Media Freedom Coalition issues statement on situation in Hong Kong

29 December 2023

Media Freedom Coalition issues statement on situation in Hong Kong

On the second anniversary of the closure of Stand News and arrest of its staff, whose prosecution remains ongoing, the members of the Media Freedom Coalition issued the following statement on media freedom in Hong Kong.

The undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) remain deeply concerned at the Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities’ continued attacks on freedom of the press and their suppression of independent local media in Hong Kong.

Local media have intensified self-censorship since the imposition of the National Security Law in June 2020. Prosecutions of media workers in connection with sedition legislation have increased. Use of these laws to suppress journalism undermines Hong Kong’s autonomy and the rights and freedoms of the people in Hong Kong as promised in the Sino-British Joint Declaration and guaranteed in the Basic Law.

The Hong Kong authorities’ prolonged prosecutions of journalists like the Stand News team and publishers such as Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai creates a chilling effect on others in the press and media. They come against the backdrop of loss of editorial independence, the barring of journalists seeking to cover government press briefings and the removal of material from public broadcasting archives.

Freedom of the press has been central to Hong Kong’s success for many years. Curtailing the space for free expression of alternative views weakens vital checks and balances on executive power. The free flow and exchange of opinions and information is vital to Hong Kong’s people, business and international reputation.

We urge the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities to abide by their international human rights commitments and legal obligations and to preserve Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and respect for universal rights and freedoms.

The member countries of the MFC will always defend media freedom and freedom of expression. The member countries of the MFC will continue to stand up for those who are targeted simply for exercising their human rights.

Signed:

Australia

Austria

Canada

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Ireland

Italy

Japan

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

New Zealand

Norway

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

the Netherlands

the United Kingdom

the United States

Image: created by DALL-E

RFI strongly condemns attack on correspondent in the DRC

23 December 2023

RFI strongly condemns attack on correspondent in the DRC

While covering voting operations in Kinshasa, RFI correspondent Pascal Mulegwa was attacked and brutalised on Wednesday December 20 by supporters of a candidate in the presidential election.

In a statement, the management of RFI strongly condemned the attack on its journalist in the exercise of his profession, and said that is providing him with all possible support and assistance.

RFI reaffirms its commitment to free, independent information and will continue to cover the general elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the professionalism and balance that characterise the work of its journalists.

Image: © Pascal Mulegwa/RFI

Ukraine War Zone – first AIB event of 2024

21 December 2023

Ukraine War Zone – first AIB event of 2024

The AIB is pleased to be staging an important event in January that will look at the human cost of the war in Ukraine, focusing on internally displaced persons, refugees and the tens of thousands of people who have suffered catastrophic injuries resulting in the amputation of limbs.

Renowned filmmaker, photographer and poet Chip Duncan of Duncan Entertainment will be in conversation with Salim Amin on Thursday 11 January, at the Rose Shure Experience Centre in London thanks to the generous support of AIB member Shure UK.

Places are limited – if you are interested in attending what promises to be a fascinating and emotional event, register for a place at https://forms.gle/a25zva7rtaAxA2jo8

France 24 launches its first FAST channel on Samsung TV Plus

19 December 2023

France 24 launches its first FAST channel on Samsung TV Plus

France 24 announces the launch of its first FAST channel on Samsung TV Plus, thanks to an agreement with Samsung. Available within the Samsung TV Plus app, pre-installed and free on all Samsung Smart TVs , France 24 in English, which covers international news 24/7, reaches more than 30 million connected television sets across Europe (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK).

As usages evolve around the world and as opportunities arise, future developments will concern the other language channels proposed by France 24.

In collaboration with Amagi and thanks to its cloud-based playout solution, viewers of the FAST channel can enjoy all the programmes of France 24 English’s linear channel.

With an international news bulletin every 30 minutes, France 24 reconciles the need to react quickly to breaking news with the imperative of providing verified information. For in-depth analysis, the schedule is enriched by diverse programmes, investigative reports and daily debates. France 24 offers a different and new look at international news through bold and thoughtful journalism.

[Source: France 24 press release]

RNZ Pacific cyclone watch service is operating

18 December 2023

RNZ Pacific cyclone watch service is operating

RNZ Pacific has updated the on-air frequencies for its cyclone watch service for the 2023-2024 cyclone season.

The cyclone watch service was activated early this year due to tropical cyclone Lola which devastated parts of Vanuatu in October 2023.

Once cyclone alerts are issued, RNZ Pacific will broadcast hourly updates of these bulletins if necessary, and whenever the situation changes. These will be heard either just before the top of each hour or following news bulletins at the top of each hour.

The broadcaster says it will do its best to keep people informed of all-weather updates on-air and online, with the information supplied by the Fiji Meteorological Service and the New Zealand MetService.

In addition, RNZ can access weather bulletins from the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, and Tonga Meteorological Offices.

The Wellington-based broadcaster says that it will also strive to obtain damage reports from local authorities, non-governmental agencies active in the field and people affected by the weather events.

You can also follow RNZ on X – formerly Twitter – @RNZPacific and on @RNZPacific Facebook.

Image: Chief Ben Lovo and his family of Bongkil Village on Erromango, Vanuatu. He says shortwave broadcasts from RNZ Pacific’s cyclone watch service during Cyclone Pam allowed him to warn four villages.

Photo: RNZI/Koroi Hawkins

RNZ Pacific’s transmitter 1 replacement project underway

18 December 2023

RNZ Pacific’s transmitter 1 replacement project underway

Work has started to decommission RNZ Pacific‘s shortwave transmitter 1 at its site on New Zealand’s North Island.

This 100-kilo-watt transmitter was installed at Rangitaiki, Taupo in 1989.

In 2022, RNZ received funding to construct a new transmitter for RNZ Pacific, to ensure the service’s future.

Until the new transmitter project is completed, RNZ Pacific will continue to broadcast through its transmitter 2 at the Rangitaiki site.

The installation of the new Ampegon transmitter will begin in late January 2024.

RNZ Pacific has apologised for any inconvenience this transition may cause to our on-air listeners around the world. The broadcaster is aiming to minimise service disruptions to its on-air audiences, and partner stations in the Pacific region.

RNZ Pacific can still be heard via satellite, and its content will still be available to download or livestream through its website http://rnzi.com.

Image: RNZ’s Transmission Engineer Specialist, Stephen White, standing next to RNZ’s transmitter 1. Mr White is leading the project to decommission transmitter 1. Work to install the new transmitter will start in January 2024

Image courtesy: RNZ