BBC UKTV reaches 12.9 million viewers in Africa

23 February 2024

BBC UKTV reaches 12.9 million viewers in Africa

BBC Studios in Africa revealed today that its multi-genre channel, BBC UKTV, has attracted record numbers, reaching over 12.9 million people. Viewers have grown by 135% and the channel share has increased by 99% among all individuals since launching on DStv (channel 134) in December 2022.

BBC UKTV was crafted to match the viewing habits of families in South Africa with a variety of award-winning content from BBC Studios catalogue. The channel features a range of genres scheduled for all ages to enjoy, from Lifestyle programming, Come Dine With Me South Africa S1 and 10 Years Younger to soaps Eastenders, Doctors and Casualty, entertainment Total Wipeout: Freddie & Paddy Takeover, dramas The Mallorca Files, Call the Midwife and Shakespeare and Hathaway and award-winning factual series including Life Below Zero.

Since launching in 2022, audiences have tuned into the daily schedule and Secrets of the Supercars, Come Dine With Me, Bake-Off Crème de la Crème, Musketeers and The Great South African Bake-Off have become the most viewed shows to date.

Pierre Cloete, the Commercial Director at BBC Studios in Africa says “BBC UKTV has seen incredible growth over the past year, I am so proud that over 12.9 million people have watched our shows. We crafted the channel to match the viewing habits of families in Africa and give more people access to our high-quality shows. With a variety of genres available for all age groups to enjoy, it’s amazing to see how many families are tuning in. We have committed to the future of BBC UKTV and can’t wait for DStv audiences to explore even more of BBC Studios’ award-winning catalogue.”

BBC UKTV (DStv channel 134) is available on DStv Compact, DStv Family, DStv Access and DStv Easy View.

[Source: BBC press release]

RFE/RL declared “undesirable organisation” by Russian government

22 February 2024

RFE/RL declared “undesirable organisation” by Russian government

The Russian government has designated Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty an “undesirable organisation,” according to a registry maintained by the country’s Justice Ministry.

The label effectively bans RFE/RL from working in Russia and exposes anyone who cooperates with the outlet to potential prosecution.

RFE/RL President Stephen Capus said the move shows that Moscow considers independent reporting to be “an existential threat.”

The move comes just days after the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Image: Adobe Stock

France 24 launches on Freeview UK

22 February 2024

France 24 launches on Freeview UK

France 24, the renowned international news channel launched on Freeview UK channel 266. This strategic expansion allows Freeview users across the UK to access France 24’s diverse and comprehensive coverage of global news, culture, and current affairs in French, English, Spanish and Arabic languages.

Freeview viewers can now enjoy France 24’s high-quality journalism, bringing a unique perspective on international events directly to their screens. With this launch, France 24 aims to further strengthen its presence in the UK market and provide Freeview audiences with a broader spectrum of global news content.

“We are excited to bring France 24 to Freeview users in the UK, offering a valuable addition to the UK news landscape,” said Tanya Kronfli, managing director of Global Distribution Services and France 24 distribution partner, “This expansion reflects our commitment to delivering engaging and diverse news coverage to the UK audiences using cutting-edge technology”.

“We are delighted that France 24 has joined the Freeview line-up. To have all 4 language feeds available on a single channel, on such a widely available platform, is great news and we are confident that UK viewers will appreciate our offer, whether in English, French, Spanish or Arabic.” said Serge Schick, Director of International Development and Commercial Resources.

France 24 is known for its 24/7 news programming, featuring in-depth analysis, interviews, and reports from correspondents around the globe. The channel covers a wide range of topics, including politics, business, culture, and sports, catering to a diverse and international audience.

The launch of France 24 on Freeview utilises the cutting-edge FAST SSAI & CDN, compatible with modern HbbTV-based TVs as well as older Freeview devices. This ensures maximum accessibility across the Freeview network.

Iconic London communications tower to become a hotel

21 February 2024

Iconic London communications tower to become a hotel

UK telecommunications provider BT has announced that it is selling the iconic BT Tower in central London to a hotel group

The BT Tower has handled voice, data and broadcast signals for six decades but according to BT as the UK heads rapidly into an all-digital future, a number of network operations that were traditionally provided from BT Tower are now delivered via BT Group’s fixed and mobile networks. For example, the Tower’s microwave aerials were removed more than a decade ago, as they were no longer needed to carry telecommunications traffic from London to the rest of the country.

The BT Tower is a grade II listed communications tower located in Fitzrovia, London. An iconic part of the London skyline, the main structure is 177 metres (581 ft) high, with a further section of aerial rigging bringing the total height to 189 metres (620 ft). Upon completion in 1964, it overtook the Millbank Tower to become the tallest structure in London until 1980, when it was surpassed by the NatWest Tower.

BT Tower was opened for operations in 1965 by Prime Minister Harold Wilson. As well as acting as a hub for the UK’s communication networks, BT Tower was open to the public until 1971, with a restaurant making use of the revolving top floor. Since 1984, BT Tower has been operated by BT Group, with its top floor regularly hosting corporate and charity events, and its “infoband” screen regularly displaying messages across London.

The BT Tower has long been an important site for BT Group’s Media & Broadcast business, as one of the key global interchange points for live television. As part of its long-term strategy, the Media & Broadcast division has already been migrating services onto its cloud-based platform, which will allow a more straightforward move to more modern and efficient premises. This will enable the division to continue to sit at the heart of UK and global media distribution.

Brent Mathews, Property Director, BT Group said: “The BT Tower sits at the heart of London and we’ve been immensely proud to be the owners of this important landmark since 1984. It’s played a vital role in carrying the nation’s calls, messages and TV signals, but increasingly we’re delivering content and communication via other means. This deal with MCR will enable BT Tower to take on a new purpose, preserving this iconic building for decades to come.”

Tyler Morse, CEO and owner of MCR Hotels, said: “We are proud to preserve this beloved building and will work to develop proposals to tell its story as an iconic hotel, opening its doors for generations to enjoy.”

MCR Hotels own around 150 hotels, including the historic landmark Eero Saarinen-designed TWA Hotel in New York City. Payment for the sale will be made over multiple years, as BT Group equipment is progressively removed from the building, with final payment on completion of the purchase.

Image: Adobe Stock/Charliephotox

BBC Kids launches in the Middle East on Shahid platform

1 February 2024

BBC Kids launches in the Middle East on Shahid platform

BBC Studios announced today its agreement with MBC GROUP to launch BBC Kids content on the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform, Shahid from 8 February 2024.

The collaboration will bring BBC Studios’ exceptional children’s content to a wider audience in the Middle East, providing families and children aged 0-12 with digital access to a diverse range of inspiring, entertaining and educational shows. With a commitment to delivering content that sparks imagination and creativity, BBC Kids aims to enrich the viewing experience for children and parents alike. This launch makes the Middle East the sixth market to introduce the BBC Kids brand following previous launches in Australia (April 2021), US (January 2022), Taiwan (July 2022), South Africa (September 2022) and most recently in India, where it has been available to audiences on Prime Video Channels since July 2023.

Curated to offer dedicated sections aimed at pre-school children and older children, BBC Kids will offer 200 hours of premium programming, fully dubbed into the Arabic language, in a safe environment. New series available on the SVOD service for pre-schoolers include JoJo and Gran Gran, and several titles from children’s favourite Andy’s Adventures collection. Older viewers will enjoy tracking down the most deadly animals on the planet in Deadly 60 and following best young bakers competing in Junior Bake Off.

In addition to the launch of BBC Kids, BAFTA and International Emmy® award-winning pre-school animation Hey Duggee (Series 1-3) will make its free-to-air debut across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and North Africa through children’s channel MBC3. Created and written by Grant Orchard, Senior Director of Studio AKA, Duggee is a big loveable dog who inspires pre-school children to be energetic, explore and problem solve. Each episode starts with Duggee welcoming the Squirrels to discover new things about the world around them. Bringing smiles, laughter and hugs along the way, the Squirrels enjoy every moment on their amazing adventures in the care of huggable Duggee who has A-woof for every occasion! Hey Duggee is a Studio AKA production with CBeebies and BBC Studios.

“We are excited to bring BBC Kids to Shahid allowing our critically acclaimed content to connect with a broader audience and enhance the entertainment experience for kids and families in the Middle East. The inclusion of Hey Duggee on MBC3 channel strengthens our commitment to providing exceptional content that teaches valuable lessons in a fun and accessible way, and is accessible both in digital and linear – said Andrea Raman, Director, Business Development for Nordics, MENA, Turkey at BBC Studios

Tareq Al-Ibrahim, Director of Content at Shahid, added: “Shahid’s exciting kids’ library stands out thanks to the richness of its educational and entertaining content, while also ensuring a trusted and safe viewing experience for families across the Arab world. Today, with the launch of BBC Kids, we are bringing more globally renowned and award-winning content to the Middle East and North Africa through Shahid and MBC GROUP’s channels.”

He continued: “We’re excited to add a plethora of titles online, bringing over 200 hours of new kids’ content to Shahid. We’re always looking to add the best value and experiences for our important young viewers!”

BBC Kids is an ad-free video destination available to Shahid subscribers. All programming features Arabic dubbing. The new digital proposition complements the youngest audience’s experience in the Middle East, adding to the CBeebies Pre-school linear channel already available in the region since 2016.

[Source: BBC press release]

RFE/RL Condemns Extension of American Journalist’s Detention in Russia

1 February 2024

RFE/RL Condemns Extension of American Journalist’s Detention in Russia

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is outraged by today’s decision in Kazan, Russia to extend the detention of imprisoned American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva until April 5. Alsu has been behind bars and separated from her family since October 18, 2023 during a trip to Russia to visit her ailing, elderly mother.

RFE/RL President Stephen Capus says: “Russian authorities are conducting a deplorable criminal campaign against the wrongfully detained Alsu Kurmasheva. Imprisoned and treated unjustly simply because she is an American journalist, Alsu’s prison sentence has been extended again.

The world’s journalistic, human rights organizations, and diplomatic communities are standing with Alsu today. RFE/RL thanks the EU governments who sent representatives to today’s proceedings. Yet, Russia continues its systematic prosecution.

Alsu should be officially declared “wrongfully detained” by the United States Department of State, just as the Wall Street Journal’s Evan Gershkovich was immediately designated after his unjust arrest.

Russia bears the ultimate responsibility for Alsu’s fate. Alsu should be released immediately and allowed to return to her loving family. It is beyond time to #FreeAlsu.”

Last week, on CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper, Alsu’s husband, Pavel Butorin, said, “100 days in detention in Russia is 100 days too many. For 100 days now, Alsu has been denied phone calls with her family, with her children. And for 100 days, as an American citizen, she has been denied visits from the U.S. embassy in Moscow.”

On January 25, dozens of Alsu’s RFE/RL colleagues released a video saying “Free Alsu” in 38 languages, including the 27 languages in which RFE/RL broadcasts to its local audiences.

Alsu began her career with RFE/RL in 1998 and is a journalist with RFE/RL’s Tatar-Bashkir Service. She holds U.S. and Russian citizenship and lives in Prague with her husband and two daughters.

[Source: RFE/RL press release]