U.S. Agency for Global Media awards lease securing VOA move to new Downtown D.C. headquarters

27 September 2024

U.S. Agency for Global Media awards lease securing VOA move to new Downtown D.C. headquarters

Today, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) awarded a new lease, cementing 1875 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW as its future headquarters and the home of Voice of America (VOA) – the oldest of the five broadcast entities the independent federal agency oversees. The agency’s move to a modern facility will save taxpayers more than $150 million over the course of its 15-year lease. The relocation will begin in the coming months and occur in phases over the next several years.

“Our move to 1875 Penn marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter that will reimagine USAGM for the future,” said USAGM CEO Amanda Bennett. “As one of the world’s biggest media organizations, our work remains critical – particularly in the face of censorship, malign influence and information manipulation at the hands of authoritarian regimes. Ensuring our continued ability to compete is the first and perhaps most vital step in winning the global information war. This move will dramatically enhance our technological capacity, and most importantly, improve our ability to reach audiences in regions without a free press. I am inspired by this incredible new era, and all that will be made possible because of it.”

USAGM and VOA’s move from the Wilbur J. Cohen Building will allow the agency to operate more efficiently and secure significant cost savings that can be reinvested in technology and infrastructure to expand its reach to key markets where malign influence and censorship pervade. Further, the move to a more efficient space echoes a broader push to reimagine federal workspaces across Washington, D.C.

The Cohen Building has been home to Voice of America and U.S. international public service broadcasting since 1954, and was recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists as a National Historic Site for Journalism in 2022. Originally built for the Social Security Administration and listed among the District of Columbia’s Inventory of Historic Sites, the Cohen Building exemplifies the Stripped Classical and Egyptian Revival styles popular at the time of its inception. However, it was never optimized for a modern news organization. Even so, the Cohen Building has served as an international hub for trusted news and information for generations.

“While the Cohen Building is full of great memories, the new headquarters offers Voice of America the opportunity to modernize its operations and facilities so that we are better positioned to fulfill our vital mission in a world where authoritarian powers are spending billions to undermine the free press and disrupt access to truthful news,” said Voice of America Director Michael Abramowitz.

The U.S. Agency for Global Media oversees five international broadcast entities, including the Voice of America, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, in addition to the Open Technology Fund and Frontline Media Fund, all of which seek to connect, inform and engage people around the world in support of freedom and democracy. Collectively, they provide trustworthy news and information to over 420 million people around the world weekly.

[Source: USAGM press release]

ABC and RNZ sign MoU

18 September 2024

ABC and RNZ sign MoU

Radio New Zealand (RNZ) and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, outlining a new framework for co-productions, sharing of content domestically and on each other’s international channels.

In a visit to RNZ offices in Wellington, ABC Managing Director David Anderson, ABCStrategy Director Mark Tapley and ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman met with RNZ Chief Executive Paul Thompson for the official signing of the new partnership.

Under the key tenets of the MOU, the ABC and RNZ will develop a productive and meaningful working relationship through collaborative projects and content sharing activity to serve audiences both domestically and across the Pacific.

The framework of the new agreement also identifies how both public broadcasters, through their regional broadcast efforts, will aim to promote access to high quality news, combat misinformation and provide content and services that inform, educate and entertain audiences.

Collaboration under the MOU has already begun with daily news sharing and content exchange between the ABC and RNZ News teams, as well as a radio and podcast co-production that will launch later this year.

RNZ Chief Executive and Editor in Chief Paul Thompson said the new partnership builds on the existing relationship: “We have so much in common with the ABC in terms of our shared opportunities and challenges as public media organisations, and this MOU allows us to learn from each other, to share content and even to consider how we might work together on co-productions.”

“The MOU also recognises the shared role we have in the Pacific to work collaboratively alongside local media partners to promote high-quality news and current affairs.”

ABC Managing Director David Anderson said: “As a fellow public broadcaster and close neighbour, the ABC has a deep history of working side-by-side with RNZ in fulfilling our responsibilities to serve our respective nations. We welcome this opportunity to explore new areas for collaboration and content exchange across our services and offerings.”

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman commented: “We are delighted to be formalising our partnership with RNZ; the MOU signifies an exciting and important next step in strengthening our friendship. By working together across new initiatives and projects, this agreement will support our shared commitment to continue delivering high-quality news, diverse regional storytelling and informative and entertaining content to audiences across the region.”

The AIBs 2024 – shortlist published

17 September 2024

The AIBs 2024 – shortlist published

Shortlist Announced for the AIBs 2024 – Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Journalism and Factual Productions

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) is delighted to announce the release of the shortlist for the 20th annual AIBs, an international competition that honours the finest achievements in journalism and factual productions across TV, radio, and digital platforms. The AIBs 2024 has marked an important milestone, with a record number of entries from more than 80 companies across 16 countries, totalling over 400 hours of high-calibre submissions.

The AIBs, which have set the standard for recognising journalistic excellence, are celebrating two decades of honouring the best in the industry. From news organisations to independent producers, the competition draws participants from every corner of the globe, highlighting the importance of diverse storytelling and factual reporting in today’s media landscape.

The event partner of this 20^th edition of the AIBs is Rti Radio Taiwan International, the multimedia public broadcaster headquartered in Taipei.

The winners will be announced at a prestigious gala event on 22 November 2024 at IET London: Savoy Place, a venue overlooking the River Thames. This year’s gala promises to be an unforgettable evening, with the unveiling of a specially commissioned trophy to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the AIBs. The event will bring together journalists, producers, directors, and industry leaders from around the world.

“The quality of the entries this year has been outstanding, reflecting the incredible work being done in journalism and factual production. We are thrilled to recognise the dedication and talent of all the shortlisted candidates and look forward to revealing the winners at our gala in November,” said Clare Fuller, Producer of the AIBs.

With 24 categories spanning a wide range of topics including investigative journalism, arts and culture, sustainability, and emerging talent, the AIBs continue to showcase the power of storytelling in shaping public discourse and informing global audiences.

The shortlist includes notable entries from BBC, CNA, CNN Worldwide, RNZ, CBC/Radio-Canada, Financial Times, and many others, representing the very best of global media. Judges, comprising international media professionals, will now review the finalists’ work to determine the winners.

For more information about the AIBs 2024 visit www.theaibs.tv.

The AIBs 2024 Event Details

Date: 22 November 2024

Location: IET London: Savoy Place, London, UK

Reserve places here

Al Arabiya News Network announces international expansion and new English show line-up

16 September 2024

Al Arabiya News Network announces international expansion and new English show line-up

Al Arabiya News Network, the Arab world’s leading source of news, announces its international expansion of its English-language news segments and the introduction of brand-new shows fronted by some of the world’s best-known journalists.

This strategic expansion highlights Al Arabiya’s commitment to delivering high-quality, comprehensive news coverage to viewers worldwide beyond its award-winning core Arabic-language TV channel and digital platforms.

Joining are a plethora of top names from the global news scene including Rosanna Lockwood, and Tom Burges Watson, who will be covering a wide range of topics from international politics and current affairs to culture and human-interest stories.

Mamdouh AlMuhaini, General Manager of Al Arabiya Network stated: “We are delighted to introduce Al Arabiya News Network’s English-language programming line-up. This international expansion reflects our dedication to providing our viewers with diverse perspectives and insightful analysis on the issues that matter most.

“We are looking forward to reaching new audiences around the world, providing them the trusted and accurate news coverage that our original Arabic network is known for.”

Global News Today (GNT) with Rosanna Lockwood

Backed by an industry-leading team, British journalist Rosanna Lockwood deploys her interviewing skills and deep journalism experience to bring viewers their daily dose of world news via compelling guests, expert insights, and analysis.

“Global News Today” encompasses wall-to wall coverage of the biggest global events – such as the recent UK General Election – and a comprehensive look at the issues shaping the world, while seeking to inform, educate and entertain.

About Rosanna Lockwood:

Working as a presenter and correspondent for major networks across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Rosanna Lockwood has fronted prime-time news shows from London, Istanbul, Moscow, Dubai, and Singapore. Prior to joining Al Arabiya News Network, Lockwood hosted her own daily news show on Talk TV in the UK. She has also presented for CNBC, MSNBC, Reuters, the BBC, Bloomberg TV, LBC, and ITN.

WE News with Tom Burges Watson

Fluent in English, French, Italian and Japanese (plus knowledge of basic Arabic), Tom Burges Watson joins Al Arabiya News Network as English-language news presenter. He brings with him nearly two decades of experience in television, radio, and print media.

Watson has rich experience in delivering breaking news and has covered major events such as the 2015 Paris attacks, the Beirut explosion, and the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

About Tom Burges Watson:

Until June 2024, Tom was the host of the evening news show “Prime News Paris” on France 24, a channel of which he was part of for the past 15 years. Alongside his role at France 24, Watson also worked as Paris Correspondent for Monocle Magazine. Prior to his time in France, Watson worked with CNN International in the United Kingdom.

TUNE IN NOW

Discover Al Arabiya News Network including its brand-new English content via Al Arabiya on free-to-air satellite TV, as well as the following online channels:

Global News Today (GNT) presented by Rosanna Lockwood: Live daily at 21:30 KSA / 18:30 GMT / 14:30 ET
We News presented by Tom Burges Watson: Live daily at 20:00 KSA / 17:00 GMT / 13:00 ET
English website: english.alarabiya.net
YouTube: AlArabiyaEnglish
Catch highlights on TikTok: @alarabiya_eng
And Instagram: @alarabiya_eng
All episodes can be found on Al Arabiya’s Facebook page & YouTube channel.
[Source: Al Arabiya press release]

France 24 English accessible on New Zealand’s DTT

16 September 2024

France 24 English accessible on New Zealand’s DTT

Already available on digital platforms in New Zealand, France 24 is launching its English channel on the Freeview DTT service in the country, which reaches 3.2 million users – 87% of the population.

Starting September 16, 2024, Freeview viewers can access France 24 English’s live broadcasts for free on channel #200 during the following time slots: weekdays from 1 am to 7 am and 12 pm to 1 pm, as well as weekends from 3 am to 9 am.

[Source: France 24 press release]

Pacific culture captured in new ABC’s Canvas of Oceans

16 September 2024

Pacific culture captured in new ABC’s Canvas of Oceans

From the team behind The Pacific, join presenters Alice Lolohea and Johnson Raela in Hawai’i as they explore the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) with Canvas of Oceans – a story of preservation and celebration of Pacific identity.

Watch a preview of Canvas of Oceans.

HOW TO WATCH:

Canvas of Oceans will premiere on ABC Australia, Sunday 15 September at 3:00pm Papua New Guinea (PNG) time, 4:00pm in Solomon Islands (SBT), 5:00pm in Fiji (FJT), 6:00pm in Tonga (T0T), 6:00pm in Samoa (WST) and 3:00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

Held every four years, the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) is the largest celebration of indigenous Pacific cultures. In June 2024, Hawai’i hosted the 13th FestPAC with over 2,500 delegates from 25 Pacific nations and territories coming together to share and celebrate their cultural connections.

Canvas of Oceans follows hosts of ABC Australia’s The Pacific, Alice Lolohea and Johnson Raela, as they travel to Hawai’i to document the vibrant and diverse cultural exchanges of FestPAC. From musical and dance performances to traditional and contemporary arts interspersed with moving conversations, the documentary captures the essence of FestPAC. By speaking with artists and cultural practitioners, Canvas of Oceans tells a story of celebration, preservation and the challenges faced by many Pacific communities grappling with the after-effects of colonisation as they strive to protect their cultural identity.

Canvas of Oceans also shares the deeply personal journeys experienced by presenters Lolohea and Raela as they uncover profound connections between their own cultural heritage and lives and celebrate the rich tapestry of Pacific cultures.

Presenter Alice Lolohea said: “Immersing ourselves in the culture and history of the wider Pacific brought me to tears. Witnessing the beautiful exchange of knowledge, traditional practices and aloha between Indigenous people of the Moana is an experience a textbook will never do justice.”

Johnson Raela added: “We already know Pacific arts is vibrant and entertaining, but we also know there’s a lot of deep hurt and loss of culture due to colonisation that artists and creatives from across the region are reclaiming – it’s these voices that we’ve tried to capture in this film.”

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said: “Canvas of Oceans is a beautifully crafted documentary, shot and produced by the talented team behind The Pacific. ABC Australia audiences can anticipate a moving and informative program, celebrating Pacific culture and storytelling from FestPAC.”