Germany and Russia go head to head over broadcasters

Germany and Russia go head to head over broadcasters

Germany and Russia go head to head over broadcasters

Germany and Russia have traded blows over the two countries’ international broadcasters.

 
On Wednesday 2 February 2022, the German Commission on Licensing and Supervision (ZAK) decreed that RT must cease broadcasting German-language programmes saying it “does not have the necessary broadcasting licence”.
 
RT DE – the Berlin-based German-language division of RT (formerly Russia Today) acquired a licence from the Serbian media regulator on 17 December 2021. Both Germany and Serbia are signatories to the European Convention on Transfrontier Television. Licences granted by one ECTT member state provide the legal grounds for transmission and reception of a licensed service in another ECTT-ratified state. However, Germany says that since the programmes are produced in Germany and not Serbia, the licence does not provide the right for the channel to be received in the country. RT has said that it will challenge this in the German courts.
 
The following day, 3 February, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation issued a statement announcing that it is closing the operations of Germany’s international broadcaster DW in the country (headquarters in Bonn pictured).
 
The statement reads:
As part of the response measures announced on February 2 in response to the unfriendly actions of the Federal Republic of Germany to ban satellite and other broadcasting of the German-language television channel RT DE, the Russian side intends to implement the first stage of response measures:
– closure of the correspondent office of the German television and radio company Deutsche Welle in the Russian Federation;
– cancellation of accreditation of all employees of the Russian Bureau of Deutsche Welle;
– termination of satellite and other broadcasting of the Deutsche Welle television and radio company on the territory of the Russian Federation;
– initiation by the competent authorities of the Russian Federation of the procedure for considering the issue of recognising Deutsche Welle as a foreign mass media outlet acting as a foreign agent;
– launching the process of forming a list of representatives of state and public structures of Germany involved in restricting the broadcasting of RT DE and otherwise putting pressure on the Russian media operator, who will be banned from entering the territory of the Russian Federation. The list is not expected to be published.
Information on the next steps in the response will be published in a timely manner.”
 

DW has issued a press statement about the Russian move. It quotes DW Director-General Peter Limbourg as saying: “The measures by the authorities in Russia are completely incomprehensible and a total overreaction,

“We have been made into a kind of pawn, which the media must often endure in autocracies. We formally protest against this absurd reaction by the Russian government and we will take legal action against the announced measures. Until we are officially presented with the measures, we will continue reporting from our office in Moscow. Even if we ultimately do have to close it, our reporting about Russia will remain unchanged. In fact, we would increase our coverage.”

According to the press statement, Deutsche Welle has held a broadcast license in Russia since 2005 for its DW English and DW German TV channels. The current licenses issued by Russia’s media authorities are valid until 2025 for DW English and until 2027 for DW German.

DW English is broadcast in Russia via the ASTRA-5B satellite. DW German is broadcast using the ASTRA-4A satellite. In line with the binding conditions of the license, the DW German TV channel has a window for Russian-language programming in its schedule. This programming consists of DW magazines adapted into Russian (a total of 18 hours per week: 2 hours per day, Mon.-Fri. and 4 hours per day, Sat.-Sun.). Several cable TV distributors in Russia also run the Russian-language programming of DW German. They are Rostelecom, Tricolor, Beeline, ER-Telecom, MTS and NetByNet.

 

Picture: The Foreign Ministry in Moscow

France 24 – February 2022 highlights

France 24 – February 2022 highlights

France 24 – February 2022 highlights

Coming up on France 24 during February

REVISITED – Brexit

If you were to pick one subject that has dominated UK’s political debate since the end of the Second World War it would have to be the UK’s place in what is nowadays the European Union. It is a subject that has engaged and enraged politicians and the population for years – a real opinion divider, with passionate arguments from those wanting to be fully part of the European project – and those who want nothing to do with it. For nearly 25 years, the UK remained – a somewhat awkward partner – opting out of key legislation. At home the battle raged, especially within the Conservative party – until in 2016 Prime Minister David Cameron made a crucial announcement of a referendum on Britain’s membership. Cameron resigned and Theresa May, then Boris Johnson, delivered Brexit. But as the arguments between the UK and the European Union notably over issues like Northern Ireland and fishing continue, how is the UK actually faring, and where is public opinion today?  Clovis Casali revisits Brexit Britain.

Sunday 6 February at 1910 GMT

DOWN TO EARTH – DNA: New home for the world’s data?

Are we on the brink of a data storage crisis? As the world produces an ever-growing amount of digital information, we are running out of space to store it, with far-reaching consequences for the environment. DNA is now being billed as a promising solution. Researchers say all the data in the world could fit in just 100 grams of DNA, the equivalent of a chocolate bar.

Saturday 5 February at 1720 GMT

DOWN TO EARTH – Skiing: Nearing the End?

Across the Alps, climate change could make skiing a relic of the past. With warm winters and snow shortages threatening an entire industry, ski resorts are left grappling with how to adapt. In this episode of “Down to Earth”, we meet those working to keep mountain tourism alive, with or without the snow. In the Jura Mountain range, the resort town of Métabief is bidding farewell to skiing in the mid-term, as they transition into a four-season tourism model. In one of France’s oldest ski stations, slopes are being relocated uphill, while others continue to rely on artificial snow machines.

Saturday 19 February at 1720 GMT

REPORTERS PLUS – Stalemate in Palestine

On 24 June 2021, Palestinian activist Nizar Banat died after his arrest by Palestinian security forces at his home. The political opponent was a fierce critic of the Palestinian authority. His death had an immediate effect: thousands were out in the streets to protest and to blame Mahmoud Abbas. The 86 year old leader is clinging to power, having just cancelled the first elections in 16 years. France 24’s reporters meet the Palestinians who openly denounce their leadership and who feel abandoned. Many consider there is no more hope, as they suffer, in their words, “a double occupation, that of Israel and that of the Palestinian Authority”.

Saturday 12 February at 1910 GMT

THE 51 PERCENT – Six months after the fall of Kabul: what is the situation for Afghan women?

To mark six months since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, “The 51 Percent” takes a look at the situation of women who remained in the conflict-ridden country. While the Taliban attempt to present a more moderate approach to the world, girls’ education is still not accessible for all; some women’s rights activists have disappeared while many working women have found themselves out of a job. With guest Shaharzad Akbar, President of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in Afghanistan, now living in exile.

Friday 11 February at 1545 GMT

Key stories in France 24 news bulletins during February

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 – WORLD CANCER DAY 

On World Cancer Day, France 24’s four channels offer viewers reports, magazines and interviews.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 – MEETING BETWEEN VLADIMIR PUTIN ET XI JINPING

France 24’s correspondents in Beijing offer viewers special coverage of the meeting between the two Heads of states with reports and analysis in news bulletins.

FEBRUARY 5 AND 6 – AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT  

On the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa on February 5 and 6, France 24’s correspondents report in news bulletins to share the highlights of this event.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6 – INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ZERO TOLERANCE FOR FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

On the international day of zero tolerance for female genital mutilation, France 24’s four channels take a look this dangerous practice around the world and bring viewers interviews and reports in news bulletins.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 – FIRST ROUND OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN COSTA RICA

France 24 covers the presidential election in Costa Rica and bring viewers reports and interviews.

FEBRUARY 7 AND 8 – MEDITERRANEAN FORUM

For the Mediterranean forum in Marseille, France 24 broadcasts Emmanuel Macron’s speech live.

FEBRUARY 17 AND 18 – EUROPEAN UNION-AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT

The leaders of the EU and the AU as well as of their respective member states will meet for the sixth European Union – African Union summit in Brussels. The summit will present a unique opportunity to lay the foundations for a renewed and deeper AU-EU partnership with the highest political involvement and based on trust and a clear understanding of mutual interests. France 24’s special correspondents report on the event, a highlight of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union and offer viewers special editions dedicated to the summit.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25 – THE 47TH CÉSAR AWARDS CEREMONY

France 24 covers the 47th César Awards ceremony that honours the best French films of 2021. The channel’s culture editors report live in the news bulletins on the highlights of the ceremony.

 

NHK WORLD – JAPAN | February 2022 highlights

NHK WORLD – JAPAN | February 2022 highlights

NHK WORLD – JAPAN | February 2022 highlights

NHK WORLD – JAPAN – selected programme highlights in February

To Heal the Heart – starting 13 February

Based on the life of An Katsumasa, a Korean psychiatrist who lived in Japan, this series tells the story of one doctor’s capacity for love.

When the Great Hanshin Earthquake strikes Japan in January 1995, An Kazutaka springs into action to care for the mental health of others, even though he’s a victim himself. He listens to the concerns of earthquake survivors, empathises with their pain, and eventually becomes a pioneer researcher of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) in Japan. An’s deep bond with his wife, who stays by his side through many hardships, is also depicted, as are the heartfelt ties he forms with his patients.

Four weekly episodes at 0010/0610/120/1810 GMT


Carbon Farming – A Climate Solution Under our Feet

A powerful tool for curbing climate change is right beneath our feet. Carbon farming represents a paradigm shift. The program introduces farmers in the U.S. and Japan who employ this method of regenerative agriculture. Instead of tilling the soil and spreading chemicals, they let organisms in the ground do the work. Carbon creates good soil, looking something like chocolate cake. The approach harnesses the power of nature, with twin goals of capturing carbon from the air and producing nutritious organic food.

Saturday 19 February at 0110/0710/1310/1910 GMT


BENTO EXPO

Discover how Bento connects the world, and taste it yourself, with step-by-step recipes and delicious tips and tricks!

Watch the promo here.

Mondays at 0130/0630/1230/1730/2230 GMT


Asia Insight

Asia Insight bring you the stories behind the world’s largest continent as it faces political, economic, cultural and technological change.

Watch the promo here.

Fridays at 0030/0530/1030/1530

AIB welcomes acquittal of Pakistan media group head

AIB welcomes acquittal of Pakistan media group head

AIB welcomes acquittal of Pakistan media group head

The AIB welcomes the decision of the Accountability Court in Lahore to acquit Mir Shakil-ur Rahman, editor in chief and CEO of Jang-Geo Group, of charges relating to property transactions over 30 years ago.

Rahman was kept in jail for eight months until pressure from the international community – including the AIB – resulted in his release on bail in November 2020 following an order by Pakistan’s Supreme Court. 

MSR’s arrest followed a significant campaign by the Pakistan government against Geo TV and Jang Group that has included restrictions on carriage of the nationwide TV network imposed by the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority, and attacks on journalists working for Geo TV and Jang publications.

“We hope that the release of MSR marks the start of a change in approach to media freedom in Pakistan,” said Simon Spanswick, chief executive of the AIB. “The intimidation of journalists and media owners in the country has gone on for far too long. Pakistan needs to embrace the principles of media freedom for the benefit of its citizens.”

RFE/RL experts available for interview on Ukraine/Russia crisis

RFE/RL experts available for interview on Ukraine/Russia crisis

RFE/RL experts available for interview on Ukraine/Russia crisis

As Russian military forces and equipment continue to flood into Russian and Belarusian territories adjacent to those countries’ borders with Ukraine, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) Ukrainian, Russian and Belarus services and Current Time digital network are reporting the facts on the ground on either side of the Ukrainian frontier. RFE/RL has gathered the best of its company-wide coverage of the crisis in this English-language portal and Live Briefing: Ukraine in the Crosshairs.

RFE/RL experts are available for interview on TV, over the phone, or via email:

Ukrainian Service

  • Sashko Shevchenko, Correspondent, Radio Svoboda (Kyiv)
    English, Ukrainian, Russian
    Shevchenkoo-fl@rferl.org | mobile: +380.678.827.039 | Twitter: @radiosvoboda
  • Rostyslav Khotin, Senior Editor (Prague)
    English, Ukrainian, Russian
    khotinr@rferl.org | phone: +420.221.122.281 | mobile: +420.777.474.042
  • Maryana Drach, Director (Prague | Kyiv)
    English, Ukrainian, Russian
    drachm@rferl.org | phone: +420.221.122.296 | mobile: +420.602.612.714 | Twitter: @MaryanaDrach1

Russian Service

Belarus Service

  • Aliaksandra Dynko, Senior Editor (Kyiv)
    English, Belarusian, Russian
    dynkoa@rferl.org  | mobile: +380.956.925.085

Central News

  • Mike Eckel, Senior Correspondent (Kyiv)

English, Russian

eckelm@rferl.org | phone: +420.221.123.624 | Twitter: @Mike_Eckel
READ: How Long Could Ukraine Hold Out Against A New Russian Invasion?

—–

Find RFE/RL Experts at https://pressroom.rferl.org/experts

To schedule an interview with any of RFE/RL’s experts, contact Martins Zvaners in Washington (zvanersm@rferl.org; +1.202.457.6948) or Karin Maree in Prague (mareek@rferl.org; +420.221.122.074).

Follow the latest developments on RFERL.org.

Deborah Turness appointed CEO, BBC News and Current Affairs

Deborah Turness appointed CEO, BBC News and Current Affairs

Deborah Turness appointed CEO, BBC News and Current Affairs

The BBC has announced that Deborah Turness has been appointed as CEO, BBC News and Current Affairs. Deborah will join the BBC from the UK’s ITN, where she is CEO.

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, says: “I’m delighted Deborah Turness is joining the BBC as our CEO for BBC News and Current Affairs. Deborah brings a wealth of experience, insight, first-class editorial judgement, and a strong track record of delivery. She is a passionate advocate for the power of impartial journalism and a great believer in the BBC and the role we play, in the UK and globally. She will do a brilliant job of leading our news and current affairs as we deliver on the BBC’s public service mission in the digital age.”

Deborah Turness says: “In the UK and around the world there has never been a greater need for the BBC’s powerful brand of impartial, trusted journalism. It is a great privilege to be asked to lead and grow BBC News at a time of accelerated digital growth and innovation, when its content is reaching more global consumers on more platforms than ever before.”

As CEO of BBC News, Deborah will have responsibility for a team of around 6,000 people, broadcasting to almost half a billion people across the world in more than 40 languages. The BBC is consistently rated the world’s most trusted international news provider, and record numbers of people have turned to BBC News during the coronavirus pandemic. The latest figures show that eight out of ten UK adults use BBC News every week. 

Her title of CEO reflects the BBC’s ambition to continue to build the BBC’s global news brand and continue to grow its news services, which are now reaching a record 456 million people worldwide. Deborah will also be nominated to join the BBC Board.

Her appointment follows a competitive recruitment process. She replaces Fran Unsworth, who is retiring and leaves the BBC at the end of January.