrested by Chinese authorities in retaliation for Hoshur’s reporting. Additionally, Kempner called for the release of imprisoned RFE/RL contributor Khadija Ismayilova, who has been detained since December 2014. Kempner also noted the dangerous situation for VOA stringers in Burundi, one of whom had a grenade thrown at her house, and for independent Cuban journalists who contribute to the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, three of whom were arrested on World Press Freedom Day.
“It’s been an honor to be able to meet with the motivated and dedicated team here at RFE/RL,” said Kempner. “We’ve been incredibly impressed with the work we’ve seen. Your work is critical to democratic success.” (BBG press release)
30 June 2015
In a new travel series which began on Monday 29 June, Euronews is sending its viewers Postcards from Kazakhstan.
Famous landmarks and hidden treasures of the Central Asian country are the focus of this colourful weekly programme presented and produced by Seamus Kearney.
Located between Russia and China, and straddling part of the Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan has a rich cultural heritage and history.
Snapshots highlight some of the best attractions, from modern architecture in the capital Astana to historic sites along the ancient Silk Road.
As well as the on-air episodes, Euronews offers extra insights on www.euronews.com/postcards.
The five episodes of Postcards from Kazakhstan feature the following five tourist sites:
The Bayterek Tower in Astana
Episode 1: Monday 29 June at 18:45 CET
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The new series begins in the capital of Kazakhstan, with a monument that has become emblematic of the city. Construction of the Bayterek Tower began in 1997, the year the capital was moved from Almaty to Astana. |
The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkistan
Episode 2: Monday 6 July at 18:45 CET
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We visit the south of Kazakhstan and the ancient Silk Road city of Turkistan. Here the spectacular mausoleum dominates the landscape, attracting tens of thousands of Muslim pilgrims from far and wide. |
The Medeu & Shymbulak mountain resorts near Almaty
Episode 3: Monday 13 at 18:45 CET
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The third postcard comes from Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan. A nearby mountain valley provides breathtaking scenery, but it’s also popular for year-round leisure activities for locals and holidaymakers. |
The Aisha Bibi mausoleum in Taraz
Episode 4: Monday 20 at 18:45 CET
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Taraz is one of the most ancient cities in Kazakhstan, where historic sites are being restored. One of them is the beautiful Aisha Bibi mausoleum, which dates back to between the 11th and 12th centuries. |
Monument to the founders of the Kazakh Khanate in Astana
Episode 5: Monday 27 at 18:45 CET
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For the end of the series of Postcards from Kazakhstan we return to the capital, where people are this year marking the 550th anniversary of the Kazakh statehood. To get a feel for the history, there’s no better place to go than a monument to its founders. |
About Seamus Kearney
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Before joining Euronews in 2003, Seamus Kearney worked as a journalist and producer for various media organisations including the BBC, Radio France International and Radio New Zealand.He recently presented and produced the Euronews programme Right On, which examined European justice and citizens’ rights issues.
Seamus has also produced Urban Visions, Focus, Life and Postcards programmes from various countries, including Russia, the US, South Korea, Brazil, Singapore, Macedonia and Ukraine, and continues to report on international and European affairs. |
About Euronews
Euronews, the most-watched news channel in Europe, is an independent and multi-platform media hub. Euronews covers news worldwide, offering a unique perspective on events through factual analysis. Six hundred journalists, from more than 30 countries, report round-the-clock in 13 editions (Arabic, English, Persian, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish and Ukrainian). Established in 1993 in Lyon, France, the channel is received by 420 million homes in 156 countries, and offers a complete range of products: websites, smart TV, radio, on-board technology (for cars), and portable technology (mobile apps, smartwatch).
In 2015 Euronews will launch Africanews, the first pan-African multilingual news channel.
Find Euronews in your country: click here
26 June 2015
Australia’s public broadcaster, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and one of Asia’s leading media companies, MediaCorp, have signed a partnership agreement between their international platforms.
The agreement was signed in Singapore on 26 June 2015 and sees both companies exploring opportunities for future programme and content exchange and co-production between its various platforms on television, radio and online. The cooperation includes providing news talent for live crosses and the exchange of news footage between Australia Plus TV and the partnership is applicable to regional broadcaster Channel NewsAsia and MediaCorp’s other language channels as well as radio stations. The journalism is also applicable to the whole array of media properties that both companies own, from traditional free-to-air platforms to digital entities.
In an increasingly interconnected and digital world, media organisations have to constantly seek partnerships and evolve to provide the best content for their audiences. Having a rich and diverse source of content is one way to ensure continued relevancy and access to news whenever it happens in the world.
CEO of ABC International, Ms Lynley Marshall, said: “Channel News Asia sets a benchmark for quality international broadcasting across Asia. As we extend and enrich our content and services to audiences across the region, we are delighted to have reached an agreement that will enable both companies to leverage our respective knowledge, content and platforms.”
MediaCorp’s Head of News and Premier, Ms Debra Soon, added, “With pressure on news organisations to stay relevant, report faster, expand our digital offerings and meet our competitors head on, media organisations, need to find ways to work together without compromising our business objectives or standards. We look forward to working with ABC to explore how we can do so.”
Channel NewsAsia, an English language Asian TV news channel, was established by MediaCorp in 1999 and is now viewed in 26 territories across Asia. ABC International manages the digital and social media brand Australia Plus, including AustraliaPlus.cn, as well as the 24/7 subscription television service Australia Plus TV which is available in 40 countries across the Asia Pacific region.
