RFE/RL Appoints Stephen Capus as Acting President

RFE/RL Appoints Stephen Capus as Acting President

6 November 2023

RFE/RL Appoints Stephen Capus as Acting President

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) Board of Directors has named Stephen Capus as the company’s Acting President, effective January 1, 2024. Board Vice Chairperson Margaret Hoover and Nominations Committee Chairperson Kristin Lord led the rigorous search process for the company.

Capus will serve in an acting capacity until the International Broadcasting Advisory Board is confirmed by the U.S. Senate and can vote on his appointment.

“We are very pleased that Steve has agreed to lead RFE/RL at this important moment in the company’s history,” said Board Chair Ambassador Karen Kornbluh. “He brings both distinguished experience as a senior manager in the news industry and a deep understanding of RFE/RL.”

Capus has more than 25 years of network news management, production, and journalistic experience. The former President of NBC News, Capus was also the Executive Producer of NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, The News with Brian Williams, and CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley. In recent years, Capus has provided strategic advice as a consultant to RFE/RL in Prague and its grantor agency, the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM).

Margaret Hoover added, “Steve’s vast experience as a journalist, producer, and news executive make him an exceptionally qualified choice to lead RFE/RL’s outstanding international team of journalists in these challenging times.”

“I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead RFE/RL as it remains steadfast in its mission as one of the world’s most trusted sources of independent news and information,” said Capus. “I look forward to continuing the dedicated work of RFE/RL’s existing leader, Jeff Gedmin, and in particular his important efforts to secure the release of four RFE/RL journalists who are unjustly detained.”

Capus will replace Jamie Fly, who stepped down from his position in the summer of 2023. Since July, Board Member Jeff Gedmin has led RFE/RL in an acting capacity.

About RFE/RL

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is a private, independent international news organization whose programs — radio, Internet, television, and mobile — reach influential audiences in 23 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the republics of Central Asia and the Caucasus. It is funded by the U.S. Congress through USAGM.

[Source: RFE/RL press release]

NHK WORLD-Japan Programme Focus for November

NHK WORLD-Japan Programme Focus for November

2 November 2023

NHK WORLD-Japan Programme Focus for November

Saitama: An Oasis a Stone’s Throw away from Tokyo

Where We Call Home

November 6 Mon.
0:30/5:30/10:30/15:30/21:30 (UTC)

A World of Home Flavors in Saitama:
Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo is home to many immigrants. Some of these incomers serve up dishes such as Cameroonian banga soup, Turkish baklava and Ukrainian dumplings, bringing compatriots a taste of home and creating a culinary wonderland in the process. 

Small Journeys – 
The Treasured Red of Benibana Flowers,
Okegawa, Saitama Prefecture

November 11 Sat.
1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC)

Okegawa, Saitama Prefecture once prospered through the cultivation of benibana, or safflower. Come and meet the dedicated individuals who safeguard the legacy of this crimson treasure.

We Did It, Grandpa!

November 4 Sat.
0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC)

Funahashi Kazuo has cerebral palsy, but is going strong at 74. Fifty years after a documentary was made about his life, we explore his approach to living happily with family despite his disability. 

Trails to Oishii Tokyo

Wednesdays 
14:30/20:30/3:30/9:30 (UTC)

Delicious food from Tokyo’s markets! Learn about the amazing ingredients which are sourced from across Japan and sold at Tokyo’s fresh food markets.

 

  

 

BBC World Service announces Emergency Radio Service for Gaza

BBC World Service announces Emergency Radio Service for Gaza

1 November 2023

BBC World Service announces Emergency Radio Service for Gaza

BBC News Arabic has today (1 November) announced an Emergency Radio Service for Gaza in response to the conflict in the region.

The emergency service – Gaza Daily – will broadcast vital news daily to the people of Gaza during this time of urgent need.

It will provide listeners in Gaza with the latest information and developments as well as safety advice on where to access shelter, food and water supplies.

Produced in Cairo and London and broadcast on medium wave, the service will initially run one programme a day at 1500 GMT from Friday 3 November. A second daily update will be broadcast at 0500 GMT from Friday 10 November.

The BBC World Service has a history of responding to emergency situations globally. Most recently, in May 2023 during the conflict in Sudan BBC News Arabic began an emergency radio service. In February 2022, the BBC News Ukraine service began extended TV bulletins following the invasion of the country. The BBC also previously launched a service for Gaza in 2014 following a summer of conflict.

Liliane Landor, Director, BBC World Service, says: “BBC News Arabic are extremely well-placed to offer this vital service for the people of Gaza at a time of greatest need. Their expertise and specialist knowledge of the region alongside the BBC’s reputation as the most trusted news provider, means we can reach civilians in Gaza with the information they need.”

Notes to editors: The Gaza service will be broadcast on MW 639kHz for morning and evening episodes.

[Source: BBC press release]

 

Al Arabiya Network launches Al Arabiya Business platform

Al Arabiya Network launches Al Arabiya Business platform

27 October 2023

Al Arabiya Network launches Al Arabiya Business platform

Al Arabiya Network, the Arab world’s leading source of news, announces the launch of Al Arabiya Business, a brand-new service dedicated to news and updates from the world of business, finance and more.

The launch of Al Arabiya Business comes in response to the growing demand for comprehensive and real-time coverage surrounding increasing and accelerating political events in the region and beyond necessitating more extensive and continuous coverage by Al Arabiya and Al Hadath TV channels around the clock.

Al Arabiya Business is available for free-to-air broadcast, as well as live streaming via Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform, in addition to Al Arabiya Network’s website and YouTube.

Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, Chairman of MBC GROUP and Al Arabiya Network, stated: “Al Arabiya and Al Hadath’s commitment to extensively covering significant events in the region – including current events in Gaza – has driven us to introduce Al Arabiya Business, a platform primarily dedicated to business and finance updates. It’s widely recognised that the heartbeat of global financial markets never falters, even in the midst of conflicts and disasters. Our objective is for Al Arabiya Network to maintain its status as a trusted source for viewers seeking updates on economic and financial developments, all the while staying informed about the ongoing critical events in our region and worldwide.”

Mamdouh AlMuhaini, General Manager of Al Arabiya Network and Al Hadath, added: “The financial and business sector, as highlighted in our ‘Aswaq Al Arabiya’ [Al Arabiya Markets] programme, has garnered considerable attention from our viewers. In light of the upsurge in conflicts and significant events, especially in the Middle East and North Africa – such as the earthquakes in Turkey, Syria and Morocco, the war in Sudan, and the ongoing situation in Gaza – our viewers are increasingly eager to stay informed around the clock.

“As a result, we made the decision to launch Al Arabiya Business as a service dedicated to the latest updates, as well as streaming ‘Aswaq Al Arabiya’ as standalone segments, aligning with our commitment to cater to our viewers’ ever-evolving informational needs, be it in the realm of politics, economics, or the business sector.”

Al Arabiya Business is available via the following outlets:

[Source: Al Arabiya press release]

Simon McCoy to host the AIBs 2023

Simon McCoy to host the AIBs 2023

24 October 2023

Simon McCoy to host the AIBs 2023

Renowned journalist and news anchor will lead the 19th global celebration of journalism and factual productions

The AIBs, the prestigious awards that honour the best in journalism and factual productions, are thrilled to announce that veteran journalist and news anchor Simon McCoy will be hosting the AIBs 2023. The annual awards ceremony has been celebrating outstanding global journalism and factual content since its inception in 2005.

Simon McCoy, a respected figure in the world of broadcast journalism, brings his wealth of experience and charisma to the helm of this year’s AIBs. With a career in journalism spanning 40 years, He is one of the most recognisable faces in British television news. 

Simon started in television at ITV in London before moving to TV-am. He was part of the launch team of Sky News in 1989 before spending 15 years at the station, firstly as Royal Correspondent and then as one of their main presenters. His move to the BBC meant working on BBC1’s ‘Breakfast’ and the BBC News Channel. He was a regular presenter of BBC1’s weekend bulletins before becoming the main presenter of the BBC News at One. In 2021 Simon McCoy left the BBC to join GB News. 

As well as breaking news, Simon is also noted for making news, often going viral for his sometimes dead-pan delivery – whether outside a hospital waiting for a Royal Baby or trying to hide his indifference to less important news stories in the studio.

Simon now works as a production consultant – most recently for Washington-based Feature Story News as part of their training project at Doordarshan News Channel in Delhi.

The AIBs gala evening, a must-attend event for the journalism and factual production community, will take place on November 10, 2023. The venue for this year’s ceremony is the historic Church House Westminster, located just steps away from Westminster Abbey and the iconic Houses of Parliament, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop for the celebration of excellence in the industry.

Each year, the AIBs recognise exceptional contributions to journalism, documentary, and factual content, with categories spanning various forms of media, including television, radio, digital, and podcasting. The awards bring together professionals from all over the world, fostering a sense of global unity and collaboration in the pursuit of truth and quality storytelling.

Simon Spanswick, the chief executive of the Association for International Broadcasting which runs the AIBs, said: “The AIBs are a testament to the dedication and innovation within the world of journalism and factual productions. We are delighted to have Simon McCoy as our host for the AIBs 2023, and we are confident that his presence will add an extra layer of distinction to an already remarkable evening.”

With a rich history of recognising the best in journalism and factual productions, the AIBs 2023 are set to be an unforgettable occasion, and the hosting talents of Simon McCoy will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the event.

For more information about the AIBs 2023 and to purchase tickets, please visit http://theaibs.tv.

RFE/RL Condemns Detention of Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva in Russia

RFE/RL Condemns Detention of Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva in Russia

19 October 2023

RFE/RL Condemns Detention of Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva in Russia

On October 18, authorities in Kazan, Russia, detained Alsu Kurmasheva, an editor with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) Tatar-Bashkir Service. Kurmasheva has been charged with failure to register as a foreign agent. The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

“Alsu is a highly respected colleague, devoted wife, and dedicated mother to two children,” said RFE/RL acting President Dr. Jeffrey Gedmin. “She needs to be released so she can return to her family immediately.” Kurmasheva is a dual U.S. and Russian citizen who lives in Prague, Czech Republic, with her husband and children.

Kurmasheva traveled to Russia for a family emergency on May 20. She was temporarily detained while waiting for her return flight on June 2. Authorities at Kazan airport confiscated Kurmasheva’s U.S. and Russian passports. She was subsequently fined for failure to register her U.S. passport with Russian authorities. She was awaiting the return of her passports when the new charge was announced on October 18.

Kurmasheva is an accomplished journalist who has long covered ethnic minority communities in Tatarstan and Bashkortostan in the Volga-Ural region of Russia. She has reported on initiatives to protect and preserve the Tatar language and culture from Russian authorities, who have exerted increased pressure on Tatars in recent years.

Since 2012, Russia has used foreign agent laws to punish perceived government critics who receive funding from abroad or are deemed to be “under foreign influence,” including civil society groups, media outlets, independent journalists, and activists.

[Source: RFE/RL press release; photo credit Pangea Graphics RFE/RL]