Veteran Journalist James O’Shea Named MBN Board Chair

12 July 2022

Veteran Journalist James O’Shea Named MBN Board Chair

The Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. (MBN) announced that James O’Shea would serve as the Chair of MBN’s board of directors. O’Shea was editor and executive vice president of the Los Angeles Times and managing editor of the Chicago Tribune, where he spent many years overseeing the Tribune’s foreign news staff. He is succeeding Amb. Karen Kornbluh, who stepped down from the board in June.

“Jim has a wealth of journalistic experience, and MBN will benefit from his knowledge and guidance,” stated MBN Acting President Hassan Shwiki. “We are extremely fortunate to work with him as MBN advances its digital-first programming strategy and continue to provide accurate and objecting news to audiences across the Middle East and North Africa on the platforms they use.”

“MBN serves the vital mission of reporting on topics not covered in the Arabic press, as well as news about America and the American people,” stated O’Shea. “This is a very talented and dedicated team, and I am grateful to serve as their board chair. I also wish to express my appreciation for Karen Kornbluh’s wonderful work as chair of MBN’s board.”

In addition to his work at the Times and Tribune, O’Shea is the author of three books including “The Deal From Hell,” a narrative about the merger of Times Mirror and the Tribune companies. He co-founded the Chicago News Cooperative, a digital news start-up that produced Chicago news pages twice a week for The New York Times. O’Shea was also the Howard R. March Visiting Professor of Journalism at the University of Michigan for the 2013/2014 academic year.

Other members of MBN’s board include Amb. Ryan Crocker, Michael Kempner, Amb. Susan Ziadeh and Timothy McNulty.

About Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. (MBN)

Launched in 2004, MBN is non-profit corporate media outlet financed by U.S. government through a grant from US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), an independent federal agency. The USAGM serves as a firewall to protect the professional independence and integrity of the broadcasters.

MBN is an Arabic-language multimedia organization whose mission is to expand the spectrum of ideas, opinions, and perspectives available in the media of the Middle East and North Africa; provide objective, accurate, and relevant news and information; and, accurately represent America, Americans, and American policies. Through its multimedia broadcasts, MBN seeks to inform, engage, and connect with the regions’ people in support of universal freedoms.

MBN Platforms

Television (Alhurra, Alhurra-Iraq)

Radio (Sawa Levant, Sawa Iraq, Sawa Sudan)

Digital (www.Alhurra.com, www.RadioSawa.com, www.Elsaha.com, www.Irfaasawtak.com, www.MaghrebVoices.com)

[Source: MBN press release]

Critically acclaimed Current Time doco chronicles families divided by Russia’s war, disinformation

6 July 2022

Critically acclaimed Current Time doco chronicles families divided by Russia’s war, disinformation

A new documentary produced by Current Time and directed by journalist and filmmaker Andrey Loshak, “Broken Ties,” has premiered to critical acclaim in Russia. The film shows the human cost for Russians themselves of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, and ways Kremlin disinformation and state propaganda are tearing Russian families apart.

Filmed over a three-month period, “Broken Ties” follows seven Russian families as their relationships deteriorate in the months following the invasion. Among the subjects followed are: Renata, a pediatrician struggling to come to terms with her guilt over Russia’s involvement in the war, and her mother, Vinera, a fiercely patriotic schoolteacher; and Ekaterina and Artem, a Russian couple so deeply divided on the war that they may divorce. Loshak also interviews Vika, a survivor of Russia’s bombing of the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, and her brother, Yakov, who dismisses Vika’s perspective on the war. As ideologies clash, communication becomes strained, and relationships begin to deteriorate. In time, any hope of finding common ground, understanding or reconciliation begins to vanish.

Kenan Aliyev, executive editor at Current Time and executive producer of the film said, “We are extremely proud of this latest collaboration with Andrey Loshak, and our ability to release this important documentary to Russian-speaking audiences – including in Ukraine – while the war rages on. This documentary shows the real, human costs for Russians themselves of Putin’s assault on media freedom and independent journalism.”

In one of the film’s most moving scenes, Natalya, a psychologist opposed to Russia’s invasion, recounts how she regularly talks with her mother Lyudmila for hours, refuting state propaganda. When asked if her daughter has managed to persuade her at all, Lyudmila answers, “No, of course not.”

“Broken Ties” first premiered for Russian-speaking audiences on Current Time on June 20. It is now available on YouTube, where it has been seen over 1.2 million times, generating significant positive audience engagement.

Ksenia Larina, a prominent Russian journalist and television critic, described the film as “astonishing” and “scary;” and Anton Dolin, a Russian film critic writing for Meduza, called the film, “a powerful antidote to what Russian television has become,” and, “made by one of the best representatives of a different kind of television…”

Andrey Loshak is an internationally recognized journalist, reporter, and filmmaker from Moscow. He has received the Russian TEFI award for “Best Reporter” and the Order “For Merit to the Fatherland” 1st class medal for his pioneering work in Russian national TV. Loshak’s previous work with Current Time includes “InterNYET,” a series covering the rise and fall of Russia’s internet, and “Let It All Burn,” a documentary about Russian rock band IC3PEAK’s fight with local authorities for its right to perform.

Watch “Broken Ties” with English subtitles here.

[Source: RFE/RL press release]

NHK WORLD-JAPAN launches its first 24-hour English language TV service in South Africa

5 July 2022

NHK WORLD-JAPAN launches its first 24-hour English language TV service in South Africa

NHK WORLD-JAPAN has announced the commencement of its first round-the-clock broadcast in the Republic of South Africa.

Beginning on July 1, NHK WORLD-JAPAN expanded its cooperation with MultiChoice Group, Africa’s leading video entertainment provider, and joined its Southern African line-up on DStv channel 431.

In addition to those already subscribed to DStv’s Sub-Saharan African offering, a direct-to-home (DTH) service via the Eutelsat-36B, now approximately 8 million more DStv subscribers will have access to the channel’s exciting content via the Intelsat-20.

With this launch, viewers on all DStv packages throughout the continent can watch NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s unique and diverse blend of programming, featuring hourly live international news, along with arts and culture, dramas, anime, food, travel, technology, documentaries, and much more.

“We are excited to bring this channel to our DStv subscribers, we are focused on offering the best of local and international content and this channel’s unique content offering aims to do just that,” says Gideon Khobane, Group Executive for General Entertainment at MultiChoice Group. “NHK WORLD-JAPAN will give our DStv viewers a chance to explore international culture through entertainment.”

Jun Takao, President and CEO of Japan International Broadcasting, the NHK subsidiary responsible for the worldwide distribution of NHK WORLD-JAPAN, says “We are delighted to offer the content of NHK WORLD-JAPAN to the people of South Africa for the first time. It has been our long-awaited desire to distribute our programmes in this region.”

[Source: NHK WORLD press release]

ABU seeks new Secretary-General

2 July 2022

ABU seeks new Secretary-General

The ABU is inviting applications for the post of Secretary-General, Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union-ABU

The present Secretary-General will be leading the Secretariat up to the end of December 2022. The ABU is therefore seeking to recruit a high-calibre professional as Secretary-General. The Secretary-General Designate will start working at the ABU Secretariat once the formalities for visa and work permit are completed.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the important position of the ABU Secretary-General.

The Secretary-General is the administrative head, editorial and creative leader of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union’s Secretariat, reporting to the ABU President, and responsible for leading and managing the ABU Secretariat located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and implementing the decisions of the ABU Administrative Council and General Assembly.

The key responsibilities of the Secretary-General are to:

Develop and implement strategic initiatives to achieve the Union’s vision, mission and objectives as stated in the ABU Statutes.
Promote and project a positive image of the ABU globally by nurturing fruitful partnerships and cooperation with other international organisations.
Provide leadership to and oversee the operations of the ABU’s Secretariat and all its departments to ensure that they provide quality and timely services to members.
Manage the finances of the Secretariat, control the assets and funds of the ABU, and oversee the preparation of budgets, operational expenses and financial reports.

The successful candidate will be appointed for a three-year term, with a possible three-year extension.

APPLICATIONS:

Applications should be accompanied by a detailed CV and work history, a covering letter of a maximum of 1,000 words outlining why the candidate believes he or she could successfully fill this role, details of current salary and allowances, the period of notice to be given to the applicant’s existing employer, and a passport size photograph. The age of applicants may preferably be less than 60 years. Candidates up to 62 years old will also be included in the selection by the Recruitment Task Group.

Applicants are also invited to nominate 4 referees (2 bosses, 1 colleague and 1 subordinate).

Applications should be sent by email to the following 3 addresses:

Mr. HASHIMOTO Akinori,

Executive Controller, General Media Admin., NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corp.)

hashimoto.a-gy@nhk.or.jp main

CC: kuroiwa.m-fy@nhk.or.jp backup

CC: DQG10121@nifty.ne.jp backup

For your reference, the postal address and telephone number are shown as follows.

Postal Address: Mr. HASHIMOTO Akinori

Global Strategy Division, NHK WORLD Department,

2-2-1, Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 1508001, JAPAN

Telephone number: +81-3-5455-7754

FAX number: +81-3-5478-6557

The closing date for the submission of applications will be 31^st July 2022.

Candidates will be assessed against the following selection criteria:

Proven track record of leadership and management in a broadcasting or similar media organisation as Chief Executive Officer, Director-General or similar very senior management position.
Demonstrated strong inter-cultural and inter-personal skills with the ability to generate consensus and influence outcomes among people of diverse backgrounds, cultures and nationalities.

iii. Minimum 5 years of experience in planning and implementing strategic media initiatives in an international broadcasting context.

High-level financial management experience including the preparation of budgets and financial reports.
Excellent working knowledge of media and broadcasting issues in the Asia-Pacific region and familiarity with and understanding of the work of the ABU and its membership.
Ability to promote and project a positive image of the ABU and to build fruitful relationships with other international organisations.

vii. Very high-level writing and communication skills in English are a pre-requisite, but a working knowledge of other languages in the region would be an advantage.

viii. Knowledge about new technology, multiplatform delivery systems, UHD 4K& 8K, cybersecurity / IP-based media network, VR, AR and MR Technologies in broadcasting, big data and AI Technologies and 5G Technology.

Proficiency and self-sufficiency with use of IT and new media
A Master’s university degree in a relevant discipline will be an added value.
Applicants must be citizens of a country within the Asia-Pacific region.

BBC News Ukraine marks 30th anniversary amid Russian invasion

1 July 2022

BBC News Ukraine marks 30th anniversary amid Russian invasion

As Russia’s war on Ukraine continues to hold the global centre stage, the BBC is marking 30 years of serving its Ukrainian-speaking audience.

On 1 June 1992, the BBC started short- and medium-wave radio broadcasts for then newly independent Ukraine. Today, BBC News Ukraine – BBC News Україна – is serving its audience via the website bbc.ua, its YouTube channel, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Telegram, TikTok and Viber. The BBC News Ukraine Monday to Friday TV news programme is rebroadcast by Ukraine’s national TV channels Espreso, Priamyj and 5 Kanal.

The Ukrainian service was the BBC’s first non-Russian language service for the post-Soviet states. First based in London, with correspondents in Ukraine, the service then moved to digital platforms, primarily delivered from Kyiv. Its TV news programme is produced in and presented from London.

Senior Controller of BBC News International Services and Director of BBC World Service, Liliane Landor, says: “The excellent work of the BBC’s Ukrainian service has gone from strength to strength over the decades. Their coverage of the war really showcases their outstanding and often selfless professionalism, as demonstrated by each and everyone in the team. Their journalism has been crucial, both for their direct audience and for the BBC’s UK and global audiences.”

As Russia launched its assault on Ukraine in the early hours of 24 February 2022, the BBC News Ukraine website bbc.ua started its live coverage, Russia’s war against Ukraine. Published as the first explosions shook Kyiv, the live page, maintained by contributions from every member of the team, hasn’t stopped its flow of comprehensive reporting and analysis.

Since 24 February, the BBC News Ukraine TV news bulletin has been extended from 15 to 30 minutes. During the first two weeks of the war, to keep the viewers abreast of the fast-moving developments, the TV team produced a second daily 30-minute edition while also contributing to the BBC’s English-language news coverage. Weekly channel viewing on YouTube grew tenfold compared to the pre-war period. Since 11 May, two more national TV channels, Priamyj and 5 Kanal, have been rebroadcasting the BBC News Ukraine TV programme.

BBC News Ukraine Editor, Marta Shokalo, comments: “While each of us, be it in Kyiv or London, has been personally affected by the life-shattering developments, our work as journalists has continued. From the very first day we were fully aware – also on a personal level – how crucial trusted information was when life-and-death decisions had to be made. Those of us in Ukraine learned that we can work anywhere, even in a bomb-shelter. I’ll always remember the relief after morning and evening rollcalls confirming every member of the team was accounted for and safe. And the unwavering support of the BBC colleagues in London and around the world.”

On the first week of the Russia invasion, BBC News Ukraine reached a record 5.6 million people across the website bbc.ua and social platforms. Over the following two months, the service has maintained a weekly digital audience that is more than double its average for previous years. Among the service’s popular content, Albiy Shudrya’s piece from the trenches in the Donetsk region about the contents of the Ukrainian army fighter’s dry ration has clocked 1.4 million views on YouTube and 2.8 million views on the service’s newly launched TikTok channel.

Alongside bringing the BBC’s global news coverage to Ukrainian audiences, BBC News Ukraine continues to be a crucial part of bringing Ukraine to international audiences. And even as the service’s resources are dedicated to the all-consuming war coverage, Viktoriia Zhuhan’s documentary about the Eurovision winners, Kalush Orchestra, provided the BBC’s UK and international audiences with exclusive access to the group, following them from the war-torn outskirts of Kyiv to their triumph in Turin.

As it delivers the BBC’s global news coverage to Ukrainian audiences, BBC News Ukraine continues to be a crucial part of bringing Ukraine to international audiences, with correspondents appearing across the BBC, helping shape the BBC storytelling with expert voices and analysis.

BBC News Ukraine is part of BBC World Service.

VOA launches programming in Sindhi

1 July 2022

VOA launches programming in Sindhi

Voice of America today launched a new webpage in the Sindhi language (voasindhi.com), under VOA’s Urdu broadcasting service. Sindhi is spoken mostly in the southeastern region of Pakistan and by more than 35 million speakers throughout South Asia.

The new language webpage will include content on world news, current affairs, science, technology, women’s issues, education, as well as bilateral relations between the U.S. and the South Asian region and its population.

“This new service will provide Sindhi speakers the critical news and information they need, as well as contribute to telling America’s story in that region,” explained Acting VOA Director Yolanda López. “I look forward to seeing more people being served by VOA and our programming through this new language.”

Broadcasting to Pakistan since 1952, VOA’s Urdu service reaches more than 6 million people weekly. The addition of the Sindhi language to VOA’s global offerings will broaden VOA’s audience in Pakistan over time.

With the addition of Sindhi, Voice of America now broadcasts in 48 languages, nine of which are languages spoken in South and Central Asia.

[Source: VOA press release]