France Médias Monde strengthens collaboration with Mexican radio stations

4 December 2024

France Médias Monde strengthens collaboration with Mexican radio stations

Marie-Christine Saragosse, President and CEO of France Médias Monde, has signed two framework agreements to strengthen collaboration between RFI and Mexican public and university radio stations

The first is a tripartite framework agreement between France Médias Monde , La RED México, which brings together all of Mexico’s educational and cultural radio and TV stations, and the Federation of French Alliances of Mexico. This agreement was signed during a session with the remote participation of Fernando Sánchez Mejorada and Azucena Pimentel, respectively the outgoing president and new president of RED México, as well as Clémence Mayoral, coordinator of the Federation of French Alliances of Mexico.

This agreement makes available to RED México the original bilingual series of initiation to the French language of RFI “Parlez-vous Paris?” and “Les voisins du 12 bis“, adapted for Spanish speakers, and grants their broadcast on the airwaves of the network radios wishing to program them. These original series, produced by the “Langue française” service of RFI and which are part of the offer “Easy French with RFI“, and the dedicated teaching materials (teaching sheets, self-correcting exercises, comic strips, etc.) can also be used in classes by the thirty or so Alliances Françaises in Mexico, an observer member country of the OIF.

The second is a bilateral framework agreement between the Association of University Radios of Mexico (RRUM), represented remotely by its president Sandra Fernández Alaniz , and France Médias Monde.

This agreement aims to increase collaboration between RFI and the 22 university radio stations that are part of this network, several of which already broadcast RFI programs in Spanish in Mexico. It is intended to facilitate training and exchange projects between Mexican university radio stations and RFI, as well as to strengthen the promotion of the “RFI Award for reporting in Spanish”, which celebrated its 10th edition in 2024, among Mexican Universities.

Thanks in particular to these agreements and an active partnership policy, Mexico now constitutes RFI’s third largest listener base, and the Latin American country in which RFI has the largest number of partner radio stations that broadcast its content.

Image: Marie Christine Saragosse and Blanca Jiménez Cisneros at the signing of framework agreements, courtesy France Médias Monde

85 Years of ABC International

4 December 2024

85 Years of ABC International

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) celebrates 85 years as Australia’s trusted international voice.

On 20 December 1939, just after the start of WWII, Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies launched ABC Radio Australia, then called Australian Calling, to counter disinformation and propaganda from enemy forces. Since then, ABC International has undergone many changes. Today, it is engaging audiences in Asia and the Pacific and supporting media across the region through the work of two teams – ABC International Services and ABC International Development.

ABC Radio Australia and international television service ABC Australia reach nearly 11 million people each month and digital platforms ABC Pacific and ABC Asia are also experiencing rapid growth. Meanwhile, media capacity building activities, funded by the Australian Government through DFAT and managed by ABC International Development, continue to expand, promoting public interest journalism in the Asia Pacific.

As part of the birthday celebrations, ABC International has launched an interactive storytelling platform, the Indo-Pacific Media Map, which portrays the ABC’s activities, audiences and impact across the region.

This week, international audiences will also enjoy special birthday content on ABC Pacific, ABC Asia and ABC Radio Australia, including ABC Radio Australia Nesia Daily presenters Jacob McQuire and Michael Chow interviewing iconic former ABC Radio Australia identities and unearthing some of the biggest moments from the past 85 years of programming and an in-depth digital feature delving into ABC International’s fascinating past.

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said: “I am incredibly proud of ABC International’s legacy as the trusted and independent Australian voice for 85 years in the Asia Pacific region. As we take this moment to reflect on our journey, we also look to the future as we continue to grow our international audiences and deepen our connections, championing regional storytelling and a robust and independent media landscape.”

EXPLORE THE INDO-PACIFIC MEDIA MAP

Take a journey through the media landscape of Asia and the Pacific using our interactive platform, the Indo-Pacific Media Map, and discover the depth and impact of the ABC’s international activities: https://indopacificmediamap.abc.net.au/

NHK WORLD-JAPAN focus for December: Taking on the Mantle of Peace Ambassador

2 December 2024

NHK WORLD-JAPAN focus for December: Taking on the Mantle of Peace Ambassador

Taking on the Mantle of Peace Ambassador

Peace Messengers: No action too small Transmission dates to be announced Some 500 Japanese high school students have called for nuclear-arms abolition as peace ambassadors over the past 25 years. We meet some of these young people striving for peace.
Chasing the Chinese Dream in Africa Dec 14 Sat. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) As economic growth in China stagnates, young people travel to Africa pursuing new opportunities. They seek futures in Nigeria, which boasts the highest population and GDP on the continent.
Tokyo Metro Dec 13 Fri. 2:30/7:30/13:30/19:30 (UTC) A vast subway network beneath the streets of the metropolis: the Tokyo Metro. In the first-ever report from its HQ, we see how staff and drivers collaborate to achieve safety and punctuality.
Journeys in Japan Tuesdays 0:30/5:30/10:30/15:30/21:30 (UTC) Explore a different side of Japan. Meet the locals and discover traditions and cultures not usually found in guidebooks!

BBC World Questions heads to South Africa

2 December 2024

BBC World Questions heads to South Africa

BBC World Questions will be in Cape Town on Tuesday 10 December to bring together the public and leading political figures to discuss the future of the country.

Following South Africa’s general election in May, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority for the first time in 30 years, and has had to join forces with rivals The Democratic Alliance and eight other parties.

Is the Government of National Unity a cause for optimism? Or has governing South Africa become even more difficult? Democracy has been respected, the Rand has strengthened and many hope corruption will be put in retreat, but the big problems remain.

Inequality is stark, the crime rate is the highest in Africa, immigration is causing concern and half of young people are out of work. Can the different parties overcome their disagreements to deliver for the country?

The BBC World Service programme, which puts people and their questions at the heart of the debate, will be chaired by Jonny Dymond and recorded in front of a live audience from the Homecoming Centre in Cape Town.

The panel:

Nokuthula Nqaba, Secretary General of the African National Congress Women’s League
Solly Malatsi MP, Democratic Alliance – Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
Gayton McKenzie MP, Patriotic Alliance – Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Naledi Chirwa, Economic Freedom Fighters, Member of the National Council of Provinces

Gwenan Roberts, Commissioning Editor, BBC World Service English, says: “We’re delighted to be coming to Cape Town for the 100th edition of BBC World Questions during a significant period for the country. Following the recent election, this is a timely debate, and I look forward to hearing from the public on the issues that matter most to them.”

The programme will be recorded in English in front of a live audience on Tuesday 10 December.

BBC World Questions: South Africa will be first broadcast on BBC World Service English on Saturday 14 December. It will be available online after at bbc.com/worldserviceradio, on BBC Sounds and on most other podcast platforms. A TV recording of the debate will be broadcast internationally on the BBC News Channel from 4 January.

In memoriam: Linden Clark, former head of Radio New Zealand and originator of the AIBs

2 December 2024

In memoriam: Linden Clark, former head of Radio New Zealand and originator of the AIBs

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) mourns the passing of Linden Clark, who died peacefully at her home in Martinborough, New Zealand, on 29 November 2024, aged 62. Linden was the wife and best friend of Matthew Finn, and the twin sister of Cherry Wells, who lives in Devon, UK.

Linden Clark was instrumental in the creation of the AIBs, the Association’s annual International Media Excellence Awards. Established in 2005, the AIBs have become a prestigious event recognising excellence in journalism and factual productions across television, radio, and digital platforms. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the AIBs, a testament to Linden’s enduring vision and commitment to the broadcasting industry.

The AIB extends its deepest condolences to Linden’s family and friends during this difficult time. Her contributions to international broadcasting have left an indelible mark, and she will be remembered with profound respect and gratitude.

Image: Linden Clark at the AIB Global Media Business Conference in Prague, 2004, where the idea of establishing was first suggested by Linden

AIB Honours Sir Michael Palin with Lifetime Achievement Award

27 November 2024

AIB Honours Sir Michael Palin with Lifetime Achievement Award

Association for International Broadcasting rewards six decades of remarkable contribution to television

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) is delighted to announce that Sir Michael Palin has been awarded the AIB Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary contributions to broadcasting.

The accolade, presented during the 20^th annual AIBs ceremony in London, celebrates Sir Michael’s remarkable career spanning six decades, which has left an indelible mark on both documentary filmmaking and the world of comedy.

Sir Michael Palin first came to prominence as a gifted comedy writer and performer, gaining recognition through his work on The Frost Report on the BBC in the 1960s and as a founding member of the legendary Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The Pythons’ groundbreaking approach to comedy revolutionised television, and Sir Michael’s talents as a writer, actor, and comedian have made him a beloved figure worldwide.

In the years following his comedy success, Sir Michael started his celebrated career as a documentarian and travel presenter, showcasing a unique ability to connect with people and places. From his landmark series Around the World in 80 Days to Pole to Pole, Himalaya, and Sahara, Sir Michael’s documentaries combined warmth, wit, and insightful storytelling, bringing the wonders of the world into millions of homes.

“Sir Michael Palin is a true icon in broadcasting,” said Simon Spanswick, Chief Executive of the AIB. “His work has inspired audiences globally, blending humour, humanity, and curiosity in a way that few can achieve. Whether through his role in shaping modern comedy or his groundbreaking travel documentaries, Sir Michael has continuously set new standards of excellence. We are thrilled to honour his outstanding contributions to the industry with the AIB Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Over the course of his career, Sir Michael has received numerous accolades, including a knighthood for his services to travel, culture, and geography. His ability to transcend genres and connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds has cemented his status as one of the most versatile and influential figures in broadcasting history.

The AIB Lifetime Achievement Award recognises individuals whose work has made a significant and lasting impact on international broadcasting. The award underscores the global admiration that exists for his unparalleled achievements.