arvato Systems at NAB 2012

26 March 2012

At NAB 2012 arvato Systems (formerly S4M – Solutions for Media) presents its software solutions for the broadcast- and media industry. In booth N6419 the software experts showcase systems for Media Asset Management as well as Broadcast Management.

From April 16 to 19, 2012 the latest trends and technological developments around film and TV will be presented in Las Vegas. arvato Systems’ main focus on this year’s fair are different solutions to support the core processes of media companies and TV-Broadcasters:

This year the company presents the following solutions:

– AllAdOnce: The ad sales solution for Internet and mobile devices which supports the entire advertising workflow

– S4AdOpt: The advertising Optimization Engine which optimizes not only advertising inventory, spot placements, and customer satisfaction, but also a company`s revenue potential

– Dynamics Media: The “all-in-one” solution for all Broadcast Management needs, from scheduling, via license management, to air time sales. Now based on Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 with even more features!

– ClipJOCKEY: The studio production solution that enables customers to use the best features of their video server hardware and make it a real multi-channel production tool. The new software “ClipJOCKEY Server” provides an ActiveX component within newsroom control systems and allows customers to move clips to their rundown or see which clips are available on the video server.

– VPMS: The Media Asset Management System that serves all of a broadcaster’s video management needs – from acquisition through versatile production schemes to playout, distribution and archiving.

– OpenMedia: Arvato’s partner ANNOVA’s flagship Newsroom System, which has more than 15,000 users worldwide – the leading independent news platform for production and rundown management

Michael McEwen to serve as NABA Director General

26 March 2012

Today in New York on behalf of the Board of Directors of the North American Broadcasters Association the NABA President, Robert Briskman, announced the appointment of Michael McEwen as its Director General.

Briskman noted McEwen’s broadcast experience including a distinguished career with CBC/Radio-Canada both in production and in the executive offices, a long association with NABA as a past Director, President and Secretary General and an innovator in implementing new technologies such as the introduction of Digital HD Television in Canada. “Michael brings to NABA a depth of broadcast experience and understanding of the industry at a time our members are challenged by change in our markets, services, technologies and regulations. We look to him to use that experience and consensus making skills to help our members come to unified positions on the issues of the day and to take actions beneficial to our industry.”

Over the past six years McEwen has been a Director and since 2010 the Chairman of the UK based Media Asset Capital, a consultancy for the industry. In resigning that role and taking up his new duties with NABA, McEwen welcomed “the opportunity and privilege to again work with NABA members in developing broadcast leadership on the major industry questions which members are dealing with both in North America and around the world.”

McEwen will begin his duties on March 26th and have a brief transition period with the retiring Secretary General, John Harding. The Board of Directors thanked John for his professional and tireless work as Secretary General of NABA. They also acknowledged the leadership role he played as Head of the World Broadcasting Unions on behalf of the seven member Unions including NABA. The Board wished him continued success and every good wish in his future endeavours.

Sky News Arabia announces presenters

26 March 2012

Sky News Arabia, the 24-hour Arabic language multi-platform breaking news service, today announced the names of ten more of its presenters, carefully selected from countries across the MENA region.

Sky News Arabia received over 1,300 applicants for the coveted presenter roles alone. Each presenter was chosen following a rigorous interview process and in-depth market research. Nart Bouran, Head of Sky News Arabia, commented: “As the channel launch draws closer, we are delighted to announce our second batch of presenters. I believe the line-up is a good representation of the Arab region and I know each will play a vital role in the success of Sky News Arabia.”

The presenter announcement coincides with the news that Sky News Arabia is ahead of schedule and is now in 24 hour rehearsal mode.

“With all of our staff now in place, we are really gearing up to launch. This challenging move, ahead of schedule, will test our resources – technical and editorial – to the maximum as we prepare ourselves for the task of running a 24-hour news operation. It’s a very exciting time,” Bouran added.

With 16 of its presenters announced to date, Sky News Arabia will soon unveil the remaining names to its line-up, all of which have already been recruited.

The ten presenters unveiled today are:

Mohannad Al Khatib, News Presenter

Hassina Ouchene, News Presenter

Jarir Dababneh, News Presenter

Dalia Abdalla, News Presenter

Darwish Al Taweel, Business Presenter

Alma Intabli, News Presenter

Imane Lahrache, News Presenter

Osama Khamayseh, News Presenter

Seza Armenazi, News Presenter

Maya Raydan, Business Presenter

euronews targets Generation Y

23 March 2012

Generation Y, a programme produced by euronews in partnership with the Culture DG of the European Commission, examines the opportunities that are open to European youth through various initiatives. In spite of the uncertain future of this generation, their creativity, innovation and mobility are giving them a boost.

“Generation Y” can often be described by the 4 “i’s: interconnected, inventive, individualist and impatient. “Interconnected”, because this generation grew up with an increasingly mobile Internet: 70% of this generation use the Internet every day and 80% are on the social networks