New partnership for ABC in New Caledonia

18 October 2024

New partnership for ABC in New Caledonia

The Australia–New Caledonia Media Partnership has been officially launched following the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and New Caledonian public broadcasters NC La 1ère and Caledonia TV.

This landmark partnership aims to foster greater cross-cultural exchange and strengthen cooperation between Australia and New Caledonia’s public service media organisations. The ABC’s international division has developed the agreements between the ABC, NC La 1ère and Caledonia TV which facilitate content sharing and future content collaborations.

The partnership was commemorated with a reception hosted by Australia’s Consul-General in New Caledonia, Ms. Annelise Young, at the Australian Consulate-General in Nouméa. Senior representatives from NC La 1ère and Caledonia TV, alongside ABC International Services Manager Nesryn Bouziane, attended the event to sign the MOUs and celebrate the new partnership.

As the foundation of the Australia–New Caledonia Media Partnership, these MOUs reflect the ABC’s commitment to closer cooperation with NC La 1ère and Caledonia TV. The partnership will focus on content exchange and sharing, with the ABC providing a range of current affairs, educational, and cultural programs — including The Pacific, ABC Australia’s flagship regional news program, which is now broadcast weekly on NC La 1ère.

The agreements also pave the way for the exchange of digital news and video footage for use in news bulletins and documentaries. This enhanced collaboration will strengthen the coverage of regional news and issues, benefiting the audiences of ABC, NC La 1ère, and Caledonia TV. Additionally, the partnership creates opportunities for future collaborations in regional events, co-productions, and content development.

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said: “The Australia–New Caledonia Media Partnership marks an exciting milestone in strengthening our regional ties with fellow broadcasters. We are eager to work closely with NC La 1ère and Caledonia TV to share valuable content and ideas. These MOUs represent a significant step forward in our collaborative efforts, allowing us to expand our programming and deliver even more diverse content to audiences in Australia and across the Pacific.”

Bénédicte Gambey, Regional Director of NC La 1ère, said: “This partnership rekindles the historic ties between public broadcasters ABC and NC La 1ère. We honour our predecessors who made it their mission to bring regional news into Caledonian homes and communities. Today, this partnership strengthens NC La 1ère’s role in informing the public and enriches our programming with content from the Pacific. In a hyper-connected world dominated by social media, where it’s nearly impossible to distinguish between news, rumours, or conspiracy theories, our agreement reaffirms the mutual commitment of media outlets that share the same ethics and respect for our people.”

Pierre Welepa, General Director of Calédonia TV, said: “Since Calédonia was founded 10 years ago, we have strived to be a ‘window to the world,’ particularly to our beautiful Pacific region, while also serving as a ‘mirror’ of Caledonian identity. This historic agreement with ABC allows us to further integrate our region’s cultural diversity and languages into our programming, while partnering with the oldest media outlet in the South Pacific. It is also an opportunity to share more of Caledonia’s authenticity across the Pacific, something the ABC understands and supports as we open up to the world. This new visibility comes at a time when it’s more important than ever to keep our connection to the Pacific alive.”

CNA launches on UK’s Freeview

17 October 2024

CNA launches on UK’s Freeview

Asia-based news and current affairs brand CNA‘s free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel is now available on Freeview 276.

Previously available via Channelbox on channel 271, the move to its own Freeview channel enhances accessibility for a larger audience in the UK.

CNA’s availability on Freeview was facilitated by Global Distribution Services, content aggregation and distribution company, specialising on FAST Freeview distribution and monetisation. The channel is monetised via the cutting edge SSAI and uses the latest CMP from Synapse which is compatible with Freeview, Freely and other DTT platforms.

Positioned to “Understand Asia”, CNA reports on global developments with Asian perspectives and delivers high-quality news and programming including daily news updates from Asia, acclaimed investigative documentary series and history travelogues.

Tanya Kronfli, Global Distribution Service’s founder and director added, “We are thrilled to support CNA in this expansion. Our goal has always been to foster diversity through authentic narratives and firsthand perspectives.”

CNA is hosting a launch event for its UK distribution in London on 21 November, and CNA anchor and journalist Otelli Edwards will be hosting the AIBs 2024 in London on 22 November.

Blue Chalk Announces Acquisition by the Auspicious Group

4 October 2024

Blue Chalk Announces Acquisition by the Auspicious Group

Blue Chalk Media, an award-winning production company known for its distinctive cinematic nonfiction storytelling, is excited to announce that it has been acquired by the Auspicious Group, a new global creative services agency based in London.

This exciting milestone comes as Blue Chalk celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a new chapter in the company’s growth while continuing its commitment to authentic, people-focused storytelling.

Since its founding a decade ago, Blue Chalk has enjoyed a reputation for producing powerful work that resonates with audiences worldwide. From its roots in producing award-winning branded content to its recent Emmy-nominated television series and feature-length documentaries, Blue Chalk seeks to tell stories that touch audiences by reminding us of our common humanity.

After a multi-decade career in senior management roles for a variety of non-fiction television brands, including Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, and Food Network, Blue Chalk’s founder, Greg Moyer will continue to serve as CEO of the company. Moyer’s business partner and co-owner Pam Huling will assume the new role of Chief Revenue Officer focused on new business development.

“This acquisition is the beginning of an exciting new era for Blue Chalk,” said Moyer. “Over the last decade, we have created hundreds of projects that have sparked joy, not only for our clients but for everyone who has worked on them. As we look to the future with the Auspicious Group we’re incredibly excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for our clients, our work, and our team. With the Auspicious Group’s intention to become a global player in the creative services sector and the wealth of experience of its leaders, we’re confident this acquisition will allow us to bring our capabilities to new markets while continuing to produce the quality of work that has made us a leader in our industry.”

The Auspicious Group, which is also celebrating its launch today, is led by three of the United Kingdom’s most experienced creative services entrepreneurs. Rachel Pendered, co-founder of the Media Zoo Group and a former NatWest and Management Today Entrepreneur of the Year, is Co-CEO alongside Barnaby Cook, the co-founder of Casual Films and presenter of The Exit Plan podcast. Mark Killick, a former BBC Creative Director and winner of the PRCA Award for Outstanding Contribution during Covid-19, assumes the Chair position.

They are joined by Grace Cook, a commercial and partnerships director with more than 15 years of experience in events, sales, and marketing. The presence of Grace as a shareholder and board director means Auspicious can proudly say it is a majority female-owned endeavor.

Alongside Blue Chalk, the Auspicious Group has acquired Studio Yes, a UK-based award-winning creative video production studio. Its films are distinctive, powerful and all carry its trademark creativity and positive attitude.

Auspicious Co-CEO Barnaby Cook says, “Blue Chalk and Studio Yes are both best in class and each sits in its own creative space. We believe with the collaborative and creative culture we will establish, Auspicious will be much more than the sum of its parts.”

“I’m looking forward to having a US focus again. In Blue Chalk we have an established and renowned brand that gives us fantastic access to the biggest market in the world.”

Auspicious Co-CEO Rachel Pendered adds, “We have an extremely talented and experienced team that will deliver exceptional quality work for clients at pace and at price. We have listened deeply to what the industries we serve want and have curated a group of companies from film and learning to social and digital to maximize client delight.”

“What’s more, the Auspicious Group is a proud majority-owned female business. I believe there is still a huge opportunity in viewing the world through the female gaze, with untapped potential in so many sectors, from femtech and pharma to banking and broadcasting.”

Auspicious is also launching Auspicious Global, a specialist communications, digital learning, social, crisis, and reputation management agency, whose team has a proven track record of providing outstanding internal and external creative services for brands across the world.

Global has already attracted a number of blue-chip clients, including one of the world’s largest businesses, an international holdings company, and a leading asset manager.

Mark Killick, Auspicious Chair, says, “It’s flattering that businesses that already know us from the past are so keen to work with us again. Global will be the workhorse of the group and is already developing some really exciting projects.”

Image: From left to right: Auspicious Co-CEO, Rachel Pendered, Blue Chalk Founder and CEO Greg Moyer, Blue Chalk Chief Revenue Officer Pam Huling, and Auspicious Co-CEO, Barnaby Cook

Channelbox brings new Africa channels to UK’s Freeview digital terrestrial TV

3 October 2024

Channelbox brings new Africa channels to UK’s Freeview digital terrestrial TV

In celebration of Black History Month Channelbox launched two new channels from Africa: Nigbati and 4ACETV on Freeview UK channel 271.

Symbolically debuting in October, Black History Month, 4ACETV embraces the rich contributions of Black artists and musicians, celebrating their influence across genres like Afrobeat, Grime, and RNB. This launch not only highlights diverse musical expressions but also serves as a reminder of the vital role that Black culture plays in shaping the global music landscape.

Nigbati TV is a dedicated 24-hour entertainment channel celebrating the culture, tradition, and language of the Yoruba people. Nigbati TV aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Yoruba culture both within and beyond the Yoruba-speaking community, serving as a vital platform for cultural preservation and promotion.

Together, these channels will showcase the richness of Black stories, traditions, and artistry, fostering a broader appreciation of vibrant narratives within the community and beyond.

Channelbox, a prominent player in the UK broadcasting landscape, is committed to delivering a broad range of high-quality, diverse content to viewers nationwide. Available on Freeview channel 271, Freely 561 and through Channelbox’s mobile applications, the platform offers over 70 TV channels and supports FAST channel monetization, enhancing its appeal to both viewers and advertisers.

Tanya Kronfli, Head of Business Development at Channelbox, commented, “We are excited to welcome Nigbati TV and 4ACETV to our platform. This additions not only broadens our content offering but also aligns with our mission to deliver diverse and engaging programming that resonates with our audience.”

Solomon Islanders get extra radio coverage, including ABC Radio Australia

3 October 2024

Solomon Islanders get extra radio coverage, including ABC Radio Australia

People in the provincial capital of Malaita Province, Auki in Solomon Islands and surrounding communities will now be able to hear the national service of the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation on its FM 96.3 frequency on their transistor radios, inside their vehicles and on their mobile phones.

This follows the installation of an FM 96.3 transmitter on a Solomon Telekom transmission tower in Auki during the past several days.

At the same time, listeners in Auki and surrounding communities will also hear the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Radio Australia service on FM 107.

“This great milestone has been achieved as SIBC celebrated its 72nd anniversary of broadcasting in this country early this week. Our listeners in Auki and surrounding communities will now listen to programmes from the national service in Honiara through livestream with much clearer digital audio,” says an excited SIBC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Johnson Honimae.

“This is another step forward in the implementation of the Unity FM service that has been part of the strategy of the Corporation in the past several years. This adds on to the FM 96.3 in Honiara and in Gizo in the Western Province.”

Mr Honimae adds, “SIBC would not have achieved the FM service in Auki without the great support of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation through the supply of equipment and engineers supported by SIBC’s own engineers who set up the two FM transmitters in the past several days.”

The project is a great achievement for the two public service broadcasters under a current three-year Memorandum of Understanding. As part of the relationship SIBC and ABC share among other things, technical expertise, including SIBC infrastructure to enable ABC to broadcast in Solomon Islands. ABC and SIBC broadcast technicians work closely together.

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said: “We are delighted that our two teams were able to come together to execute this exciting new development in FM transmission, connecting communities across Auki and the Malaita Province. The collaboration between our technical teams encapsulates the true spirit of our longstanding friendship and partnership with SIBC. We congratulate them on the tremendous milestone of their 72nd anniversary and look forward to future opportunities to support one another’s work as public broadcasters.”

Both public service broadcasters also participate in content exchanges in areas such as news and current affairs, sport, music, lifestyle and general interest content. Staff exchanges are also possible under the SIBC-ABC MoU.

SIBC is now in discussions with the Malaita Provincial Government for a piece of land for the establishment of an FM studio in Auki to produce programs focused on Malaita Province. Auki FM 96.3 will currently broadcast programs from the SIBC National Service in Honiara.

Listeners to SIBC in Malaita Province can also receive the National Service on AM 1035khz and SW 5020 khz and online: sibconline.com.sb.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN focus in October: The Sound of Vietnam – Dramatizing 50 years of friendship

1 October 2024

NHK WORLD-JAPAN focus in October: The Sound of Vietnam – Dramatizing 50 years of friendship

The Sound of Vietnam – dramatizing 50 years of friendship

The Sound of Vietnam Ep.1 Oct 5 Sat. Ep.2 Oct 12 Sat. Ep.3 Oct 19 Sat. 1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC) While the Vietnam Symphony Orchestra faces a threat to its survival, a Japanese conductor is chosen to save it! The story’s protagonist is a young Japanese conductor, Sakura Kazuo. Following a chance encounter, Kazuo is asked to rebuild the Vietnamese orchestra. With a strong belief to fulfill what he promised, he travels to the country and passionately gives guidance. However, he soon finds himself facing many difficulties.
Legendary Games Chronicle: Final Fantasy Oct 11 Fri. 2:30/7:30/13:30/19:30 (UTC) In this episode revealing the start of a famous Japanese game series, we journey into the origin of the legendary RPG Final Fantasy by meeting its creators.