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.

BBC World Service in Kuala Lumpur to record The Arts Hour On Tour

11 November 2024

BBC World Service in Kuala Lumpur to record The Arts Hour On Tour

BBC World Service is bringing its flagship arts and culture programme The Arts Hour on Tour to Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday 26 November 2024, featuring live performances and interviews with leading creatives from the city and country.

The programme will feature live performances and star guest interviews with Malaysian creatives who will join BBC presenter Nikki Bedi on stage, along with a live audience, to discuss the themes of cultural life in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia right now.

Guests include screen star Sharifah Amani, whose latest film La Luna is Singapore’s submission to next year’s Oscars and tells the story of a woman who opens a lingerie shop in a conservative Malaysian village.

Film director Ng Ken Kin talks about Pendatang, his crowdfunded film, available to watch on YouTube, which depicts a fictitious dystopian Malaysia, where different races are forbidden to live together.

There will be live music from the extraordinarily talented Kuala Lumpur singer-songwriter Takahara Suiko, and from the phenomenal Sabahan band Tuni Sundatang with sensational singer, Dabra Sia, whose collaborations are fusing the folkloric traditions of Borneo with contemporary rock music.

Recorded in English for BBC World Service Radio, The Arts Hour on Tour visits cities all over the world to explore their hottest cultural trends by talking to the artists who live and work there, promoting cultural exchange across the world.

We are especially excited to visit Malaysia, with its rich mix of cultures, ancient and modern, and we hope to create an amazing opportunity for Malaysian talents and culture to be heard by our worldwide audience.

The show will be broadcast on BBC World Service Radio, to millions of listeners worldwide.

Everyone is invited to register to attend for free and be part of the audience for the recording:

Date: Tuesday 26 November
Venue: Playhouse @ The Campus Ampang
Address: Jalan Kerja Air Lama, 68000 Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia
Doors open at 7.15pm for a prompt 8pm start

Please register for FREE seat reservations here

ABC Radio Australia expands FM transmission service in Lorengau, Papua New Guinea

11 November 2024

ABC Radio Australia expands FM transmission service in Lorengau, Papua New Guinea

Residents of Lorengau in Papua New Guinea (PNG) can now tune into ABC Radio Australia on 101.9FM and enjoy its full suite of news, sports, music, culture and health programming.

The launch of the new transmission site in Manus Province, in Papua New Guinea’s northern region, marks a new milestone for ABC Radio Australia and its ongoing FM footprint expansion.

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said: “We are delighted to be reaching new audiences in Lorengau and to continue to deliver on our commitment to expand ABC Radio Australia’s transmission footprint. We invite listeners in and around Lorengau to explore the growing offering of programs available every day, connecting its residents with the latest in regional news, conversations and music.”

Manager of Audio Output and Strategy Justine Kelly who oversees the ABC Radio Australia network said: “It has been a tremendous year at ABC Radio Australia with new presenters, the growth of new bespoke programming that includes even more topics of interest from across the region, and the expansion of our transmission network reaching new audiences. We’re thrilled that Lorengau is now on-air and broadcasting the incredible stories, voices and music of ABC Radio Australia.”

ABC Radio Australia has a long-standing commitment to Papua New Guinea and its diverse regions and audiences, and the new Lorengau service comes in addition to existing services in locations including Port Moresby, Lae, Goroka, Mount Hagen, Arawa (Bougainville) and Kokopo.

WAYS TO LISTEN:

There are multiple ways to listen to ABC Radio Australia – live via internet streaming or in your area through 24-hour FM stations, or catch up with full episodes on ABC Pacific online.

ABC Radio Australia is available in Papua New Guinea on 101.9FM in Port Moresby, Lae, Goroka, Mount Hagen, Arawa (Bougainville), Kokopo and Lorengau.