Mali suspends France 24 and RFI

Mali suspends France 24 and RFI

Mali suspends France 24 and RFI

Mali has suspended French international broadcasters France 24 television and RFI radio in the country.

On 17 March, a Malian government spokesman accused the two broadcasters of “destabilising the transition, demoralising the Malian people and discrediting the valiant FAMa”.

The announcement went on to say that RFI on shortwave and France 24 TV, plus the broadcasters’ digital platforms, would be suspended until further notice.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the Malian government’s decision on Thursday.

“I condemn with the greatest firmness this decision, which seems to me totally at odds with the values espoused by the people of Mali since its independence,” he said at a news conference in Paris.

Responding to the Malian government’s order, France Médias Monde said it “deplored” the decision and “strongly protested against the unfounded accusations that seriously undermine the professionalism of its broadcasters”.

In a statement released on 17 March, FMM said it would “study all avenues of appeal to ensure that such a decision is not implemented”. The group also reiterated its “unwavering commitment to freedom of information and the professionalism of its journalists”.
Thomas Fenton appointed Deputy Director at France 24

Thomas Fenton appointed Deputy Director at France 24

Thomas Fenton appointed Deputy Director at France 24

Marie-Christine Saragosse, CEO of France Médias Monde, has appointed Thomas Fenton as Deputy Director of France 24, in charge of the English service. He will take up his post on March 4, 2022.

A French-American graduate of Duke University in the United States, Thomas Fenton has spent his entire career working for major international news networks. He joined CNN in 1986, where for 26 years he successively held the positions of  Deputy Managing International Editor in Atlanta, Bureau Chief in Frankfurt and Jerusalem, Executive Producer in London, and Managing Editor for the Middle East in Abu Dhabi.

In 2011, he joined Al Jazeera as Executive Producer in Doha and then in New York. In 2019, he was called by CBS to help relaunch the CBS Evening News. For the past year, he has been Story Editor for “The Take”, an AJ English-language flagship podcast. Thomas Fenton has received numerous awards, including three Emmy Awards for CNN (1993, 2001, and 2012) for coverage of events during the wars in Somalia, Sierra Leone, and the Egyptian revolution.

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.

 

France 24 – programme highlights in October

France 24 – programme highlights in October

France 24 – programme highlights in October

Paris-based France 24’s English service has a range of programmes scheduled for October 2021

FRANCE IN FOCUS

40th anniversary of the abolishment of death penalty

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8 AT 1545 GMT

After three days of heated debates at the French Parliament, on October 9, 1981, the death penalty was officially banned by Article 66-1 of the Constitution of the French Republic. This date symbolises the end of a long-lasting battle led by French lawyer Robert Badinter. Forty years later, is this battle still relevant? “France is focus” reports on this polarising issue.

REPORTERS PLUS

Iraq: A Revolution murdered   

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9 AT 1910 GMT

In Iraq in October 2019, a series of protests to denounce corruption, unemployment and inefficient public services started in the streets of Bagdad, Basra, and Karbala. They spread across the central and southern provinces of the country. The protests were violently repressed: the government used bullets, tear gas and much more, causing the death of 600 people and injuring 21,000. This repression was followed by an assassination and intimidation campaign that killed activists, opinion-leaders, journalists and lawyers involved with the protests.

France 24’s journalists Amar al Hameedawi and Jonathan Walsh met with victims’ families who demand justice and activists who now live in hiding. Who wants to silence them? What can be done about this generalised impunity? A powerful and deeply moving report on the behind-the-scenes of Iraqi politics.

FRENCH CONNECTIONS PLUS

Is Paris a dirty city?

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29 AT 0915 GMT

When people picture the French capital, they think of beautiful monuments, romantic cafés and pretty parks. But for many tourists, Paris is just too dirty! Whether it is the urine-soaked streets, ubiquitous dog poop or cigarette butts as far as the eye can see, real everyday Paris can clash with the postcard version. Paris authorities pump a lot of money and manpower into keeping the city clean. So what is the problem? Could it be Parisians themselves? In this episode of “French Connections Plus”, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula investigate the capital’s filthy reputation.

ENCORE!

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5 AT 1015 GMT

Palestinian actress and director Hiam Abbas is the guest of “Encore!” to discuss Tarzan Abu and Mohammed Abou Nasser’s latest movie “Gaza my love”.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8 AT 1015 GMT

For the new Africa-France Summit (October 7-9 in Montpellier) “Encore!” meets with major cultural actors who take part in the event. The team also reports on the Cosmogonies exhibition with the Zinsou foundation at MO.CO: it presents nearly 110 pieces by 37 artists of different generations such as Mallick Sidibé and Chéri Samba. Finally, “Encore!” brings viewers a report on artwork taken from Africa and returning home.

EUROPE NOW

Slovenia special

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 AT 1115 GMT

It is a country that’s been at the crossroads of European empires and power play for centuries – and now as Slovenia marks 30 years as an independent country, France 24’s Europe team pays a visit. This small, mountainous, heavily forested country is almost completely landlocked and today it is home to just over two million people with a strong nature-loving side. Its lands have been ruled and fought over by everyone from the Romans to the Austro-Hungarians, through Napoleon Bonaparte, the First and Second World Wars, after which it was part of Yugoslavia, until an almost bloodless independence in 1991.

This year not only marks 30 years of independent Slovenia. The country holds the rotating Presidency of the European Union, from July until December. All this amid the pandemic, and with a Prime Minister Janez Janša facing heat at home and beyond amid accusations he is degrading Slovenian democracy.

In the programme, Catherine Nicholson meets decision makers from the governing and opposing political parties and looks deeper into some of the big issues that make Slovenia tick today: from concerns about media and judicial freedom to its relationships with its EU and Balkan neighbours. She also looks at why Slovenia is touted as the green tourism destination of Europe.

France 24 en Español goes 24 hours a day

France 24 en Español goes 24 hours a day

France 24 en Español goes 24 hours a day

After doubling its broadcast time in September 2019 (from six to 12 hours a day) France 24 in Spanish, which is celebrating its fourth birthday, will broadcast 24 hours a day from 24 September 2021.

This development enables the channel to increase its competitiveness in Latin America, offering viewers continuous news in Spanish, a brand-new morning show, more news bulletins, magazines, reports and debates. This offer is now equivalent to those from Paris in English, French and Arabic.

Since its launch in 2017 (in partnership with Radio France Internationale’s Spanish service), France 24 in Spanish has successfully grown in Latin America: today it broadcasts in 17 of the 19 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, as well as in Brazil. It is available in 12.5 million households, plus 12 million more with its partial broadcast in Mexico.

In Colombia, Argentina and Mexico, 14.2 million people say that they know about France 24 (+26% vs. 2019) and more than three million say that they watch the channel on TV each week (+56% vs. 2019). On digital platforms (the website and app), France 24 in Spanish records on average 2.8 million monthly visits (+6.4% vs. 2020). YouTube data indicates more than 91.4 million views since January 2021 (+26% vs. 2020).

The channel’s 24/7 broadcast will enable to accelerate its growth and increase its viewership in the Latin America. Media surveys already confirm France 24’s growing performance in terms of awareness on the continent as well as viewers’ trust in its programs. They highlight in particular the trustworthiness, reliability and relevance of the channel.

On September 24, for the launch of France 24 in Spanish’s 24 hours daily broadcast, all four channels bring viewers live broadcasts between the Spanish newsroom in Bogota and the English, French and Arabic ones in Paris, as well as with RFI’s Spanish service.