RFE/RL President and CEO Jamie Fly to Depart

15 May 2023

RFE/RL President and CEO Jamie Fly to Depart

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) President and CEO Jamie Fly has announced his resignation, effective June 30, to move his family back to the United States and pursue an opportunity in the private sector. Former RFE/RL President and current board member Dr. Jeffrey Gedmin will serve as Interim President and CEO to provide steady and continued leadership as the RFE/RL Board of Directors carries out a search for a permanent President and CEO.

“I want to thank Jamie for his contributions to RFE/RL,” said Ambassador Karen Kornbluh, Chair of the RFE/RL Board of Directors. “As a result of his leadership and enduring strategic vision, RFE/RL is in a strong and stable position to carry out its mission, free from political interference, and reach growing audiences. He should be proud of this legacy.”

Fly was first named RFE/RL President and CEO in July 2019, and served until June 2020. After a brief period as a Senior Fellow and Senior Advisor to the President of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, he resumed leadership of RFE/RL in February 2021 following his reappointment by the Board of Directors.

Fly’s tenure prioritized RFE/RL’s response to Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine through an expansion of RFE/RL’s operations in Ukraine and programming for Russian audiences. He also expanded RFE/RL’s focus on Chinese malign influence across Eurasia. He oversaw a digital transformation of a news division that is reaching ever-growing audiences, opening new bureaus, and responding strategically to authoritarian censorship. RFE/RL staff will remember Fly’s relentless advocacy on behalf of detained and imprisoned colleagues, and his resolve to secure their safe release to their families.

“I am honored to have been able to serve twice at the helm of this iconic institution, and to have spent time with the brave and talented journalists and support staff who make RFE/RL’s success possible,” said Fly. “I am optimistic that despite the authoritarian challenges we face, RFE/RL is well-positioned to excel in our markets and grow our audiences at a time when our independent reporting is needed more than ever.”

Fly led the development of RFE/RL’s comprehensive plans to counter Russian and Chinese disinformation and reach surging audiences with trusted news. As part of these strategies, RFE/RL established new bureaus in Riga and Vilnius to house exiled journalists and produce new content offerings. RFE/RL is launching a Digital Innovation Lab and Digital Forensic Unit to respond to censorship and disinformation narratives and is making greater investments in investigative journalism.

Dr. Jeffrey Gedmin led RFE/RL from 2007 to 2011. He is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of American Purpose, and previously served as President and CEO of the Aspen Institute in Berlin, as Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C., and as Executive Director of the New Atlantic Initiative. He is the author and editor of several books focused on Germany and European security, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Together with former U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Norm Eisen, Dr. Gedmin is co-chair of the Transatlantic Democracy Working Group, hosted by the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

RFE/RL board members Margaret Hoover and Kristin Lord are leading the search process to select a permanent President and CEO. The Board of Directors has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to find a candidate who will build on Fly’s achievements and shepherd the organization into its next phase with continued bipartisan support from the U.S. Congress. Inquiries should be directed to RFERL.CEO@russellreynolds.com.

[Source: RFE/RL press release]

MBC’s Shahid strengthens partnerships across MENA region, achieves 3.5x growth in 12 months

9 May 2023

MBC’s Shahid strengthens partnerships across MENA region, achieves 3.5x growth in 12 months

Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform powered by MBC GROUP, announced today its continuing success story on partnerships across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), which has led to a 3.5x growth over the past 12 months. Shahid’s strong and dynamic partnerships across various industries – including telcos, device manufacturers and other brands, banks, and airlines – have been key in driving growth and expansion.

TELCOS

Starting with telcos, Shahid has partnered with over 30 telecommunication operators across the region to date, offering smart and easy mobile billing for subscribers. Additionally, Shahid has agreements in place with 12+ partners so far that bundles complimentary Shahid subscriptions along with core mobile plans.

Major telcos to have partnered with Shahid include Saudi’s STC, Egypt’s Vodafone, and Orange Morocco. Not only do the partnerships focus on special deals for Shahid subscribers, but they have also resulted in creating exclusive experiences for telcos clients. For example, in November 2022, Vodafone RED customers in Egypt were given the exclusive opportunity to be part of the private screening of the Shahid Originals production, “Room 207”. Meanwhile, this January saw Orange Morocco supporting the launch of “Casa Street”, the first Moroccan series produced for Shahid Originals through various experiences and activations for viewers.

DEVICE MANUFACTURERS

During the past 12 months, Shahid announced partnerships with major device manufacturers in the region to bring exclusive bundles and subscription offers to customers. They include Samsung, LG, Elaraby, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PlayStation, Hisense, and OPPO.

BRANDS

Shahid has also formed regional partnerships with Talabat, Anghami, Noon, Mastercard, Al Rifai and Careem, focusing on running co-branded subscription campaigns.

BANKING & PAYMENT PROVIDERS

Part of Shahid’s continued growth has been thanks to its ongoing facilitation of payment options for a highly diverse region. It expanded its payment methods through e-wallets, launching with Egypt’s Paymob and Vodafone Cash.

Shahid has also launched a variety of prepaid cards in 100+ retail distributors across 15 countries, including via Fawry, Jarir, Virgin Megastore, Sharaf DG, and Like4card.

As for recent banking agreements, Shahid has formed regional partnerships with Arab Bank and Emirates NBD Egypt.

AIRLINES

And finally, one major partnership to have been announced over the past year was that of Shahid joining forces with Emirates to offer premium content exclusively onboard its award-winning inflight entertainment system, ICE.

Announced in July 2022, the collaboration made Emirates ICE the only platform in the world – aside from the streaming service’s own premium-subscription online platform – to offer access to highly popular titles by Shahid Originals.

At time of debut, all Emirates customers enjoyed access to an extensive selection of over 135 hours of Shahid content from 15 programmes.

Commenting on Shahid’s growth in partnerships, Natasha Matos-Hemingway, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Shahid, stated: “We are delighted with the growth and expansion we have achieved over the past year, and we attribute much of our success to the strong partnerships we have formed across the MENA region.

“We look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationships with our partners, and delivering compelling storytelling, innovative digital offerings, and lifestyle experiences to our subscribers and fans.”

MBC GROUP is the largest and leading media company in the MENA region.

[Source: MBC press release]

BBC World Service launches emergency radio service for Sudan

4 May 2023

BBC World Service launches emergency radio service for Sudan

BBC World Service has launched an emergency pop-up radio service on BBC News Arabic for Sudan to provide vital access to news and information for those in the country.

Broadcast twice daily, and complementing our enhanced digital content, the service will feature eye witness accounts, news on diplomatic efforts and serve to counter disinformation in the country. Listeners will also hear information on how to access essential supplies and services as well as analysis from voices inside and outside Sudan.

The programme, which will be broadcast live in London with input from teams in Amman and Cairo, will air on short wave in Sudan and be available on radio, online and across social media.

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, says: “The World Service provides an essential lifeline to many around the world where access to accurate news and information is scarce. The enhanced emergency service for Sudan will be crucial at a time of great uncertainty in the country.”

Liliane Landor, Director, World Service, says: “The situation in Sudan has escalated quickly with its citizens seeking clear, independent information and advice at a time of critical need. BBC Arabic’s Emergency Radio Service for Sudan will bring vital live updates of the situation on the ground and inform listeners of life-saving resources.”

The programme will broadcast twice daily for three months at 0700 GMT (8am BST, 9am local time) on 21,510 kHz and 1500 GMT (4pm BST, 5pm local time) on 15,310kHz. The first programme aired on Tuesday 2 May at 1500 GMT.

The BBC World Service has a history of responding to emergency situations globally. Most recently, in February 2022, the BBC News Ukraine service began extended TV bulletins following the invasion of the country.

NHK WORLD Monthly Focus: Hiroshima

2 May 2023

NHK WORLD Monthly Focus: Hiroshima

Hiroshima, a journey to global peace

I’m Still Here: An A-Bomb Victim Speaks May 12 Fri. 14:30/20:30/3:10/10:10 May 16 Tue. 19:00 (UTC) In this program we join Hiroshima atomic-bombing survivor Keiko Ogura as she engages residents of a small US town in discussion on the dilemma posed by nuclear arms.
ISSEY MIYAKE May 27 Sat. 1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC) The Human Inside the Clothes Issey Miyake, the world-renowned clothing designer, died in 2022 at the age of 84. Interviews with those who knew him provide insight into what inspired his captivating designs.
Hit the Road May 31 Wed. 1:30/6:30/12:30/17:30 (UTC) The Michi no Eki, or way stations, on Japan’s road network provide a place to rest and sample regional specialties. Join us as we begin exploring these appealing spots by experiencing delicious local fare and warm hospitality in Hiroshima Prefecture.
J-FLICKS May 6 Sat. 1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC) Close-up: Berlin International Film Festival Join presenter Sarah MACDONALD and guest Alexander ZAHLTEN of Harvard University as they look at four captivating Japanese films that have attracted attention at international festivals this year. Director SHINKAI Makoto’s animated feature Suzume and KUMAKIRI Kazuyoshi’s thriller #Manhole were shown at the Berlin International Film Festival, while FUNAHASHI Atsushi’s The Burden of the Past featured at the Asian Film Festival in Osaka. SAKAMOTO Junji’s Okiku and the World, meanwhile, was shown at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Asia Insight Fridays 0:30/5:30/10:30/15:30/21:30 (UTC) Dynamic Asia. Stories behind the world’s largest continent as it faces political, economic, cultural and technological change.

ABC brings home a swag of awards from New York Festivals

26 April 2023

ABC brings home a swag of awards from New York Festivals

ABC content has proven itself to be world class with its screen programmes taking home a number of wins including five gold awards at the 2023 New York Festival Awards.

Factual programmes and the ABC’s in house creative agency ABC Made were the big winners, with Catalyst specials taking home 3 awards and the ABC 90 Years campaign awarded two gold awards.

The two-part Catalyst special Keep on Dancing was awarded a gold in the Health/Medical Information category. The heart-warming special formed part of our ABC Your Move programming and followed a group of over 65’s as they attempted to slow the effects of aging through dance.

Catalyst’s Miracle Babies: Operation Hope was awarded gold in the Health/ Medical Information category. The program took an intimate look at the awe-inspiring world of fetal surgery in a story of hope and trailblazing medicine as parents face agonising decisions about their baby’s future.

Creative National Science Week Catalyst special Australia’s Favourite Tree was awarded a silver award in the Environment & Ecology category. The programme profiled Australia’s unique tree species and saw 270,000 votes cast to determine which tree was Australia’s favourite.

The latest iteration of the incredibly successful social experiment, Old People’s Home for Teenagers also took home a gold award in the Social Issues category adding to the programmes impressive run at home and on the world stage.

This season saw the uplifting series swap pre-schoolers for teenagers to see if they could transform the lives of older people and teenagers amid an epidemic of loneliness.

Of the awards, Richard Huddleston, ABC Acting Head of Factual and Culture said “I am delighted to see our content being recognised at such a prestigious global event. These awards are a testament to the quality of Australian storytelling and an acknowledgement of the creativity and passion that our teams pour into their work.”

The ABC’s brand campaign for our ABC 90 celebration was awarded two gold awards in the Station/Image Promotion and Station/Network ID categories.

Produced in-house by the ABC’s creative agency ABC Made, the campaign was filmed in four locations across Australia with ninety people in each location performing the iconic Bruce Woodley AO and Dobe Newton song, I am Australian.

ABC Director Audiences Leisa Bacon described the campaign as “A true celebration of our commitment to connecting Australians for the last 90 Years.”

The New York Festivals Radio Awards saw podcasts Pink Diamond Heist, Let Us In! and Beauty Queens Who Want to Save the World all recognised as finalists.

BBC World Service commissions Fukushima audio drama

26 April 2023

BBC World Service commissions Fukushima audio drama

BBC World Service has announced that it has commissioned Fukushima, a new seven-part drama series exploring the 2011 nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan.

In March 2011, the largest earthquake ever recorded in Japan’s history triggered a tsunami which sent five to ten metre waves into coastal towns and cities, killing thousands.

Water barrelled over the seawall protecting the Fukushima nuclear power plant, flooding its basements and cutting power. It led to the world’s most severe nuclear accident since Chernobyl.

The stricken power plant became a ticking timebomb, a threat to life in Japan and beyond. As the energy company and politicians in Tokyo lost control, the reactors became unstable and a “suicide squad” of older workers was sent inside.

Akiko is a journalism student who, 10 years after the disaster, goes in search of the story behind the headlines, of how it unfolded and the consequences for the country.

Simon Pitts, Commissioning Editor, BBC World Service English, says: “Fukushima is a compelling drama that powerfully explores the 2011 disaster.

“Through the eyes of a young journalist the story follows events as they unfold, and interrogates the aftermath and the lasting effects. We’re thrilled to have a cast of brilliant and accomplished actors and crew to bring the story to life, and look forward to sharing Fukushima with our listeners across the world.”

Fukushima is narrated by twice Golden Globe nominated actress Romola Garai, and stars Togo Igawa, Ami Okumura Jones and Eiji Mihari.

It was written by Adrian Penket and produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko. It was commissioned by Simon Pitts for the BBC World Service.

Fukushima premieres on Monday 15 May 2023 and each 30 minute episode will premiere weekly thereafter on BBC Sounds as well as other podcast platforms. There are seven episodes. For more information visit: www.bbcworldservice.com/fukushima

It will broadcast as a radio series on the BBC World Service weekly from Wednesday 31 May at 1030 GMT.