BBC News launches week-long focus on Artificial Intelligence

BBC News launches week-long focus on Artificial Intelligence

BBC News launches week-long focus on Artificial Intelligence

Throughout the week starting 17 July, BBC News is taking a closer look at Artificial Intelligence (AI) – exploring how AI is already affecting our lives, and looking at the ways it could impact all our futures.

Every day BBC News will launch new thought-provoking and informative journalism to help audiences understand what AI is, what it can do, and how it is shaping the world we live in. BBC News will speak to leading experts in the field and deep dive into issues around jobs, security and technology.

It kicks off with an exclusive interview with Ian Hogarth – the recently announced chair of the UK’s AI Foundation Model Taskforce.

In the interview, Hogarth talks to Zoe Kleinman about the importance of tech innovation in Europe, saying that we need to scale up companies in Europe instead of selling them on to be grown by larger global companies, citing the sales the sales of Skype to Ebay and Deep Mind to Google.

He also warns about AI and calls for greater understanding of the risks – telling the BBC “we’ve got to think about how to protect British jobs”  and explore how we “really hold these [AI] companies to account in an appropriate way”.

They also discuss the environmental cost of the energy the data centres will need which will add up to “a tremendous carbon footprint”.

An interview with Deep Mind founder Mustafa Suleyman, also out on Monday, explores security, the culture of risk taking in the UK to facilitate significant tech innovation, and the potential impact of AI on the way we live. He told the BBC:

“[AI] is going to be hugely product productive and beneficial for our civilisation. And clearly that also means that some people are going to struggle to make the transition. The question is one of values, how do we compensate those people who need to retrain and rescale and give them opportunities to improve and get back into the workplace. And to me, that’s a question of government subsidisation and support and ultimately, of taxation.”

The full interviews can be found on www.bbc.co.uk/news 

Across the week, audiences will be able to learn more across all BBC News platforms – including podcasts on BBC Sounds, news and investigations on the BBC News website and TV packages on the news bulletins and channel, as well as special content for iPlayer.

As AI increases in its capabilities and scope of work, BBC News will look across how it is currently affecting our working lives, and how it could change the job market and affect business. It will also look at the role of AI in education, and how it is already being used in sport and being used to create music and media.

The week also starts with a visual guide to help you understand AI, answering all the questions you need to understand the basics of what AI is, and what it does – from the different types of AI, to how it learns, and how it can understand images.

This follows on from the BBC Sounds ten-part series with Spencer Kelly – Understand: Tech and AI, which aims to demystify the technology in our lives, explore key topics and answers big questions such as ‘Can AI be controlled?’ and ‘Will AI take my job?’

Upcoming highlights will include Click with Marc Cieslak: Marc will create Click’s own AI ‘Gogglebox’, and an iPlayer special on AI Moments that Made your Jaw Drop.

More news and content will be launched every day this week, with range of BBC global platforms sharing the focus on AI including:

BBC Future – BBC.com’s science section will be publishing articles including the A-Z guide of artificial intelligence terms,  how to spot an AI cheater and how AI companies are buying up the rights to actors, musicians and personalities.

BBC Worklife will also be looking at the effect AI can have on your personal and professional life, including how AI can make you feel terrible about yourself – but it shouldn’t and how AI could save Gen Z’s professional futures.

Radio Liberty’s Kyrgyz service unblocked

Radio Liberty’s Kyrgyz service unblocked

Radio Liberty’s Kyrgyz service unblocked

Radio Liberty’s Kyrgyz service has reported that it is no longer blocked in Kyrgyzstan. 

According to the broadcaster, almost all Internet providers in the country have restored access to Azattyk’s websites, rus.azattyk.org and azattyk.org.

The sites have been blocked since October 2022 when the Ministry of Culture implemented a ban and froze the broadcaster’s bank account following a report on a conflict on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border that it said contained “inaccurate information”. 

On 12 July, a court approved a settlement agreement concluded between Azattyk and the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy and all legal proceedings were terminated. “The reason for concluding the agreement was that the material became unavailable on the platforms of Radio Liberty,” Azattyk said.

ABC heads back to Palau

ABC heads back to Palau

ABC heads back to Palau

ABC Radio Australia will be heard in the Republic of Palau for the first time in more than five years.

Under a new Memorandum of Understanding, ABC Radio Australia programs will be carried on the Republic of Palau’s national radio broadcaster, Eco Paradise FM (EPFM).

The signing was attended by Palau Minister of State, the Hon. Gustav Aitaro and the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon. Pat Conroy.

ABC International Services Head Claire Gorman acknowledged the support of the Australian Embassy in Koror for brokering the agreement and said: “This new partnership is a first step towards the aim of establishing a full FM radio service in Palau, an ABC initiative funded under the Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy.”

Gorman continued: “The ABC is proud to partner with EPFM and has a long history of engagement with Palau, including the provision of ABC Australia content on Palau National Communication Corporation’s (PNCC) television service.”

ABC Radio Australia has recently increased its Pacific-focused content and under the agreement, Palau residents will have access to programming including flagship regional current affairs show Pacific Beat as well as culture, education and music shows Stories from the Pacific, Pacific Playtime and Island Music.

ABC Radio Australia is available via EPFM on FM radio at 87.9FM and on EPFM Ngerel Belau AM Radio at 1584AM from Wednesday 28 July 2023.

NHK WORLD Focus July: Manga artistry + Kagoshima

NHK WORLD Focus July: Manga artistry + Kagoshima

NHK WORLD Focus July: Manga artistry + Kagoshima

Programme focus for July: Manga artistry + Kagoshima

Manben: Behind the Scenes of Manga with Urasawa Naoki

July 2 Sun.0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC)

Minase Ai
Join us as we see a manga being brought to life by artist Minase Ai, known for her stories of young love. We go behind the scenes to see her working on Seishun Heavy Rotation. 

July 16 Sun.0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC)

Tezuka Osamu
Explore the artistry of “the god of manga.” Tezuka Osamu drew Black Jack and many more famous series. Rare documents and interviews with assistants reveal secrets to his success.

Kagoshima: The Taste and Style of “Kuro” Culture

July 9 Sun. 0:25/6:25/12:25/18:25 (UTC)  

Black (kuro) is a primary color for the area around Kagoshima. It’s reflected in the pottery, the cuisine, the shochu liquor, and even the ash from the volcano at Sakurajima. Discover the kuro culture of Japan’s far southwest. 

Iojima: A Volcanic Island with a Passion for Rhythm 

July 15 Sun. 0:25/6:25/12:25/18:25 (UTC)

Iojima Island is located in the Pacific about 1,000 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. In this episode of  Journeys in Japan, Canadian Shizuka Anderson explores the volcanic island’s striking natural environment and experiences the unique culture of this oceanic outpost.  

Hit the Road KAGOSHIMA

July 19 Wed. 1:30/6:30/12:30/17:30/22:30 (UTC)

In the second episode of Hit the road we explore the active Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture. Our discoveries include ceramic art made from lava and a naturally heated sandbath. Join us as we experience this volcanic wonderland. 

Barakan Discovers Amami Oshima: 
Isson’s Treasure Island 

July 23 Sun. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC)    

Explore Amami Oshima, the island paradise that was home to Japan’s very own “Gauguin.” Artist Tanaka Isson devoted his final years to depicting the natural beauty of a location that was later inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.  

 

Exclusive interview with President Macron

Exclusive interview with President Macron

Exclusive interview with President Macron

On Friday 23 June at 8.30 am (Paris Time) Emmanuel Macron will be the guest of France 24, RFI and franceinfo (radio and TV).
 
On the occasion of the Paris Summit Global Finance, the French President, Emmanuel Macron will speak with Stephane Ballong (France 24), Mounia Daoudi (RFI) and Marc Fauvelle (franceinfo).
 
Live from the Palais Brongniart in Paris, he will be asked about the challenges of the green transition and the aid given to developing countries to tackle the climate emergency and the fight against poverty. What funding is needed? What contribution should the wealthiest countries make? How can civil society and the private sector be mobilised? The French President will review the commitments made by France and its partners.
The interview will be live on radio and TV of France 24 (in English, French, Arabic and Spanish), RFI and franceinfo. This interview can also be found on the websites of France24, RFI and franceinfo

Graphic: France 24 Press Office, Paris

Rti named as the AIBs 2023 Event Partner

Rti named as the AIBs 2023 Event Partner

Rti named as the AIBs 2023 Event Partner

As Radio Taiwan International marks the 95th anniversary of its founding, the multimedia company demonstrates its support of global journalism and factual productions

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) is thrilled to announce that Radio Taiwan International (Rti) has been named the Event Partner for the AIBs 2023, the renowned and respected 19th annual international competition for journalism and factual productions across TV, radio, and digital platforms.

The AIBs, widely recognised as one of the most prestigious awards in the broadcasting industry, celebrate outstanding achievements in journalism and content production worldwide. As Event Partner, Rti will bring its rich heritage, extensive experience, and commitment to journalistic excellence to the forefront of the competition.

This year holds special significance as it marks the 95th anniversary of the founding of Rti. Founded in 1928, the broadcaster has been a beacon of truth, impartiality, and quality reporting across the globe for 95 years. With its steadfast dedication to providing accurate news, insightful analysis, and diverse cultural programming, Rti has long been as a trusted voice in international broadcasting.

“We are delighted to have Radio Taiwan International as our Event Partner for the AIBs 2023,” said Simon Spanswick, CEO of the Association for International Broadcasting. “Rti’s longstanding commitment to objective journalism and its remarkable contributions to the media landscape make them an ideal partner for our competition. As we celebrate the 95th anniversary of Rti ‘s founding, we look forward to highlighting their exemplary work and their continued dedication to informing and enlightening audiences worldwide.”

As the Event Partner, Rti will collaborate closely with the AIB to ensure the success of the AIBs 2023. Together, they will promote the competition, attract top-quality entries, and engage the global broadcasting community in celebrating the outstanding achievements of journalists, broadcasters, and content producers.

“We are honoured to be chosen as the Event Partner for the AIBs 2023,” said Cheryl Lai, Chairperson of Radio Taiwan International. “As we commemorate our 95th anniversary, this partnership allows us to showcase the profound impact Rti has had on international broadcasting. We are excited to collaborate with the AIB in recognising the exceptional talent and remarkable stories that shape our industry. Through this platform, we aim to inspire, inform, and foster a greater understanding of the world.”

The AIBs 2023 feature a diverse range of categories, encompassing news, current affairs, documentary, investigative journalism, natural history, and more. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of international judges, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment of the submissions.

The partnership between AIB and Rti promises to elevate the AIBs 2023 to new heights, celebrating the power of journalism and the transformative impact of factual productions. Together, they will continue to advance the industry, recognising excellence and promoting the values of truth, accuracy, and impartiality.