Christina Wayne joins MBC GROUP as MD of MBC STUDIOS

6 February 2023

Christina Wayne joins MBC GROUP as MD of MBC STUDIOS

MBC GROUP, the largest media company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), announces the appointment of Christina Wayne as Managing Director of MBC STUDIOS.

MBC STUDIOS is the in-house premium content production arm of MBC GROUP, a media conglomerate that operates more than 17 free-to-air satellite TV channels, two radio stations, and Shahid – the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform – amongst other offerings.

In her new role, Wayne will continue MBC STUDIOS’ ongoing work in expanding the reach of its content to audiences around the world, leveraging the continuous trend for non-English-language television content to reach more global markets.

She takes over the role from former managing director, Peter Smith, who is moving on to pursue other ventures. He will, however, remain as an advisor to MBC GROUP.

Sam Barnett, Group CEO of MBC GROUP, stated: “We’re incredibly excited to be welcoming Christina Wayne to the role of Managing Director at MBC STUDIOS. Christina brings with her a wealth of international expertise in content development and production where she has worked across a multitude of territories and languages, and led on the development of Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning series.

“We look forward to her building on the team’s successes as we continue to expand our horizons in international content even further.”

He continued: “Additionally, I would like to extend my gratitude to Peter Smith for his invaluable contributions to the growth of MBC STUDIOS during his four-year tenure, spearheading the production of numerous flagships, including ‘Rashash’, ‘Rise of the Witches’, and ‘Devil’s Promise’. Peter departs with a solid and successful team with an exciting slate of projects.”

Newly appointed Wayne commented: “I am absolutely delighted to join MBC GROUP and MBC STUDIOS and have heard great things about the incredible team Peter and the rest of MBC have built. This is a very exciting venture for me, and I cannot wait to get fully involved in one of the world’s most exciting territories for content production.”

CAREER BACKGROUND

Prior to joining MBC STUDIOS, Wayne was the Principal Creative Executive and Head of Canada and Australia for Amazon Studios, a role she held since September 2019, and where she oversaw creative on scripted series across more than 20 countries.

She also presided over local original workshops across all territories, with a focus on interconnected series and formats.

A member of the Writers’ Guild of America since 1997, Wayne – who began her career in entertainment as a screenwriter and director – has also held positions with Assembly Entertainment, Cineflix Studios, and AMC. As senior vice-president of scripted series and miniseries for AMC, she shepherded the development and production on award-winning series including “Mad Men”, “Breaking Bad”, and “Broken Trail”.

[Source: MBC press release]

RFE/RL Expands Broadcasts to Afghanistan Despite Taliban Ban

30 January 2023

RFE/RL Expands Broadcasts to Afghanistan Despite Taliban Ban

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) award-winning programming is now available 24 hours a day for millions of Afghan listeners who have come to rely on the broadcaster in the last two decades. Two months after the Taliban removed RFE/RL from AM and FM radio transmitters in Afghanistan, Azadi, as RFE/RL is known locally, is doubling its time on air providing Afghans with independent news in the Dari and Pashto languages. From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time Azadi is broadcasting on mediumwave on 1296 kHz, while during the second half of the day programming is available on shortwave.

This broadcasting milestone comes on Azadi’s 21st anniversary, and further solidifies RFE/RL’s role as a true public broadcaster – the only non-governmental radio broadcaster available 24/7 in Afghanistan. In the last two decades Azadi has become a staple of everyday life. Afghans frequently referred to Azadi as their “national broadcaster,” and its mix of news and information is commonly heard in public settings in the country, from marketplaces to taxis.

“Our expanded programming for Afghan audiences is indicative of the resilience and creativity of our team and their dedication to continue to reach our audiences in Afghanistan in the face of extreme Taliban pressure,” said RFE/RL President and CEO Jamie Fly. “Azadi will now be available for Afghans day and night to give them hope for a better future.”

Despite significant pressure from the Taliban, RFE/RL continues to provide bold coverage of stories suppressed by state media. Azadi has given a platform for the most vulnerable – women and girls, victims of violent extremism, the LGBTQI+ community, and youth — to share their experiences. At every step, Azadi has responded to the Taliban’s restrictive governance: when the Taliban forbade music, Azadi continued to play music on air; when the Taliban banned women from public life, Azadi gave women space to tell their stories; when the Taliban barred girls from attending school, Azadi and Learn Afghanistan provided a rigorous curriculum over the radio. For 21 years, Azadi has helped the powerless find community and hope.

In contrast to official Taliban claims, Afghans have again and again expressed their appreciation and gratitude to RFE/RL for providing a vital public service. RFE/RL will continue to find new and innovative ways to reach audiences.

Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists, and RFE/RL journalists have paid the ultimate price for their commitment to a free press. In 2018, three Radio Azadi journalists — Maharram Durrani, Abadullah Hananzai, and Sabawoon Kakar — were killed in a suicide bomb attack in Kabul. In 2020, Mohammad Ilyas Dayee was killed in a targeted bomb attack.

[Source: RFE/RL press release]

NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s focus in February is Shimane

30 January 2023

NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s focus in February is Shimane

NHK WORLD February programme focus: Shimane

BENTO EXPO Shimane Special February 3 Fri. 1:30/6:30/12:30/17:30/22:30 (UTC) We look at box-lunches made by non-Japanese working at factories, farms, and universities in Shimane Prefecture. We also see how to make a bento with delectable local crab meat, and there’s a recipe featuring canned crab you can enjoy making wherever you are.
NHK Documentary Tamahagane: Miracle Steel of Japanese Swords February 11 Sat. 15:10/22:10/5:10/10:10 (UTC) Tamahagane, a special steel created over an intense 72-hour period, is required for Japanese swords. The pandemic meant there was only one, problem-laden, production run in 2022. Watch Japanese craftsmanship at its finest as the team struggles with the challenge.
Journeys in Japan Izumo: The Heart of the Japanese Spirit February 21 Tue. 0:30/5:30/10:30/15:30/21:30 (UTC) In Journeys in Japan, a Chilean artist visits Shimane Prefecture see rice-straw rope being made to festoon a particularly sacred shrine. The Izumo Grand Shrine is said to be the destination for an annual gathering of all of Japan’s deities.
Why I’m at War February 25 Sat. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) Volodymyr Demchenko has been deeply involved in the defense of his Ukrainian homeland in the years since the street protests of the 2014 Maidan Revolution. He has recorded a great deal of his part in this effort to defend Ukraine and sent dispatches around the world. His video diary of more than 500 hours offers a raw, up-close account of a kind not seen elsewhere and provides a glimpse of a nation’s harrowing experience of conflict.
Dining with the Chef Tuesdays 1:30/6:30/12:30/17:30/22:30 (UTC) Traditional techniques and resourceful recipes! Chefs Saito and Rika, present their unique approaches to cooking delicious Japanese food.
CYCLE AROUND JAPAN Saturdays 2:10/9:10/17:10/21:10 (UTC) Come ride with us! Bicycle through the scenery of Japan, stay with locals and discover hidden traditions in a Japan you didn’t know existed.

AIBs 2022 highlights

27 January 2023

AIBs 2022 highlights

As we prepare for the AIBs 2023, take a moment to watch the highlights of the AIBs 2022 here.

And you can find all about our winners here.

Discover how you can be involved with the AIBs 2023 here.

Winners of the Joy Awards 2023 announced

23 January 2023

Winners of the Joy Awards 2023 announced

The Saudi capital of Riyadh just hosted the third edition of its biggest entertainment awards event to date.

Presented by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), and co-hosted by MBC GROUP, the Joy Awards 2023 successfully concluded on Saturday 21 January 2023, live from the Baker Al-Sheddi Theatre.

Taking place in the presence of His Excellency Turki Al-Alshikh, Chairman of the GEA, the Joy Awards recognises and honours the Arab world’s best artists and their achievements, from cinema, TV, and music, to sporting and digital influence.

The latest edition of the Joy Awards – which is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 Quality of Life Programme – saw a host of stars grace the lavender carpet at Riyadh Boulevard, with all the latest updates televised live on MBC1, MBC MASR, MBC IRAQ, and MBC5, and via Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform.

Celebrities in attendance included Mel Gibson, Amitabh Bachchan, the filmmaker Michael Bay, Sofia Vergara, Spanish actress Esther Acebo, as well as Turkish stars Engin Akyurek, Demet Özdemir, and Aras Bulut İynemli.

THE EVENT

Presented by Wissam Breidy and Valerie Abou Chacra, the Joy Awards 2023 kicked off with a dance performance themed “Sadiq Waf”, before showcasing a documentary entitled “Beyond Imagination” – the tagline of Riyadh Season. The documentary narrated the GEA’s most prominent events, top achievements, and records made during 2022.

In addition to the awards presented, the ceremony also featured performances from a host of top names, including Rashed Al-Majed, Ahmed Saad, Rahma Riad, Marwan Khoury, Mohamed Mounir, Nancy Ajram, followed by a joint performance by REMA with Dalia Mubarak, and then Cairokee.

The ceremony also included the screening of a short film entitled, “A Tribute to Those Who Have Gone”, accompanied by music by Pamela Tan Nicholson and the Classical Ladies Orchestra.

Finally, the event concluded with a group photo with HE Al-Alshikh.

JOY AWARDS 2023 – THE WINNERS

What sets this event apart from others in the region is that the winners are voted for by the fans.

Best Film: “Kira w Al-Jin”
Best Actress (Film): Hind Sabri (“Kira w Al-Jin”)
Best Actor (Film): Ahmed Ezz (“Kira w Al-Jin”)

Best TV Series: “Salon Zahra” (Season 2)
Best Actress (TV Series): Nadine Nassib Njeim (“Salon Zahra – Season 2”)
Best Actor (TV Series): Ibrahim Al Hajjaj (“Minho Waladna”)
Best Newcomer (TV Series): Helda Yassin (“Banat Sanawy”)

Best Song: “Shokran” by Assala Nasri
Best Female Artist: Angham
Best Male Artist: Abdul Majeed Abdullah
Best Newcomer: Jori Kattan

Best Social Media Influencer (Female): Abeer Sagheer
Best Social Media Influencer (Male): Ahmad Al Shugairi

Best Female Sports Personality: Mariam Saleh Bin Laden
Best Male Sports Personality: Achraf Hakimi

JOY AWARDS 2023 – HONORARY WINNERS

HE Al-Alshikh took to the stage to present a number of distinguished honorary awards, with the first one going to Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, Chairman of MBC GROUP, who received the Diamond Entertainment Makers award.

Additional honorary Entertainment Makers awards went to Hollywood actor Mel Gibson, Spanish actress Esther Acebo, and the Arab stars Ahmed Helmy, Mona Zaki, Mohamed Mounir, Rashed Al-Majed, Souad Abdullah, Hayat Al-Fahad, Angham, Nawal El Kuwaitia, and Salem Alhendi.

Two Lifetime Achievement awards were granted to Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan and the international filmmaker Michael Bay.

Finally, Sofia Vergara received the Person of the Year award.

Missed the show? The Joy Awards 2023 is available on catchup via Shahid.

[Source: MBC press release]

RFE/RL Opens New Offices in Vilnius and Riga to Reach Growing Audiences and Counter Disinformation

13 January 2023

RFE/RL Opens New Offices in Vilnius and Riga to Reach Growing Audiences and Counter Disinformation

This week, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) opened new offices in Vilnius, Lithuania and Riga, Latvia. Announced in March 2022, these offices are critical parts of a comprehensive strategy to counter disinformation and reach new audiences in Belarus and Russia with trusted, independent news and information.

At an event commemorating the Vilnius launch, RFE/RL President and CEO Jamie Fly was joined by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Speaker of the Parliament Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen, exiled Belarusian leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania Robert S. Gilchrist, former RFE/RL president and member of the RFE/RL Board of Directors Dr. Jeffrey Gedmin, and other esteemed guests. At an event in Riga, Fly was joined by Latvian President Egils Levits, Latvian Minister of Culture Nauris Puntulis, U.S. Ambassador to Latvia John Carwile, members of Parliament, and media and civil society partners.

“I am honored that RFE/RL journalists have been welcomed in Riga and Vilnius by the Latvian and Lithuanian governments and local communities,” said Fly. “Having served Latvian and Lithuanian audiences during difficult periods in their histories, we are excited to be able to return now to work together to provide new generations who are still denied freedom with access to unbiased reporting.”

RFE/RL’s Riga office will become one of the company’s largest reporting hubs, with state-of-the-art facilities. It will host journalists from Current Time — a 24/7 Russian-language news platform — and the Russian Service who were forced out of Russia in March 2022, as well as new staff hired in Latvia. The office will produce Russian-language content offerings, including investigative journalism and non-news programming for RFE/RL’s soon-to-be-launched streaming platform Votvot. Current Time’s popular morning show, which frequently trends number one on Russian YouTube, will be produced from Riga, along with the Russian Service’s signature YouTube news shows.

In addition to meeting the demand for independent news within Russia, RFE/RL’s Riga office will produce Russian-language content for audiences in the Baltics, wider Europe, and beyond. A new daily news program will cover the Baltic region, providing an important counterpoint to disinformation about the three EU members and the freedoms enjoyed by their citizens.

A Digital Innovation Lab in the Riga office will develop new reporting tools, storytelling formats, and distribution processes that are replicable at RFE/RL and within the broader media community. In partnership with the Open Technology Fund, the Digital Innovation Lab will examine new ways to respond to Russian censorship and disinformation across RFE/RL’s markets.

RFE/RL’s new Vilnius office will host journalists exiled from Belarus in the aftermath of Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s fraudulent 2020 re-election. However, the Vilnius office is more than a haven. Current Time will create new video products from Vilnius for Russian-speaking audiences in Belarus as alternatives to Kremlin and other state propaganda. RFE/RL’s Minsk bureau was raided and sealed, and the Belarus Service’s websites were blocked in July 2021. In December 2021, RFE/RL was designated an “extremist organization,” a label that criminalized both the reporting and consumption of RFE/RL content. Two Belarus Service journalists – Ihar Losik and Andrey Kuznechyk – remain unjustly imprisoned by the Lukashenka regime.

While in Lithuania, Fly met with Speaker of Parliament Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen, Deputy Foreign Minister Mantas Adomenas, Deputy Chancellor of the Government Rolandas Krisciunas, Head of International Relations and EU Group Kestutis Vaskelevicius, and members of Belarusian civil society. In Latvia, Fly met with President Egils Levits, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins, Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics, and other officials for productive discussions about challenges to media freedom in the region.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, traffic to RFE/RL websites from within Russia has increased to record numbers despite significant Kremlin censorship. Both at the war’s start and at key moments, video views from within Russia surged, demonstrating the immense appetite of Russian-language audiences to know the truth. RFE/RL’s award-winning coverage is meeting this demand with extensive reporting on Russian atrocities, conscription, and more.

For decades, the people of Latvia and Lithuania have been enthusiastic consumers of and contributors to RFE/RL’s reporting — both from RFE/RL’s Latvian and Lithuanian services, which operated from 1975 to 2004, and more recently from Current Time. These new offices mark RFE/RL’s physical return to Riga and Vilnius, where the services maintained bureaus from 1992 to 2004.

[Source: RFE/RL press release]