MBC Group’s “Top Chef” chooses Saudi Arabia’s NEOM for latest season production

1 July 2024

MBC Group’s “Top Chef” chooses Saudi Arabia’s NEOM for latest season production

MBC GROUP, the largest and leading media organisation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), is joining forces with NEOM Media Industries, the premier global media hub, to launch the production of the much-anticipated eighth season of “Top Chef”.

Bringing a new creative direction to the acclaimed reality TV series in the region, the latest season of “Top Chef” marks a partnership that promises a fusion of competitive culinary arts with ultra-modern urban development.

Originally launched by Bravo in the United States, “Top Chef” centres around chefs competing against each other in various culinary challenges. The contestants are judged by a panel of professional chefs and other notable personalities from the food and beverage industry, with one or more contestants eliminated at the end of each episode.

In the region, the Arabic version by MBC GROUP has so far been filmed in locations across the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. NEOM marks the latest exciting location for the programme in the Kingdom.

Samar Akrouk, MBC GROUP’s Director of Production and General Manager of MBC STUDIOS, commented: “NEOM offers a visionary setting for the culinary excellence demonstrated in ‘Top Chef’. Bringing the show to NEOM is not merely a change of location; it is a significant step in redefining the future of filming in the Kingdom. This eighth season will merge the high-energy competition that viewers expect with a strong emphasis on ecological awareness and sustainable living, reflecting the core values of NEOM as a city of the future.”

She continued: “The latest season’s contestants will be taking on challenges that require innovative thinking and a sustainable approach, echoing the principles upon which NEOM is built. These challenges have been designed to inspire contestants to think about food in its relation to the environment. For example, from using locally sourced ingredients to integrating energy-efficient cooking methods, each episode will contribute to a narrative of planetary stewardship.”

NEOM MEDIA VILLAGE

Production of the new season of “Top Chef” will take place in the NEOM Media Village, home to four world-class sound stages and resort-style lodgings for cast & crew, with every episode featuring rigorous challenges designed to push the chefs’ skills to the limit. In addition to the bootcamp-style concept, the programme will also feature special appearances by a series of international and regional guest judges, including those who run some of the world’s top Michelin-star restaurants. Their expertise and discerning palates will no doubt add an extra layer of excitement to each episode, elevating the competition to new heights.

Wayne Borg, Managing Director for Media Industries, NEOM, stated: “NEOM has cemented its position as the regional hub for non-scripted formats, attracting top global talent to create unmissable TV content. NEOM’s unparalleled range of sound stages, backlots, offices, workshops, support services, and other facilities meet the evolving needs of large-scale formats. We are delighted to reaffirm our ongoing partnership with MBC as we embark on the latest season of ‘Top Chef.’ This collaboration underscores our mutual commitment to advancing the local ecosystem, as we continue to support MBC with an ambitious slate of premium content.

In just two years, NEOM has facilitated over 40 productions encompassing Hollywood, Bollywood, Arabic, and Saudi feature films, alongside high-quality TV documentaries, non-scripted entertainment, scripted productions, and commercials.

The eighth season of “Top Chef” is currently in production, with the series launching on MBC GROUP’s TV channels later this year. Previous editions of “Top Chef” in the region have featured judges including acclaimed chefs Yannick Alléno, Andoni Luis Aduriz, Éric Fréchon, Alex Atala, Éric Briffard, Ghislaine Arabian, Jean-François Piège, Michel Sarran, Alan Geaam, David Rocco, Sébastien Vauxion, and Michael Mina.

[Source: MBC press release]

NHK WORLD-JAPAN programme focus on hard-hitting documentaries

1 July 2024

NHK WORLD-JAPAN programme focus on hard-hitting documentaries

Documentaries 360

Gaza Crisis: Two In-depth Interviews July 6 Sat. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) Our topic is the Gaza Crisis. Is there a path to a lasting solution? We seek fresh insights from two experts: A scholar in the US with roots in Israel and a Palestinian scholar in Canada.
Missing Family with Dementia July 14 Sun. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) In Japan, many people with dementia leave their homes, wander off, and are never seen again. Now, communities are developing measures to locate the missing and reunite them with their loved ones.
Discovering Tomorrow’s Manga Masters July 21 Sun. 1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC) Ten rookie manga creators from around the world have assembled in a small town in southwestern Japan. We follow their daily struggle to become world-class manga creators.
Where We Call Home Mondays 0:30/5:30/10:30/15:30/21:30 (UTC) People from around the globe who put down roots in Japan offer a glimpse into their lives and the hardships they face in Japanese society.

Russia bans European media outlets

28 June 2024

Russia bans European media outlets

Russia’s Foreign Ministry has announced bans on a large number of media companies – broadcast, digital and print – based in EU Member States. The move is in response to the continuing bans in place in the EU that prohibit many Russian media outlets from being broadcast in EU Member States.

In a statement on 25 June, the Ministry said:

In response to the May 17 decision of the EU Council, banning broadcasting by three Russian media outlets, including RIA Novosti, Izvestia MIC and Rossiyskaya Gazeta, effective as of today, June 25, countermeasures are being introduced that limit access to broadcasting resources in the Russian Federation for media outlets of the EU member states and EU media operators that systemically spread false information about the special military operation.

The Russian side has repeatedly warned at various levels that politically motivated persecution of Russian journalists and unjustified bans on Russian media outlets in the EU will not go unanswered. This notwithstanding, Brussels and the capitals of the bloc’s countries preferred to further escalate the situation. By imposing another illegitimate ban, they forced Moscow to introduce symmetrical and proportional countermeasures. Responsibility for these developments rests solely with the EU leadership and the countries of this association that support this decision.

The Russian side will revise its decision concerning the above-mentioned media operators if restrictions against Russian media outlets are lifted,

***

A list of media outlets of the EU member states and EU media operators, covered by retaliatory measures and restrictions limiting broadcasts and internet access on the territory of the Russian Federation

Austria

1. ORF Broadcasting Corporation (orf.at);

2. Osterreich Media Holding (oe24.at);

Belgium

3. Le Vif magazine (levif.be);

4. Knack magazine (knack.be);

Bulgaria

5. Mediapool news and information website (Mediapool.bg);

6. 24 Chasa newspaper (24chasa.bg);

Hungary

7. 444.hu online information website;

Germany

8. Der Spiegel magazine (spiegel.de);

9. The Zeit newspaper (zeit.de);

10. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper (faz.net);

Greece

11. Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation EPT (ert.gr, ertnews.gr);

12. Skai Media Holding (skai.gr);

13. Mega television channel (Megatv.com);

14. Proto Thema newspaper (protothema.gr);

Denmark

15. Berlingske daily newspaper (berlingske.dk);

16. Information newspaper (information.dk);

Ireland

17. RTE Television and Radio Broadcaster (rte.ie);

18. The Irish Times newspaper (irishtimes.com);

19. The Irish Independent newspaper (independent.ie);

Spain

20. El Mundo newspaper (elmundo.es);

21. El Pais newspaper (elpais.com);

22. EFE news agency (efe.com);

23. Spanish state television broadcaster (rtve.es);

Italy

24. LA7 television channel (la7.it);

25. La Stampa newspaper (lastampa.it);

26. La Repubblica newspaper (repubblica.it);

27. RAI radio and television broadcaster (rai.it, rainews.it);

Cyprus

28. Politis newspaper (politis.com.cy);

29. Cyprus Times online information website (cyprustimes.com);

30. Cyprus Mail newspaper (cyprus-mail.com);

Latvia

31. Latvian Television Latvian Radio 4 (lsm.lv);

32. Internet portal apollo.lv;

33. Internet TV channel tvnet.lv;

34. Diena daily newspaper (diena.lv);

Lithuania

35. Internet portal LRT (lrt.lt);

36. Internet portal 15min.lt (15min.lt);

37. Internet portal lrytas.lt (lrytas.lt);

Malta

38. Television Malta TVMstate television channel (tvmnews.mt);

39. Times of Malta newspaper (timesofmalta.com);

40. The Malta Independent newspaper (independent.com.mt);

41. Malta Today newspaper (maltatoday.com.mt);

The Netherlands

42. Nos Television and Radio Company (nos.nl);

43. Nrc newspaper (nrc.nl);

44. Algemeen Dagblad newspaper (ad.nl);

Poland

45. Belsat TV channel (belsat.eu, belsat.pl);

46. Nowaja Polsza magazine (novayapolsha.eu, novayapolsha.com novayapolsha.pl);

Portugal

47. RTP international television channel (rtp.pt);

48. Publico newspaper (publico.pt);

49. Expresso newspaper (expresso.pt);

50. Observador news and analysis project (observador.pt);

Romania

51. Pro TV international television channel (satellites Eutelsat 16A -16 EST and Astra 5B – 31.5 EST; websites: stirileprotv.ro, protv.ro);

52. Digi24 TV channel (satellite Eutelsat 16A – 16EST; website: digi24.ro);

53. B1TV television channel (satellite “Astra 5B – 31.5 EST”; website b1tv.ro);

Slovakia

54. SME newspaper (sme.sk);

55. Dennik N internet publication (dennikn.sk);

Slovenia

56. Nova24 internet publication (Nova24.si, Nova24tv.si);

57. Demokracija internet publication (Demokracija.si, Demokracija.eu);

Finland

58. Ilta-Sanomat newspaper (is.fi);

59. Iltalehti newspaper (iltalehti.fi);

60. Helsinki Sanomat newspaper (hs.fi);

61. Yleisradio television and radio company (yle.fi);

France

62. LCI television channel (tf1info.fr);

63. Le Monde newspaper (lemonde.fr);

64. La Croix newspaper (la-croix.com);

65. Liberation newspaper (liberation.fr);

66. Lexpress magazine (lexpress.fr);

67. Radio France radio company (radiofrance.fr);

68. Agence France-Presse news agency (afp.com, afpforum.com);

69. CNews television channel (cnews.fr);

70. Arte TV television company (arte.tv);

The Czech Republic

71. Ceska Televize TV channel (ceskatelevize.cz);

72. Law enforcement internet portal (seznamzpravy.cz);

Sweden

73. SVT television and radio company (svt.se);

74. Sveriges Radio radio company (sverigesradio.se);

Estonia

75. Information web portal propastop.org;

76. ERR National Broadcasting Corporation (err.ee);

77. Delfi media resource (delfi.ee);

European media outlets

78. Agence Europe (agenceurope.eu);

79. Politico (www.politico.eu, www.politico.com);

80. Freedom Satellite Package;

81. Euobserver internet publication (Euobserver.com)

Image: Adobe Stock I – stock.adobe.com

French international broadcasters ready for country’s elections

28 June 2024

French international broadcasters ready for country’s elections

Election nights and special editions

Sundays, 30 June and 7 July

Following President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly, French citizens will head to the polls once more on June 30 (first round) and July 7 (second round) to elect a new parliament. Radio France Internationale (RFI), France 24, and Monte Carlo Doualiya (MCD) are poised to deliver a comprehensive, multilingual coverage of this pivotal legislative election, accessible via television, radio, and digital platforms. With correspondents positioned at party campaign headquarters and various constituencies, France Médias Monde’s channels will ensure that the voices of candidates and voters are heard, provide detailed reporting on the election results, and gather initial reactions from both within France and internationally.

The three media outlets will offer dedicated special editions, debates, reports, and investigations to thoroughly examine the voting process. Additionally, France 24 in French, in partnership with the parliamentary channel LCP-Assemblée, will broadcast an extensive joint election night programme worldwide.

Joint election nights

On France 24 in French and the parliamentary channel LCP-Assemblée nationale:

Joint election nights from 7pm till midnight for both rounds of the election.

Analyses, decryptions, reports, and voting results with the correspondents present at the party headquarters and in nine constituencies.

On France 24 in Arabic and Monte Carlo Doualiya:

From 7:30pm till 10pm: Monte Carlo Doualiya – France 24 special joint edition.

On France 24

Throughout the election night, correspondents at the party headquarters and in different constituencies will provide live interventions on the four channels of France 24.

On France 24 in English:

From 7:30pm till 10pm, special edition presented by Gavin Lee and Nadia Massih, in the company of France 24’s columnist Mark Perelman and guests.

At 11pm, the channel in English will offer extended news bulletins to review the results.

On France 24 in French:

From 7pm till midnight: France 24 – LCP special joint edition.

On France 24 in Arabic:

From 7:30pm till 10pm: MCD – France 24 special joint edition.

At 10pm and 10:30pm, the channel in Arabic will offer special editions.

On France 24 in Spanish:

From 12:30pm till 3:30pm: special edition with guests and journalists present in different constituencies.

On france24.com and social media

On its website and mobile app, France 24 will offer articles, portraits, slideshows, and infographics related to the legislative election, as well as a liveblog to follow in real time the latest updates.

All the reports, interviews, and broadcasts by France 24, along with the exclusive developments, will be available on france24.com.

All times are Paris time = GMT+2

Michael Abramowitz takes the helm as new VOA Director

25 June 2024

Michael Abramowitz takes the helm as new VOA Director

Michael Abramowitz, a prominent journalist and former president of Freedom House, was sworn in on June 24 as the 31st Director of the Voice of America.

“For more than 80 years, the Voice of America has delivered trusted news and information to the world, especially for those living in closed societies and who have no other access to the truth,” Abramowitz said. “This role could not be more important in an age when authoritarian regimes are spreading lies and propaganda with abandon. I look forward to working with VOA’s outstanding journalists and staff in fulfilling its unique mission.”

Abramowitz is an experienced, skilled and respected journalist who most recently served as president of Freedom House, a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization providing research and analysis, advocacy, and direct support to journalists and human rights defenders. He previously directed the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Levine Institute for Holocaust Education and led the museum’s genocide prevention efforts.

For nearly 25 years, Abramowitz worked at The Washington Post, rising to national editor and then White House correspondent. At the Post, he won the Aldo Beckman award for excellence in White House coverage and led a team that won the Pulitzer Prize for national reporting about the post 9-11 war on terrorism.

A graduate of Harvard College, Abramowitz is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the George W. Bush Institute Advisory Council. He was formerly a Marshall Memorial fellow at the German Marshall Fund and Berlin Prize Fellow at the American Academy in Berlin.

“Michael is a brilliant journalist, who is fiercely passionate about VOA’s mission – which is telling audiences the truth.” said USAGM CEO Amanda Bennett. “I can’t wait to see how his contagious energy and enthusiasm powers this team. I am excited for his leadership, and incredibly grateful to John Lippman and Yolanda Lopez for their service in the interim.”

VOA’s Acting Director of Programming, John Lippman, served as Acting VOA Director since October 2023. Previous VOA Acting Director Yolanda Lopez served from January 2021 until September 2023.

[Source: VOA press release]

ABC signs MOU and launches ABC Radio Australia in Tuvalu

20 June 2024

ABC signs MOU and launches ABC Radio Australia in Tuvalu

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has launched ABC Radio Australia on FM in Tuvalu for the first time, marking another milestone in the network’s expansion in the Pacific. Tuvalu audiences can now enjoy ABC Radio Australia’s full suite of Pacific-focused news, music, sport and cultural programming on 102FM.

The ABC has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tuvalu Broadcasting Corporation (TVBC), demonstrating the ongoing partnership between the two public broadcasters. The MOU supports future opportunities for the ABC and TVBC to share technical knowledge and content, and recognises each organisation’s respective role providing public interest broadcasting services to their national audiences.

The ABC and TVBC signed the MOU and celebrated the historic launch of the new service at a ceremony in Funafuti, Tuvalu.

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman, who co-hosted the ceremony, said: “We are incredibly excited to be commemorating the collaboration between the ABC and TVBC in launching ABC Radio Australia in Tuvalu and welcome everyone to enjoy the new FM radio service. The MOU between the ABC and TVBC also marks an important milestone in our partnership, and I look forward to future opportunities for us both to work together in supporting our audiences across Tuvalu and Australia.”

TVBC Managing Director Yvette D’Unienville Isaac, who also co-hosted the ceremony, said: “We welcome the new ABC Radio Australia FM service with open arms and are thrilled to be formalising the excellent relationship that TVBC enjoys with the ABC. We hope the new MOU leads to a greater cross-cultural exchange of ideas and information and deepens the connections and friendships between our countries.”

ABC Radio Australia has recently expanded its FM transmission footprint to include Nauru, Palau, Pohnpei (Federated States of Micronesia), Kokopo (Papua New Guinea) and Gizo (Solomon Islands) and plans to launch in more new locations in coming months including Kiribati, the Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Lorengau in Papua New Guinea, and Buka in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

WAYS TO LISTEN:

Tuvalu residents can now listen on 102FM to high quality ABC Radio Australia programming including Pacific Beat, Nesia Daily, Climate Mana, Culture Compass, Pacific Pulse, Pacific Soul, Stories from the Pacific, Fresh Off The Field , Nesian Footy, Island Music and Sista Sounds.

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.

Image: UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji