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

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

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

ABU seeks new Secretary-General

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 31st July 2022.

Candidates will be assessed against the following selection criteria:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

  1. High-level financial management experience including the preparation of budgets and financial reports.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

  1. Proficiency and self-sufficiency with use of IT and new media
  2. A Master’s university degree in a relevant discipline will be an added value.
  3. Applicants must be citizens of a country within the Asia-Pacific region.
BBC News Ukraine marks 30th anniversary amid Russian invasion

BBC News Ukraine marks 30th anniversary amid Russian invasion

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

VOA launches programming in Sindhi

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]

BBC Swahili celebrates 65 years for its Blue Sapphire anniversary

BBC Swahili celebrates 65 years for its Blue Sapphire anniversary

BBC Swahili celebrates 65 years for its Blue Sapphire anniversary

BBC Swahili launched on 27th June 1957 and is celebrating its 65th anniversary. Special programming will be available throughout the anniversary week to recognise this impressive milestone.

“This is London. Today, for the first time ever, BBC London sends greetings to all the residents of East Africa, in their own language. Asalaam Aleikum,” presenter Oscar Kambona said in the first broadcast.

From then on, the Swahili Service, initially primarily a radio service, went on to become a source of dependable news for millions of listeners across East and Central Africa.

In recent years, the service has evolved as the media environment changed, spawning a TV service, digital offer and engaging audiences on various platforms including social media.

During the anniversary week, in a series of special programming, the Swahili Service will broadcast live from various locations including from DR Congo, Rwanda, and Zanzibar. It will explore key issues that matter to our audiences in the region – cost of living, climate change, security, health, politics, culture, among others. The broadcasts will also feature Deputy Prime Minister of DR Congo Eva Busaiza, Vice President of Zanzibar, Othman Masoud Sharif, and other key news makers.

Audiences can follow the action by visiting online, Twitter and Instagram using #bbcswahilli65

In DRC, highlights of the coverage will focus on:

  • A look at an initiative to counter misinformation known as Kijiji cha Amani, in Bukavu, formed to counter fake news and how successful it has been
  • A discussion with women leaders on politics and development in the DRC with an Interview with the first female Deputy Prime Minister in the country , Eva Basaiza, about her achievements & challenges

In Zanzibar, the highlight will be an hour-long debate on Thursday 30 June focusing on The Role of Swahili in today’s digital world translated to Je! Upi mchango wa lugha ya Kiswahili katika dunia ya leo?

The Editor of BBC Swahili, Caroline Karobia, says: “The blue Sapphire anniversary for Swahili service is being celebrated at a time that evolving technology has had a great influence on media and broadcasting. We are excited to be at the heart of these changes which have revolutionised our engagement with audiences in radio, TV and digital platforms.”

Director of BBC World Service, Liliane Landor says: “This is a Service which has remained a trusted source of news for millions in the region and the diaspora. 65 years is an impressive milestone. It is also a moment to reflect on the rapidly evolving media environment and audiences demands. BBC Swahili will continue to tell important, original and impactful stories that matter to our audience and I’m hugely proud of all its achievements.’’

About BBC Swahili Service

Swahili Service is one of 42 language services operated by the BBC World Service/International Services, reaching 24.9 million people every week.

It broadcast two radio programmes each day – Amka na BBC and Dira ya Dunia.; digital services and one current affairs television programme.

Since its launch, the Swahili Service has covered major events in the eastern Africa region including the independence struggles in (then) Tanganyika, Uganda, Kenya, DR Congo, Rwanda and Burundi; Rwanda genocide, DR Congo wars, evolution of political freedoms in the region and others.

USAGM condemns censorship by Turkish broadcasting authority

USAGM condemns censorship by Turkish broadcasting authority

USAGM condemns censorship by Turkish broadcasting authority

USAGM Acting CEO Kelu Chao spoke out against the Turkish government’s June 30 blocking of online news by international broadcasters including Voice of America.

VOA’s Turkish programming, and all of 32 language services of German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle, were censored on Thursday when the Turkish authority responsible for media control RTÜK restricted access to their websites.
 
“With the attempted blocking of Voice of America and Deutsche Welle, RTÜK has made an alarming choice to pave the way for internet censorship. Audiences in Turkey deserve access to fact-based news about the world around them. Despite this latest attack on press freedom, USAGM will not be deterred in its mission to support the free flow of information to people in Turkey and across the globe,” said Kelu Chao, USAGM’s Acting CEO.
 
“We oppose this move as a thinly veiled effort to censor unfavourable press coverage,” said Acting VOA Director Yolanda López. “Upon learning that our site is now blocked, we firmly object to this latest action in Turkey’s efforts to restrict VOA’s ability to deliver accurate and objective news to its Turkish-speaking audience. Through circumvention tools and other means, VOA will not be deterred.” 
 
In February 2022, RTÜK had called on VOA to obtain a license that would have allowed the Turkish government to censor editorial content.  
 
News of Turkey’s actions spread quickly on social media in Turkey yesterday. Options to circumvent this censorship are in place and related information is available to audiences on social media.