Israel must open access to Gaza, say global news organisations

11 July 2024

Israel must open access to Gaza, say global news organisations

The Association for International Broadcasting has joined more than 60 media and civil society organisations who have signed an open letter urging Israel to give journalists independent access to Gaza.

The organisations—which include the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, BBC, CNN, The Guardian, The New York Times, The Washington Post—point out that no independent media access to Gaza has been permitted since the start of the war, increasing the pressure on domestic journalists, and creating a space for mis- and disinformation to flourish.

“More than 100 journalists have been killed since the start of the war and those who remain are working in conditions of extreme deprivation. The result is that information from Gaza is becoming harder and harder to obtain and that the reporting which does get through is subject to repeated questions over its veracity,” the organisations say in the letter, which was coordinated by the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The letter comes ahead of a planned visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the United States, where he is set to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden and address the U.S. Congress on July 24.

CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg noted: “President Netanyahu describes Israel as a democracy. His actions with regard to the media tell a different story. International, Israeli, and Palestinian journalists from outside Gaza should be given independent access to Gaza so they can judge for themselves what is happening in this war—rather than being spoon-fed with a handful of organised tours by the Israeli military.”

In addition to news outlets, the signatories—who span more than 26 countries—include professional groups and organisations dedicated to defending press freedom.

Read the full letter:

We, the undersigned, request that Israeli authorities end immediately the restrictions on foreign media entering Gaza and grant independent access to international news organisations seeking to access the territory.

Nine months into the war, international reporters are still being denied access to Gaza except for rare and escorted trips arranged by the Israeli military. This effective ban on foreign reporting has placed an impossible and unreasonable burden on local reporters to document a war through which they are living. More than 100 journalists have been killed since the start of the war and those who remain are working in conditions of extreme deprivation. The result is that information from Gaza is becoming harder and harder to obtain and that the reporting which does get through is subject to repeated questions over its veracity.

We fully understand the inherent risks in reporting from war zones. These are risks that many of our organisations have taken over decades in order to investigate, document developments as they occur, and understand the impacts of wars the world over.

A free and independent press is the cornerstone of democracy. We ask that Israel uphold its commitments to press freedom by providing foreign media with immediate, independent access to Gaza, and that Israel abides by its international obligations to protect journalists as civilians.

Signatories

ABC News, United States
Agence France-Presse, France
Alternative Press Syndicate, Lebanon
Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism
Asian American Journalists Association, United States
Associated Press, United States
Association for International Broadcasting, United Kingdom
Association of Foreign Press Correspondents, United States
Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media, Bangladesh
BBC News, United Kingdom
Bianet, Turkey
Bloomberg News, United States
CBS News, United States
CNN Worldwide, United States
Community Media Forum Europe, Belgium
CTV News, Canada
Daily Maverick, South Africa
Daraj, Lebanon
Denik Referendum, Czech Republic
European Broadcasting Union, Switzerland
European Federation of Journalists
Financial Times, United Kingdom
Forbidden Stories, France
fotosintesi.info, Italy
Free Press Unlimited, The Netherlands
Global Investigative Journalism Network
Global Reporting Centre, Canada
International Association of Women in Radio and Television
International Center for Journalists, United States
International Fund for Public Interest Media
International News Safety Institute, United Kingdom
ITN, United Kingdom
Le Mauricien, Mauritius
McLatchy, United States
Media Development Center, Tunisia
Media Diversity Institute, United Kingdom
National Association of Hispanic Journalists, United States
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, The Philippines
NBC News, United States
Nieman Foundation for Journalism, Harvard University, United States
NPR, United States
Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project
Premium Times, Nigeria
Prospect Magazine, United Kingdom
Public Media Alliance
Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, United States
Rory Peck Trust, United Kingdom
RTÉ News & Current Affairs, Ireland
Rural Media Network, Pakistan
Sky News, United Kingdom
SMN24Media, Sri Lanka
Somali Media Women Association, Somalia
Sveriges Radio, Sweden
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, United Kingdom
The Guardian, United Kingdom
The Irish Times, Ireland
The New York Times, United States
The Washington Post, United States
Twala, Algeria
Vocento, Spain
VRT News, Belgium
Wattan Media Network, Palestine
World Association for Christian Communication
World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), Germany
Yle News and Current Affairs, Finland

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New Director of BBC World Service announced

8 July 2024

New Director of BBC World Service announced

Jonathan Munro will take up the post of BBC News Global Director from September. In this new role, spanning international services, he will be Director of the BBC World Service, oversee BBC Monitoring and remain Deputy CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs.

Jonathan says: “I am thrilled and daunted in equal measure to be taking on the enormous responsibilities of leading the BBC World Service, along with other international activities for our global audiences.

“As I’ve travelled around the world with the BBC over the last decade or so, everywhere I have been I’ve been told of the enduring value of impartial news, in English and our more than 40 other languages. The need for independent news is growing, not shrinking, and the BBC’s role in pursuing truth and enriching knowledge has never been more important.

“The BBC teams I have met across the world are dedicated, professional and talented. I can’t wait to start working with them all.”

Deborah Turness says: “I know at first hand the qualities Jonathan will bring to this vital role – his leadership, his expertise, and above all, his journalistic integrity.

“The BBC is a truly global broadcaster and the World Service is a priceless asset – the world’s most trusted international news provider. In a world of disinformation and diminishing freedom of speech, it is more needed than ever, and I’m delighted Jonathan will be taking its helm, and that of all BBC News’ international services.”

Biography

Jonathan is currently Director of Journalism and Deputy CEO of BBC News.

He joined the BBC in 2014 and has led BBC News coverage through every major story over the last decade, from Brexit to UK general elections and recent political upheaval, the Israel/Gaza and Ukraine conflicts and the death of HM The Queen. He recently led the complex transformation of the BBC’s business in India, putting in place a new structure and operating model.

For most of 2022, Jonathan acted as Interim Director of BBC News. During this period, he sat on the BBC Board and the Director General’s Executive Committee.

Jonathan is a Trustee of BBC Children in Need, and led a flagship project focusing on mental health support for children and young people across the UK.

He was previously at ITN for 26 years, joining as an editorial trainee and going on to work as a correspondent in the UK, Europe and around the world. Jonathan covered the Balkans war, both Gulf wars and the Beijing and London Olympics. He has worked extensively in the United States, Russia and Africa, and was Europe Correspondent for three years and Political News Editor for two.

Jonathan received an RTS Judges’ Award for negotiating the UK’s first televised Prime Ministerial debates in 2010.

Image: BBC

Trace UK launches on Freeview UK via Channelbox

2 July 2024

Trace UK launches on Freeview UK via Channelbox

Trace UK, a leading music and entertainment channel headquartered in London, renowned for its diverse content spanning music, culture, and lifestyle, launched on Channelbox available on Freeview 271. This is in addition to other Trace channels such asTrace Urban, Trace Latina and Trace Brazuca.

Channelbox is a multi-channel platform available on connected Freeview channel 271 and Channelbox mobile applications. Channelbox supports FAST channels monetisation and offers over 70 TV channels to the Freeview audience is delighted to welcome Trace UK into its lineup.

Tanya Kronfli, head of business development at Channelbox, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are thrilled to add Trace UK to our platform. Channelbox is committed to delivering diverse and engaging content to our viewers, and Trace UK’s unique programming aligns perfectly with our mission.”

Trace UK also shared their excitement about the expansion: “Bringing Trace UK to Freeview viewers via Channelbox marks a significant milestone in our growth strategy. We look forward to enriching the UK audience with our vibrant mix of music and entertainment content,” said Nathan Becker, Trace TV distribution director.

Trace UK on Channelbox via Freeview UK is now available for viewers across the country to enjoy.

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