18 December 2014
AIB has released its Position Paper on C-band frequency spectrum in advance of the World Radiocommunication Conference in November 2015.
On the agenda of WRC-15 is the potential reallocation of frequency spectrum currently used by satellite services on an exclusive basis, spectrum that broadcasters around the world rely on for a multitude of services.
“AIB is concerned about the impact that changes to C-band allocations will have on our Members and the wider broadcasting industry,” said Simon Spanswick, AIB chief executive. “Broadcasters rely on C-band to provide national and regional services to viewers in some parts of the world, and to feed programmes and provide newsgathering links. Large-scale sporting events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics also rely on C-band to deliver feeds to broadcasting centres throughout the world. This call by the mobile industry to acquire C-band spectrum from satellite services must be resisted by national administrations.”
AIB is briefing its Members around the world and encouraging them to raise the issue with national regulators and administrations that will take part in WRC-15. The AIB Position Paper summarises the essential use made by the broadcasting industry of C-band spectrum. In addition, AIB is talking with other broadcasters – public, state and commercial – to ensure that they know of the threat to their operations.
“It is vital that as many broadcasters as possible raise this issue with national administrations,” continued Spanswick. “There needs to be a concerted effort by the world’s broadcasting industry to highlight the vital need to retain C-band on an exclusive basis for satellite services on which broadcasters – and by extension citizens – rely.”
You can download the AIB Position Paper here.
12 December 2014
The Kenyan government has ordered that news agency Al Jazeera be investigated and face possible charges, over the network’s recent report alleging that the Kenyan police had been running death squads, with the knowledge of Western powers.
The Al Jazeera documentary, Inside Kenya’s Death Squads, asserted that the most high-profile assassinations were aimed at Muslim leaders, including those with links to the al-Shabab militant group and that Western intelligence agencies provided some of the information needed to carry out the killings.
The controversy comes just as Kenyan lawmakers in the country’s National Assembly are fiercely debating new security laws, which include proposals to limit picketing and holding public meetings.
The twitter feed of Kenya’s Interior CNG Ministry has promoted a hashtag #SecuringKenya, and responded to the Al Jazeera documentary in a series of tweets:
Govt has instructed relevant authorities to begin investigations with a view to bringing charges against those involved in…cont’d.
…Aljazeera documentary..
The documentary was deliberately planned & aired at a time when Kenya is seeking support to strengthen it’s war against terror.. cont’d
Cont’d through legislative reforms.
The tone & subjective nature of the documentary was deliberately skewed to support & empathise with terrorists & their sympathisers cont’d..
cont’d…without any consideration for the hundreds of innocent Kenyans who have died in the hands of terrorists.
The timing of the documentary is also suspicious & appears meant to derail KE’s efforts to fight terrorism.
Three Al Jazeera journalists, Mohamed Fahmy, Peter Greste and Baher Mohamed, have been jailed by Egyptian authorities for almost a year.
8 December 2014
Eurosport has acquired the live TV and digital rights of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ as part of a package of nine FIFA competitions held over 2015 and 2016.
The deal signed with FIFA also includes full rights to the Men’s and Women’s FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cups, as well as, the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, FIFA Futsal World Cup and Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup. Every tournament will be broadcast across all Eurosport’s European territories*.
The deal confirms Eurosport is the leading channel in Europe for women’s football, youth football and futsal. The FIFA competitions enhance Eurosport’s offer, which already features the best competitons at European level with the annual UEFA European U-17 and U-19 Championships (men and women), 2016 UEFA European Futsal Championships and 2017 UEFA Women’s EURO.
Under the FIFA deal, Eurosport will cover:
2015
– FIFA Women’s World Cup* in Canada from 6 June – 5 July
– FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand from 30 May – 20 June
– FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile from 17 October – 8 November
– FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Portugal
– Blue Stars / FIFA Youth Cup in Switzerland
2016
– FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in South Africa
– FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan
– FIFA Futsal World Cup in Colombia
– Blue Stars / FIFA Youth Cup in Switzerland
*ex Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ draw, broadcast live on Eurosport 2 on Saturday 6 December, decided the six groups the 24 teams will compete in, next June. The qualified teams include former World Champions Germany (2007 & 2003), USA (1999 and 1991), Norway (1995), current title holders Japan, as well as, France, Sweden, England, Brazil and China.
The most highly-anticipated clash of the first round is likely to be in Group D, between the USA and Sweden, third at the 2011 World Cup. France, serious challengers for the title, will face England in Group F.
Group A: Canada, China PR, New Zealand, Netherlands
Group B: Germany, Côte d’Ivoire, Norway, Thailand
Group C: Japan, Switzerland, Cameroon, Ecuador
Group D: Unites States, Australia, Sweden, Nigeria
Group E: Brazil, Korea Republic, Spain, Costa Rica
Group F: France, England, Colombia, Mexico
Eurosport has broadcast every FIFA Women’s World Cup since 2003 with record audiences in 2011 when the tournament attracted over 57m different European viewers on Eurosport and Eurosport 2. (Source: Eurosport press release)
3 December 2014
AIB has published its latest media industry briefing that is circulated to more than 26,000 media leaders, regulators, platform operators and journalists in over 150 countries.
You can read the briefing online here – it offers the latest appointments in media companies around the world, programming news, distribution deals and – in this issue – advance information on the AIB Global Media Summit, #iamabroadcaster, taking place in London on 18 and 19 February 2015.
See more about #iamabroadcaster here.
28 November 2014
AIB is pleased to announce the first confirmed speakers for the #iamabroadcaster summit that is taking place in London on 18 and 19 February 2015.
This two day high-level conference will bring together media leaders from around the world for discussion and debate on the state of the media industry, and look at the opportunities and challenges facing media houses. With input from broadcasters, agencies, digital media houses and analysts from all round the world, #iamabroadcaster will start a range of conversations about the media industry. You shouldn’t miss this major event that will also include the inaugural Sir David Frost Memorial Lecture that will be given by a major international political figure who was interviewed by Frost a number of times over the last two decades.
Eugene Nyagahene [pictured left] is Chairman and CEO of Tele-10 Group in East Africa. Tele-10 is one of Africa’s most innovative media companies, producing channels and delivering content via traditional TVs as well as mobile devices to a growing number of subscribers in Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Eugene will be joining the “Where’s the cash” session on day one of the conference.
Mihai Gadea [pictured second from left] is Chief Executive of national commercial news broadcaster Antena 3 in Romania. He will join the discussion about the future of news at the start of day two.
Matteo Berlucci [centre top] is a serial entrepreneur who founded Livestation and is currently CEO Digital at Northern & Shell in the UK. He’s taking part in the “hyperfragmented future” session on day two.
Tom Roope [centre bottom] is founder and director of The Rumpus Room, a digital agency that helps brands and broadcasters create sustainable strategies for engagement with consumers and audiences.
Professor Harish Bhaskaran [second from right] is Associate Professor of Materials and EPSRC Fellow in Manufacturing at the University of Oxford who has led work that has resulted in the development of a nanometre technology that could lead to bendable and wearable displays within the coming decade.
Anthony Rose [right] led the development of the BBC iPlayer and today is founder director of Beamly that aims to revolutionise the second screen experience and engagement between broadcasters and audiences.
You can see the outline agenda for #iamabroadcaster here, and reserve places – taking advantage of the early-bird rate – here. Or download the off-line booking form to fax back: Early booking form 2 011214.
6 November 2014
“Remember, remember, the fifth of November,” goes the old British children’s rhyme. After last night’s 10th annual AIB International Media Excellence Awards, many filmmakers will remember the fifth of November for years to come.
Each year the Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) searches the globe for the top achievements in factual content for TV, radio and online. This year’s AIB Awards featured entries from over 30 countries, telling stories that ranged from the hard realities of current global conflicts and the inner secrets of global corporations, to imaginary explorations of extinct life and exposing to the light of day the buried troubles of decades past. The AIBs, sponsored by Eutelsat, were held again at London’s LSO St. Luke’s, a spectacular venue that is also home to the London Symphony Orchestra.
The gala evening was hosted by BBC Global and Crimewatch presenter, Matthew Amroliwala and was punctuated with poignant moments, including the presentation of a special AIB Founders Award to the late Ghanaian journalist and BBC presenter, Komla Dumor. Universally respected, Dumor died suddenly in his London home in January of this year at the age of 41. The award was accepted by Dumor’s wife, Kwansema Dumor.
The AIB’s traditional “In Conversation” guest was filmmaker Olly Lambert. During the awards dinner, Lambert was interviewed by Wilfred Frost, son of the journalist, Sir David Frost. Called “one of the most talented documentary filmmakers working in British television” by The Times, Lambert won an AIB last year in the category of Best Middle East Documentary for his film Syria: Across The Lines. The film also garnered Lambert an Emmy, a BAFTA and a Rory Peck Award. The full interview with Lambert will be available to view via the AIB website.
The 2014 AIBs covered 18 categories with most categories recognising a Highly Commended entry in addition to the category Winner.
The AIB Award nominees were evaluated by an international panel of 50 judges from the broadcast industry. AIB Awards judge Ruth Sloss, Director of Programming at Spafax, said: “The AIBs are not restricted to one language. Submissions are actively encouraged in all different languages from broadcasters across the globe, which is refreshing in a world where content can often be English-centric. They also look to take work from different budgetary backgrounds as content is assessed with the limits of a broadcaster’s budget in mind. It means a small broadcaster from a developing country can compete alongside the BBC’s and CNN’s of this world.”
The results of the 10th Annual AIB Awards (in order of presentation):
Domestic current affairs documentary – TV
Dispatches:Breadline Kids – Channel 4 Television (Highly Commended)
Failon Today:Deluge – ABS-CBN Corporation (Winner)
John F Kennedy: A Legacy Remembered – Voice of America
Spotlight:Guns and Government – BBC
Suidlanders- Preparing for a Revolution – E Sat Pty Ltd
The Way they Steel – Antena 3
Short news report – TV
Egyptian Clashes – Alhurra Television
Muzaffarnagar Riots: Refugee Crisis – New Delhi Television Ltd
Seleka Victims – TVC News-Continental Broadcasting Service
Typhoon Haiyan: Mass Graves – CNN
Ukraine Donetsk Airport – Voice of America
Ukraine Unrest: Shooting in Independence Square – CNN (Winner)
Short documentary – TV
ERC Syrians Camp in Jordan – Pyramedia Productions
First Sight: Sonia & Anita – Blue Chalk Media (Winner)
Mother-Daughter Reunion – Alhurra Television
Nkana Dilapidated Bridge – Channels Television
Prisoner Turned Farrier – Voice of America
Racism in Housing – BBC London (Highly Commended)
The Angel’s Music: A Pianist with Down Syndrome, His Family and His Message – Kansai Telecasting Corporation (Highly Commended)
Investigative documentary – radio
Face the Facts: A Thousand Philomenas – BBC Radio 4 (Highly Commended)
Forbidden Love in Egypt – BBC Arabic Service (Winner)
Human Trafficking – Radio Sawa
The Other 9/11 – SBS Radio
Water Wars – Radio New Zealand
Who is there to protect Erwiana? – Radio Television Hong Kong
Live journalism – TV
2014 Indian Parliamentary Election Coverage – New Delhi Television Ltd
Anti-Government Protests in Kiev – RT (Highly Commended)
CNN Coverage of the Downing of Flight MH17 – CNN (Winner)
The Legal Round Table Debate – Trial Productions
Ukraine Unrest (Live): Shooting in Independence Square – CNN
Uttarakhand Floods Coverage – New Delhi Television Ltd
Live journalism – radio
The Reality Of Life With Dementia – BBC Radio 5live (Winner)
The Death Of Nelson Mandela – BBC World Service (Highly Commended)
Egyptian Clashes – Radio Sawa
Current affairs documentary – radio
From Heungnam to Geoje: 60 Years Armistice Special – KBS (Korean Broadcasting System)
A Good Man in Rwanda – BBC World Service
An Anatomy of Medical Malpractice in Taiwan – Radio Taiwan International
India: Resisting Rape – BBC World Service (Winner)
Operation Herrick: The Patient Pathway – BFBS (Highly Commended)
Syrian Refugees – Radio Sawa (Highly Commended)
Children’s factual programme – TV
Bushwhacked! (Series 2) – Mint Pictures (Highly Commended)
Deadly Pole to Pole – BBC Natural History Unit (Winner)
Jawla 2014 – Al Jazeera Children’s Channel
Made in SA – South African Broadcasting Corporation
Matanglawin: Worst Case Scenario Weather – ABS-CBN Corporation
Pay it Forward – Observator, Antena 1
The Joy of Life (Vom Glück des Lebens) – Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR)
Radio personality of the year
Catherine Bott – Classic FM
David Mellor – Classic FM
RJ Teena-Salaam Indore – DB Corp Ltd (Radio Division) 943MY FM
Shaimaa Khalil – BBC World Service (Winner)
AIB Founders Award – Komla Dumor
Live sports coverage – TV
Aviva Premiership Rugby Final 2014 – Sunset+Vine for BT Sport (Winner)
Istaf Superseries Finals 2013/2014 – Astro Arena SDN BHD
The Grand National – IMG Productions for Channel 4 Television (Highly Commended)
Creative feature – radio
Brixton Ballads-Sound Stories – ABC Radio
Crossroads Generation – DW Deutsche Welle
Lost in Dutch Formosa – Radio Taiwan International (Highly Commended)
Newstalk BC – Christian Broadcasting Association (Winner)
OSM Frequency II – Radio-Canada
Will Kate Survive Kate? – Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Specialist programme
AIDS: Living in the Shadows – Voice of America (Highly Commended)
Brazil’s Soccer Cities – BBC (Highly Commended)
From Here to Timbuktu Buganda – Wananchi Programming
Inside Lego – Bloomberg TV
Revealing Dali – TVE Spain (Winner)
Zashto – RT
Online factual
Cronulla Riots: The Day that shocked a Nation – SBS Television (Australia) (Winner)
Days of Rage Digital Initiative – Channel NewsAsia Mediacorp Pte Ltd
IRANORAMA – Webdoc.FR/France 24 (Highly Commended)
Sochi:Outside the Arena – Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty [RFE/RL]
Serengeti: Toward an Uncertain Future – DW Deutsche Welle (Highly Commended)
Zaatari Refugee Camp – CNN
Science programme – TV
David Attenborough’s Natural History Museum Alive – Atlantic Productions (Winner)
Secrets of Bones – BBC Natural History Unit (Highly Commended)
Synthetic Biology: Creating Life from Scratch – France 24
The Lake Megantic Tragedy – Radio-Canada
Toxic Sugar – Australian Broadcasting Corporation – Catalyst
Weed: Dr Sanjay Gupta Reports – CNN
Domestic investigative documentary – TV
Britain’s Secret Terror Force – twenty2vision Ltd (Winner)
The Paedophile MP: How Cyril Smith got away with it – Channel 4 Television
India matters: In your Face – New Delhi Television Ltd
The Armstrong System – SRF
The Cruel Cut – Channel 4 Television (Highly Commended)
The Route of the K Money – artear S.A
International current affairs documentary – TV
Difficult Destinations: Turkmenistan – deMENSEN
Dispatches: Children on the Frontline – Channel 4 Television (Winner)
Our World: Yemen-World’s Most Dangerous Journey – BBC News & Current Affairs
Pakistan’s Hidden Shame – Clover Films for Channel 4 Television (Highly Commended)
TB: Return of the Plague – True Vision Productions
The Surgery Ship – Media Stockade/SBS Television
Undercover Asia: Invisible Children – Channel NewsAsia Mediacorp Pte Ltd
International investigative documentary – TV
Dispatches: How to fix a Football Match – Channel 4 Television (Highly Commended)
Our World: Iran’s Secret Army – BBC News & Current Affairs
Our World: Saudi’s Secret Uprising – BBC News & Current Affairs (Winner)
Return to Benghazi – CNN
Slave Industry – A Year On From Rana Plaza – Islam Channel
Worked to Death in Qatar (for the 2022 World Cup) – France 24
TV personality of the year
Christiane Amanpour – CNN
Pia Castro – DW Deutsche Welle
Richard Quest (Quest Means Business) – CNN (Winner)
Kiran Jethwa (Tales from the Bush Larder Kampal) – Wananchi/Fox Int Channels
Ted Failon – ABS-CBN Corporation
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