Calls for Eutelsat to drop Chinese state TV channels

18 April 2021

Calls for Eutelsat to drop Chinese state TV channels

According to a report carried on the RFI website, 13 people who describe themselves as the “victims of forced confessions broadcast on Chinese television” have written an open letter to Europe’s largest satellite operator, Eutelsat, asking it to review company policy of broadcasting Chinese channels CGTN and CCTV-4.

In the letter dated 30 March, the asked French satellite TV company Eutelsat, to reconsider its policy of carrying Chinese state media. The signatories allege that they “were forced by the Chinese police to record confessions to alleged crimes and these were then broadcast by Chinese state-owned, Communist Party-controlled television networks – CGTN and CCTV-4 – both of which are aired in France via Eutelsat”.

Asked to respond to the allegations, Eutelsat has told RFI that “it is not within its remit to judge the content and suspend the broadcast of a channel under contract without an injunction from a competent authority”.

Paris-based Eutelsat is the world’s third largest satellite operator in terms of revenue. Its 39 satellites provide broadcasts for almost 7,000 television stations, including Sky, Fox News, RFI’s sister channel France24, BBC World and CNN International, covering most of Europe, but also beaming into Africa, Asia and the Americas.

The 13 signatories include 11 Chinese citizens and two non-Chinese, representing dozens of people who found themselves detained or imprisoned by Chinese authorities, and who were forced to publicly admit their supposed wrongdoings.

Torture

“As direct victims of this practice, we appeal to you to carefully examine the information provided below, and to consider whether TV providers in democratic societies should continue to be morally complicit in airing such intentionally distorted information obtained through torture, threats and deprivation,” wrote the thirteen.

The open letter is supported by the Spain-based human rights organisation Safeguard Defenders, whose founder, co-signatory Peter Dahlin, was himself paraded in front of millions of viewers on China’s central television. Dahlin says that the accused were “denied the right to fair trial, the right to see a lawyer, and the right not to be tortured,” while they found themselves forced by threats to their families, themselves “and through torture,” to agree to appear in front of the cameras and “confess” their crimes.

According to the signatories, China’s state television has aired forced confessions of more than 100 people since Xi Jinping came to power in 2013, pointing out that “most victims are rights lawyers, NGO workers and journalists”.

The letter notes that Australian public broadcaster SBS temporarily halted using CGTN content in March pending a review of human rights concerns. In February, the UK broadcast regulator Ofcom removed CGTN from the airwaves for partiality and violation of privacy. The Chinese channel then successfully sought a European broadcast licence via French regulator CSA.

Just weeks after the CSA had determined that CGTN met the technical criteria required for broadcasting, Safeguard Defenders submitted two complaints against the channel.

China retaliated against the CGTN expulsion from the UK by banning the BBC from broadcasting in China – even though the reception of the BBC in China is limited to compounds for foreigners and 5-star hotels. In a reaction to Safeguard Defenders’ complaints, CGTN said the rights group intended to “distort and harm China’s image and interests”.

Meanwhile, Eutelsat points out that responsibility for the content “in the case of non-European channels rests with the regulator of the country where the uplink is located,” in this case the France-based CSA, “which also has the ability to take legal action”.

According to the RFI report, Eutelsat insists it will “immediately comply with any subsequent decision by the CSA or the French courts, as it does systematically.”

Main picture: CCTV headquarters in Beijing

Televisa and Univision announce merger

13 April 2021

Televisa and Univision announce merger

Grupo Televisa, and Univision Holdings Inc have announced a definitive transaction agreement in which Televisa’s content and media assets will be combined with Univision to create the largest Spanish-language media company in the world: Televisa-Univision.

The combination brings together the two leading media businesses in the two largest Spanish-speaking markets in the world: Univision in the United States, the largest Spanish-language media market by value, and Televisa in Mexico, which is the most populous Spanish-language market in the world. The resulting business will hold the largest long-form library of content in the world, a powerful portfolio of IP and global sports rights, fuelled by the most prolific Spanish-language production infrastructure. The power and scope of these content assets are unmatched. In 2020, Televisa produced more than 86,000 hours of content across every genre and category, including sports and special events, dramas, newscasts, situation comedies, game shows, reality shows, children’s programs, comedy and variety programs, musical and cultural events, movies and educational programming.

Televisa will also contribute its four free-to-air channels, 27 pay-TV networks channels and stations, its Videocine movie studio and Blim TV subscription video on demand (SVOD) service; and the Televisa trademark. These media assets comprise the definitive market leader in Mexico.

The Company will further benefit from Univision’s market-leading assets in the United States which includes the Univision and UniMás broadcast networks, nine Spanish-language cable networks, 61 television stations and 58 radio stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico, and prominent digital assets including its recently launched AVOD streaming service, PrendeTV.

The combined entity will have the content, production capacity, intellectual property, global reach and financial resources to aggressively pursue the relatively nascent global Spanish-language streaming opportunity. The Spanish-language market, which represents around 600 million people globally, and an aggregate GDP of about $7 trillion, is significantly underserved from a streaming perspective relative to other major markets. Less than 10% of the Spanish speaking population currently use an OTT video product, compared with the English language market where nearly 70% of the population has at least one streaming service.

“This strategic combination generates significant value for shareholders of both companies and will allow us to more efficiently reach all Spanish-language audiences with more of our programming,” said Emilio Azcárraga, Executive Chairman of the Televisa Board of Directors. “Together, Televisa-Univision can more aggressively pursue innovation and growth through digital platforms as the industry continues to evolve. Our new investors at the SoftBank Latin America Fund, Google and The Raine Group are just as excited about the opportunities presented by this combination.”

“This transformative combination brings together the leading network serving U.S. Spanish-language audiences with the leading media platform in Mexico powered by the most powerful Spanish-language content engine in the world,” said Univision CEO Wade Davis. “Televisa-Univision will emerge as the leading global Spanish-language multi-media company, uniquely positioned to capture the significant market opportunity for Spanish speakers worldwide.”

Davis continued, “The composition of our new investor group reflects confidence in our strategy, the progress of our digital transformation and the magnitude of the opportunity ahead of us. I would like to thank Chairman Emilio Azcárraga for his confidence in us, to continue as partners growing the incredible company he and his family have built. I would also like to thank Televisa Co-CEOs Alfonso de Angoitia and Bernardo Gómez for their continued support and partnership as we work together to provide our audience with even more access to even more powerful, compelling and engaging Spanish-language content, however they choose to access it.”

“We have been deeply involved with Univision for more than two decades, and we have never enjoyed a better relationship with our partners,” said Bernardo Gómez and Alfonso de Angoitia, Televisa’s Co-Chief Executive Officers. “We are creating a company which is a leader across multi-media categories, unified over the largest territories and with the scale and focus to deliver the most compelling content experience to Spanish-language consumers around the world. We are confident that this strategic transaction will maximise the potential of our Content segment, while allowing us to strengthen our balance sheet and focus on growth opportunities at our Telecom business.”

“The SoftBank Latin America Fund is proud to invest in the combination of Televisa-Univision to help create a content powerhouse that can serve the nearly 600 million Spanish-language speakers globally. With the largest and most iconic original Spanish content library in the world and access to SoftBank’s global tech ecosystem, we will help transform the new company into the leading Spanish-language multi-platform digital media company and one of the most important OTT service providers in the world,” said Marcelo Claure, Chief Executive Officer of SoftBank Group International and board member of Univision.

Terms of the Transaction

Televisa will continue to capture the upside from the significant growth potential of the Company by remaining the largest shareholder in Televisa-Univision with an equity stake of approximately 45%. As a part of the agreement, Televisa will retain ownership of izzi Telecom, Sky, and other businesses, as well as the main real estate associated with the production facilities, the broadcasting licenses and transmission infrastructure in Mexico.

Televisa’s content assets will be contributed for approximately $4.8 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, Univision will pay $3.0 billion in cash, $750 million in Univision common equity and $750 million in Series B preferred equity, with an annual dividend of 5.5%. The balance is derived from other commercial considerations. The combination will be financed through $1.0 billion of new Series C preferred equity investment led by the SoftBank Latin American Fund (“SoftBank”), along with current Univision investor ForgeLight LLC, with participation from Google and The Raine Group; and $2.1 billion of debt commitments arranged by J.P. Morgan.

News content production for Mexico will be outsourced from a company owned by The Azcárraga family to guarantee that news content remains in Mexican hands and is produced in Mexico. Televisa-Univision will retain all assets, IP and library related to Televisa’s News division.

The transaction is expected to close in 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals in the United States and Mexico, and Televisa shareholder approval. The Board of Directors of both Televisa and Univision have already approved the combination.

Management and Board

Univision CEO Wade Davis will lead the combined company, Alfonso de Angoitia will serve as Executive Chairman of the Televisa-Univision Board of Directors and Marcelo Claure, CEO of SoftBank Group International will become Vice Chairman of the Board. The Company’s Board will have 13 directors, including five appointed by Televisa, three by Searchlight and ForgeLight, two by the Series C shareholders and three independent directors. At closing, the board will be Emilio Fernando Azcárraga Jean, Bernardo Gómez Martínez, Alfonso de Angoitia Noriega, Marcelo Claure, Michel Combes, Gisel Ruiz, Oscar Muñoz, Maria Cristina “MC” Gonzalez Noguera, Wade Davis, Eric Zinterhofer, Jeff Sine and two additional Televisa appointees.

After closing, content production and operations in Mexico will continue to be led by Emilio Azcárraga, Chairman of the Televisa Board of Directors, and Bernardo Gómez and Alfonso de Angoitia, Televisa’s Co-Chief Executive Officers, during a transition period to ensure a smooth and successful integration.

Grupo Televisa Post-Transaction

Post-transaction, Televisa will keep developing and expanding its industry-leading Telecom business in Mexico, offering best-in-class high-speed internet access and providing high-quality programming as a content aggregator. Televisa will use the proceeds received from Univision primarily to pay down debt, while continuing to pursue growth opportunities and strengthen its leading position through ongoing investments at its core businesses. As a result, Televisa’s net debt leverage ratio will decline to below 2.0x and its U.S. dollar-denominated assets and liabilities will be matched. After the transaction closes, Televisa will no longer consolidate financials of its Content segment.

TRT World expands global reach with TeleRed

12 April 2021

TRT World expands global reach with TeleRed

TRT World, Turkey’s first English language international news platform, is expanding its global distribution with one of the major operators in the Buenos Aires Province, TeleRed.

TeleRed is an Argentinian telecommunication company that specializes in the provision of cable television, Internet and telephony. With a network of HFC and FTTH, it is one of the major operators in the Buenos Aires Province.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Istanbul with three newsrooms located around the world, TRT World broadcasts in the English language to communicate a Turkish perspective on current affairs to a global audience. As the international face of Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) – a European Broadcasting Union (EBU) – founding member – TRT World hopes to encourage dialogue between viewers by offering a different viewpoint on current affairs.

The channel’s ‘field-first’ approach places a top priority on having journalists situated at all four corners of the world, ready to cover any event live on location. TRT World also seeks to focus on the humanitarian angle of each story, prioritizing how events influence ordinary people.

[Source: TRT World press release]

MBC Group Ramadan 2021 programme line-up

8 April 2021

MBC Group Ramadan 2021 programme line-up

Ramadan 2021: Coming soon to MBC GROUP’s TV channels

This holy month of Ramadan, MBC GROUP brings a whole host of exciting and diverse programming, ranging from drama to comedy, to current affairs and lifestyle factual television, with titles catering to the whole family.

Naturally, drama and comedy are at the forefront of this special season, with MBC showcasing premium Arabic-language content from the GCC, Egypt, the Arab Maghreb, Iraq, and the Levant.

Viewers can look forward to this season’s new content on:

MBC1
MBC DRAMA
MBC IRAQ
MBC MASR
MBC5

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SHOWING ON MBC1 & MBC DRAMA

SOCIAL PROGRAMMES & TALK SHOWS

Seen
Watch it on: MBC1
He’s known for titles including “Khawatir”, “Qomrah”, “Ihsan Min Al Madinah,” “Ihsan Min Al Haram”… This year, Saudi media personality and bestselling author, Ahmad Al Shugairi explores the heart and mind in “Sen”, which sheds light on the aspects of development and modernisation that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing in various sectors.

Malik Beltaweela
Watch it on: MBC1
Saudi journalist Malik Al-Rougui sheds light on the personalities who have shaped the future of humanity, recalling important historical events, and unique and inspiring stories.

Bilaty Hiya Ahsan
Watch it on: MBC1
Abdulwahab Alshehri hosts Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, and President of the International Islamic Halal Organization, to discuss a wide range of issues pertaining to the Islamic world.

Al Liqaa Men Alsifr
Watch it on: MBC1
Prominent journalist Mofeed Al-Nuwaisir sheds light on 150 well-known Saudi and Arab personalists – ranging from famous scholars, leaders, economists, businessmen, and innovators – and their success stories.

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COMEDY

Mamnou3 Al-Tajawol
Watch it on: MBC1
One of Saudi’s top comedy stars, Nasser Al-Qasabi returns this Ramadan with a brand-new show highlighting how communities had to adapt to the exceptional circumstances that arose due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Starring: Nasser Al-Qasabi, Rashid Al-Shamrani, Habib Al-Habib, Fayez Al-Maliki, Ilham Al-Ali, Aseel Omran, Abdul Majeed Al-Rahidi, Ali Al-Hamidi, Khaled Al-Farrag

Studio 21
Watch it on: MBC1
Set in the studios and offices of a collapsing and nearly bankrupt satellite TV channel, its owner is determined to continue running the business despite the devastating losses. With many comedic situations happening in the office, will the channel be quick to reach its downfall, or is there a chance it could be saved?
Starring: Ali Al-Hamidi, Khaled Al-Farrag, Khaled Al-Mudhaffar, Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, Majed Al-Motreb, Reemas Mansour, Taghrid Al-Hweish, Al Anoud

Ramez
Watch it on: MBC1
Uh-oh, the biggest prankster in the region is back for his annual hit show where he will go undercover to fool a whole host of unsuspecting stars from the world of entertainment, sport and media. Just who is Ramez Galal going to “get” this year?

Shlewy Nash
Watch it on: MBC DRAMA
Set in the 1970s, this comedy drama tells the story of two broke friends, Shlewy and Nash. One is a school guard, while the other is a truck driver – is there something that could turn their lives to the better?
Starring: Abdullah Al-Sadhan, Yaqoub Abdullah, Muhammad Al-Ajmi, Latifa Al-Muqrin, Abdul-Imam Abdullah

Fananees
Watch it on: MBC1
Time to get nostalgic as animated show, “Fananees” showcases a host of personalities and popular characters associated with the month of Ramadan, who are loved by adults and children alike.

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DRAMA

Margaret
Watch it on: MBC1
Is she a strict and arrogant European aristocrat? Or is she misunderstood and just an affectionate mother in touch with her Arab roots? Hayat Al-Fahd plays the title role, Margaret, who marries and returns home with her husband after spending all her life with her mother in London. The only drawback is that she holds some unconventional habits. In fact, some accuse her of being a fortune teller and a witch, while others see her as a clever clairvoyant.
Starring: Hayat Al-Fahd, Hassan Al-Balam, Heba Al-Dori, Bashar Al-Shatti, Hamad Al-Omani, Layali Dehrab, Nour, Reem Arhama, Nour Al-Sheikh

Mousa
Watch it on: MBC1
Its WWII, and during a critical period in Egypt, Mousa dreams of success and wealth. But things turn complicated after he takes revenge on the individual who caused the death of his brother. Mousa is soon on the run, and is forced to escape to the mountains… Will he be able to seek justice, or will he bring his family down with his misfortune.
Starring: Mohamed Ramadan, Summaya Al-Khashab, Munther Rayahneh, Heba Magdy, Sayed Ragab, Sabri Fawaz, Riad Al-Khouli

Souk Al Hareer – Season 2
Watch it on: MBC1
Starring Bassam Koussa, this drama showcases the history of trade in Damascus in the 1950s, following the withdrawal of the French and leading to the full independence of Syria. One of the major historical events of that decade was the establishment of the Damascus International Fair, famously described as the “Syrian economy’s window to the world”, and now known as one of the oldest fairs in the Middle East. The critically-acclaimed series returns for Season 2.
Starring: Bassam Koussa, Salloum Haddad, Caresse Bashar, Fadi Subaih, Qamar Khalaf, Nadine Tahsin Bek, Milad Youssef, Wafa Moussalli, Ramez Al Aswad, Rayam Kafarneh

Nasl Al-Aghrab
Watch it on: MBC1
Evil has no limits, and there is only one victor. Here, Ahmed El-Sakka and Amir Karara play arch-rivals from Upper Egypt who have been continuously battling bloody for nearly 20 years.
Starring: Ahmed El-Sakka, Amir Karara, Mai Omar, Diab, Edward, Firdoos Abdel Hamid, Naglaa Badr

Al-Mirath (Inheritance)
Watch it on: MBC1
The popular Saudi soap opera series – which has now completed over 250 episodes – tackles the daily realities of life in the Kingdom, exploring its social, economic and cultural aspects.
Starring: Reem Abdullah, Muhammad Al-Hajji, Shaima Al-Fadl, Rana Al-Shafei, Captain Rima, Muhannad Bin Hathail

Dof’at Beirut
Watch it on: MBC DRAMA
Following the success of “Dof’at Al Qahera” in 2019, the format returns with “Dof’at Beirut” which narrates the story of a group of students from the GCC moving to Lebanon in 1964 to achieve their dreams.
Starring: Fatima Al-Safi, Muhannad Al-Hamdi, Mahmoud Nasr, Nour Al-Ghandour, Hamad Ashkanani, Rawan Al-Mahdi, Ali Kakoli

Al-Najia Al-Wahida
Watch it on: MBC DRAMA
A devastating fire takes the lives of all its survivors – with the exception of one lone survivor. This drama explores how the woman survived. Was it by pure chance? But why has she suddenly lost her memory? Were these fires a result of specific causes, or were they the cause of other dire events?
Starring: Hoda Hussein, Jamal Al-Radhan, Muhammad Al-Alawi, Lamia Tariq, Shehab Hajia, Fatima Al-Tabbakh, Salwa Al-Jarash, Aws Al-Shatti

Amina Haf
Watch it on: MBC DRAMA
After the death of her unjust and miserly husband, Amina decides to start afresh – transforming from an oppressed woman to one who is strong and powerful, supported by an unauthorised fortune she inherited from her deceased husband. How will her new life, which she begins with a polygamous marriage, transpire?
Starring: Elham Al Fadalah, Shihab Jawhar, Taif, Fahd Bassem, Layali Dehrab

2020
Watch it on: MBC DRAMA
What would you give up for love? This is the story of 2020 that follows the story of a drug dealer who falls for an officer in the security forces. Will it work out? The odds are certainly against them.
Starring: Nadine Njeim, Qusay Khouli, Carmen Lebous, Randa Kaady

Qasr Al-Nil
Watch it on: MBC DRAMA
Hidden conflicts around money, power, politics and love take place in 1950s and 1960s Egypt. The events of “Qasr Al-Nil” begin with the death of self-made businessman Fahmi Al-Sioufi in the United Kingdom, leaving his sons, brother and sister a great wealth, including a huge palace on the banks of the Nile. How will the family live after him during a critical political period led by the leaders of the revolution?
Starring: Dina El-Sherbiny, Reham Abdel Ghafour, Ahmed Magdy, Sabri Fawaz, Salah Abdullah

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TV COMPETITIONS

Kolena Nufouz El Leila
Watch it on: MBC1
During each episode, 12 participants compete from their homes, answering a series of 20 questions. If they win, they share the grand prize at the end of the programme. Viewers can also participate to win instant cash prizes. The game show will be presented by Mustafa Al-Agha

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COOKERY

Iftarna Gheir
Watch it on: MBC1
Chef Hala Ayyash is joined by some of the Arab world’s most talented cooks, each coming up with their own special dish, offering viewers full information on how to prep it.

Meen Al Chef?
Watch it on: MBC1
This new cooking show sees chef Adnan Yamani host two husband and wife couple compete against each other. Each duo has two tasks: The first is the wife’s responsibility, which is to memorize all the ingredients and instructions from Chef Adnan and then retell them to her husband correctly. The second task falls on the husband, who has to follow his wife’s instructions to complete a dish in just 30 minutes.

SHOWING ON MBC IRAQ

Umm Badeela
Watch it on: MBC IRAQ
Meet the Al-Warqi family – they’re extremely wealthy, and love nothing more than adhering to their customs and traditions. In fact, protecting the family’s wealth and reputation is of the utmost importance. When it becomes clear that the cousin and wife of the family’s sole heir is suffering from reproductive health issues, the head of the family decides to find another wife for her son. What are the consequences of this marriage? Can love be born out of selfish interests?
Starring: Iliskandar Alam, Leah Abu Shaya, Marwa Karam, Hind Kamel, Adel Othman, Zuhur Alaa, Jumana Karim, Zaid Al-Malak, Asaad Rashdan, Rania Matar, Jean Dakache, Elie Mitri

Teeba
Watch it on: MBC IRAQ
A young woman from a poor family collides with a different reality when she starts university. There, she falls in love with a young man from a wealthy family. The only problem is… she told a white lie that threatens to change her life and the lives of those around her.
Starring: Hind Nizar, Tamim Al-Tamimi, Aswar Ezzat, Saba Ibrahim, Muhammad Hashim, Asia Kamal, Riad Shahid, Suheir Salah, Zulfiqar Khidr, Ahmed Munadil, Reda Tarish, Reham Al-Bayati, Diaa Al-Din Sami, Bidaa Al-Mu’tasim, Hussein Ajaj

Hamed Helou
Watch it on: MBC IRAQ
This series brings daily doses of comedy with Iraqi flavour.
Starring: Alaa Hussein, Ihssan Daadoush, Ali Jaber, Ali Al-Malak

Mousa
Watch it on: MBC IRAQ
Its WWII, and during a critical period in Egypt, Mousa dreams of success and wealth. But things turn complicated after he takes revenge on the individual who caused the death of his brother. Mousa is soon on the run, and is forced to escape to the mountains… Will he be able to seek justice, or will he bring his family down with his misfortune.
Starring: Mohamed Ramadan, Summaya Al-Khashab, Munther Rayahneh, Heba Magdy, Sayed Ragab, Sabri Fawaz, Riad Al-Khouli

2020
Watch it on: MBC IRAQ
What would you give up for love? This is the story of 2020 that follows the story of a drug dealer who falls for an officer in the security forces. Will it work out? The odds are certainly against them.
Starring: Nadine Njeim, Qusay Khouli, Carmen Lebous, Randa Kaady

Ramez
Watch it on: MBC IRAQ
Uh-oh, the biggest prankster in the region is back for his annual hit show where he will go undercover to fool a whole host of unsuspecting stars from the world of entertainment, sport and media. Just who is Ramez Galal going to “get” this year?

Day Al-Qamar 2
Watch it on: MBC IRAQ
The popular talk show, hosted by Mamoun Al-Nattah, returns for a new season, featuring Iraq’s most prominent stars, including singers, actors, composers, artists and more.

Bein Ahlena 3
Watch it on: MBC IRAQ
This adventure programme features a number of Iraqi presenters taking the viewers through the many cities and villages of the country, shedding light on the monuments, ancient houses, history, and more.
Starring: Haider Abd Thamer, Haider Abu Al Abbas, Tariq Zaid

Iftarna Gheir
Watch it on: MBC IRAQ
Chef Hala Ayyash is joined by some of the Arab world’s most talented cooks, each coming up with their own special dish, offering viewers full information on how to prep it.

Kolena Nufouz El Leila
Watch it on: MBC IRAQ
During each episode, 12 participants compete from their homes, answering a series of 20 questions. If they win, they share the grand prize at the end of the programme. Viewers can also participate to win instant cash prizes. The game show will be presented by Mustafa Al-Agha

SHOWING ON MBC MASR

DRAMA

Qasr Al-Nil
Watch it on: MBC MASR
Hidden conflicts around money, power, politics and love take place in 1950s and 1960s Egypt. The events of “Qasr Al-Nil” begin with the death of self-made businessman Fahmi Al-Sioufi in the United Kingdom, leaving his sons, brother and sister a great wealth, including a huge palace on the banks of the Nile. How will the family live after him during a critical political period led by the leaders of the revolution?
Starring: Dina El-Sherbiny, Reham Abdel Ghafour, Ahmed Magdy, Sabri Fawaz, Salah Abdullah

Molook Al-Gada’ana
Watch it on: MBC MASR
Delving into the competitive world of trading and manufacturing, two friends embark on a special journey… Will rivalries come in their way and ruin their friendship?
Starring: Mostafa Shaaban, Amr Saad, Yasmine Rais, Rania Youssef

Lahm Ghazal
Watch it on: MBC MASR
This drama focuses on the events and stories of a small Egyptian community.
Starring: Ghada Abdel Razek, Wafaa Amer, Sherif Ramzy, Sherif Salama, Mohamed Shaheen

Khaley Balak Men Zizi
Watch it on: MBC MASR
Amina Khalil plays the lead character, a young woman who has the inability to control her anger.
Starring: Amina Khalil, Mohamed Mamdouh, Ali Qassem, Salwa Mohamed Ali, Safaa Al-Toukhy

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SOCIAL PROGRAMMES & TALK SHOWS

Ramez
Watch it on: MBC MASR
Uh-oh, the biggest prankster in the region is back for his annual hit show where he will go undercover to fool a whole host of unsuspecting stars from the world of entertainment, sport and media. Just who is Ramez Galal going to “get” this year?

Khamas Negoum – Camera Khafeya
Watch it on: MBC MASR
“Khamas Negoum” – which translates into “five stars” sees five celebs: Ghada Adel, Nour, Karim Fahmy, Mustafa Qamar, and Mohamed Sharnoubi take part in this hidden camera show with hilarious outcomes. Each star celeb is joined by other famous faces in each episode.

Fananees
Watch it on: MBC MASR
Time to get nostalgic as animated show, “Fananees” showcases a host of personalities and popular characters associated with the month of Ramadan, who are loved by adults and children alike.

Men El Qalb Lel Qalb with Eman Reyad
Watch it on: MBC MASR
Hosted by Eman Reyad this daily programme aims to improve the lives of viewers by teaching how to manifest good outcomes, the power of behaviour changes, and other areas of personal development.
Dr. Ahmed Mamdouh, Secretary of the Fatwa at Dar Al Ifta will also be on hand to answer viewer questions; which can be shared either by phoning into the show or sharing their query on the programme’s official social media pages.

El Hekaya with Amr Adib
Watch it on: MBC MASR
Hosted by renowned talk show host and journalist, Amr Adib, the popular nightly programme “El Hekaya” runs during Ramadan with a special seasonal format.

Yahdoth fe Masr with Sherif Amer
Watch it on: MBC MASR
Sherif Amer remains on air during the special season, continuing with episodes of his popular programme that focuses on current events in Egypt.

Malh w Sokar with Chef Mirette
Watch it on: MBC MASR
Chef Mirette Aly showcases the very best of her healthy kitchen, presenting daily dishes and different ways to prepare them.

Sabahak Masry with Hisham Asy
Watch it on: MBC MASR
Hisham Asy presents his morning show that focuses on media roundups from Egypt, as well as health content and other daily advice.

SHOWING ON MBC5

DRAMA

Salamat Abou Al-Banat
Watch it on: MBC5
A second season of the popular series that tackles controversial issues in Maghreb society.
Starring: Mohamed Khouyi, Isiada Ledeeb, Omar Lotfy

Welad El Marsa
Watch it on: MBC5
Family conflicts and interpersonal relationships are explored within this drama set in a well-known marina. Who knew there was so much drama on the high seas?
Starring: Ameen Al-Naji, Aziz Dadas, Sahar Al-Siddiqi

Molook Al-Gada’ana
Watch it on: MBC5
Delving into the competitive world of trading and manufacturing, two friends embark on a special journey… Will rivalries come in their way and ruin their friendship?
Starring: Mostafa Shaaban, Amr Saad, Yasmine Rais, Rania Youssef

Zenzanat Al Hob (Paixão)
Watch it on: MBC5
Dubbed version of the Portuguese telenovela, that’s also known as “Paixão”.
Starring: Margarida Vila-Nova, Albano Jerónimo

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SOCIAL PROGRAMMES & TALK SHOWS

Ramez
Watch it on: MBC5
Uh-oh, the biggest prankster in the region is back for his annual hit show where he will go undercover to fool a whole host of unsuspecting stars from the world of entertainment, sport and media. Just who is Ramez Galal going to “get” this year?

Khamas Negoum – Camera Khafeya
Watch it on: MBC5
“Khamas Negoum” – which translates into “five stars” sees five celebs: Ghada Adel, Nour, Karim Fahmy, Mustafa Qamar, and Mohamed Sharnoubi take part in this hidden camera show with hilarious outcomes. Each star celeb is joined by other famous faces in each episode.

Fananees
Watch it on: MBC5
Time to get nostalgic as animated show, “Fananees” showcases a host of personalities and popular characters associated with the month of Ramadan, who are loved by adults and children alike.

Malh w Sokar with Chef Mirette
Watch it on: MBC5
Chef Mirette Aly showcases the very best of her healthy kitchen, presenting daily dishes and different ways to prepare them.

Masaa Al Khair ya Maghreb
Watch it on: MBC5
Presented by Saifuddin Dunia and Iman Zarrewally, this evening programme delves into the daily happenings and news events from Morocco. Other segments include life and health advice.

Celebrity Masterchef
Watch it on: MBC5
Eighteen Moroccan stars compete for the title of “Celebrity Masterchef”. Just who will cook and craft their way to the top?

USAGM names Sylvia Rosabal as Office of Cuba Broadcasting Director

8 April 2021

USAGM names Sylvia Rosabal as Office of Cuba Broadcasting Director

U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) today announced that Acting Chief Executive Officer Kelu Chao selected Sylvia Rosabal to be the new Director of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB).

Sylvia Rosabal is an award-winning television and media executive with 30 years of experience at leading Spanish-language networks in the United States. She is the recipient of an Edward R. Murrow award, multiple News and Documentary Emmys, and was named one of People en Español’s “25 Most Powerful Women.”

At Univision Network, Rosabal spearheaded the expansion of the news division and grew the network’s evening newscast into a ratings leader. As Senior Vice President of News at Telemundo Network, she served as the executive-in-charge of newsgathering and prime-time investigative specials, including the award-winning documentaries, “Muriendo por Cruzar (Dying to Cross)” and “Cosecha de Miseria (Harvest of Misery),” both co-productions with The Weather Channel.

Sylvia was born in Puerto Rico to Cuban parents. South Florida has been her home for over 40 years.

OCB is a USAGM public service media network that oversees Radio and Televisión Martí at its headquarters in Miami, Florida. Combined with martinoticias.com and its social media platforms, the Martís bring unbiased, objective, and professional news and information programming to one million Cuban adults each week.

[Source: USAGM press release]

RFE/RL denounces Russia’s escalating efforts to force RFE/RL out of the country

8 April 2021

RFE/RL denounces Russia’s escalating efforts to force RFE/RL out of the country

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) President Jamie Fly today denounced Russia’s escalating efforts to force RFE/RL – including its Russian Service and 24/7 digital network Current Time – out of the country.

Fly stated that “RFE/RL is being targeted by the Russian authorities because we continue to provide a growing audience in Russia with objective news and information at a moment when the Kremlin is trying to limit access to information. We will continue to fight these attacks on our ability to operate in Russia through all possible means. We believe that the Russian people want more choices.”

Fly made his comments as RFE/RL learned that Russia’s media regulator, Roskomnadzor, would be serving RFE/RL with a new round of 130 charges beginning on April 16 – bringing the total number of violations charged by Roskomnadzor to 520, and the anticipated total amount of fines assessed to $2.3 million.

Over the past five years, RFE/RL has nearly doubled its audience in Russia to a current weekly reach of at least 6.5% of Russian adults, or nearly 6.7 million people. Between October 2019 and September 2020, Current Time-produced videos were viewed more than 1.5 billion times on social media platforms, and the number of subscribers to Current Time’s social media pages more than doubled to over 5 million; online audiences for RFE/RL’s Russian Service also grew dramatically, with 250 million video views on all media platforms in 2020.

Roskomnadzor has already served RFE/RL with 390 violation charges in the past three months, resulting in anticipated fines of $1.4 million, for violating invasive self-labeling rules that would require that RFE/RL label every piece of text, video, audio, or social media content with a prominent, lengthy, state-mandated disclaimer. Video content is obligated to carry a 15-second disclaimer at the start of each clip, and disclaimers published with text articles and social media posts must be published in a font size twice that of the text. RFE/RL has not complied with these labeling rules, which it says violate the Russian Constitution and Russia’s media law and would detract audiences looking for alternatives to Russian state media.

Russian regulators have singled out RFE/RL, whose editorial independence is also enshrined in U.S. law, over other foreign news operations in Russia. In 2017, Russian regulators put RFE/RL’s Russian Service onto a list of news media deemed to receive foreign funding for political activity as “foreign agents,” along with RFE/RL’s regional Russian-language news services and Current Time, the network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with Voice of America. The law also puts RFE/RL journalists at risk for criminal prosecution. With nearly 270 freelancers and more than 50 local contractors, RFE/RL has one of the largest networks of independent journalists in Russia and has maintained a bureau in Moscow since 1991, when it was invited into the country by Russian President Boris Yeltsin.

On April 6, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his “concern over Russia’s efforts to close Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and silence this valued source of independent reporting” via Twitter following a meeting with U.S. Agency for Global Media Acting CEO Kelu Chao. State Department spokesman Ned Price had previously said the U.S. is “deeply concerned” about the Russian government’s actions against RFE/RL, which have also been criticized by the European Union, senior members of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, The Washington Post, and media freedom groups including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters without Borders.

About RFE/RL
RFE/RL relies on its networks of local reporters to provide accurate news and information to more than 41 million people in 27 languages and 23 countries where media freedom is restricted, or where a professional press has not fully developed. Its videos were viewed 6.5 billion times on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram/IGTV in FY2020. RFE/RL is an editorially independent media company funded by a grant from the U.S. Congress through the U.S. Agency for Global Media.

[Source: RFE/RL press release]

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