RFE/RL Turkmen Service Steps In To Fill Education Gap

What was originally intended as a report on the system of higher education in one of the world's most closed societies, Education 2012/2013 by RFE/RL's Turkmen Service, has become a multi-media community service project linking students with scarce resources in Turkmenistan.

"Our research found that more than 100,000 students graduated from secondary schools in the last week of May, and yet Turkmen universities have space for only around 6,000 new students," said Muhammad Tahir, Service Director, about the initiative that launched on June 18. "The government sends around 2,000 students to universities abroad annually, but that still leaves over 90 percent of graduates with no clear option for getting a university degree."

After initial reporting revealed the imbalance between admission seekers and available university slots, the Turkmen Service, Radio Azatlyk, contacted NGOs, foreign embassies, and university officials in several countries to determine what resources are available to help Turkmen students study abroad, what documentation is required, and which foreign degrees are recognized once graduates return home. The result is a dedicated page on the service's website and a 10-minute update that airs daily on Radio Azatlyk.

“We found students who are desperate to study, and yet some foreign organizations that sponsor scholarship programs told us they're unable to fill their quotas for Turkmen students. Therefore, one goal for this project is to help match these programs with people," said Tahir.  

Students have taken advantage of two blogs set up as part of the project to exchange information and share their experiences. Several questions concerned the selective U.S.-sponsored Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program; other posts have  described financial and visa requirements for university programs in Malaysia, and cultural issues for Turkmen students studying in India. The Service recruited an academician in Turkmenistan to help respond to questions and provide online guidance on university programs and admissions procedures.

"We are amazed at the audience response, since people must defy huge restrictions to reach us - they have to use proxies to access our website - but it shows that we have the tools and information to provide them with something they really need," said Tahir.

RFE/RL's Turkmen Service is available in Turkmenistan on shortwave and satellite radio, and online. Of 197 countries ranked in its 2012 Freedom of the Press index, Freedom House ranked Turkmenistan as 196th, ahead only of North Korea. 

(Source : Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)

Farewell to RNW's shortwave broadcasts from Bonaire

The Radio Netherlands' relay station on the Caribbean island of Bonaire lies a few hundred metres off a narrow road. A white patch on a rock is a reminder of the dynamite that was used to make enough room to get the transmitters to the site. The last regular shortwave transmission from Bonaire was on 30 June.

Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW) started building the station in 1968 to improve reception for Dutch people living in North, Central and South America as well as New Zealand and Australia. The relay station, with two of the world's most powerful transmitters (300 kW) at the time, was officially inaugurated a year later.

From July 1, Bonaire will broadcast a one-hour Spanish language programme, La Matinal, to Cuba, Venezuela, Mexico and the rest of the Caribbean. Dutch-language transmissions to Surinam will also continue for the time being. From October 28, RNW will hire airtime from another - as yet unknown - broadcaster. The Bonaire relay station will then be dismantled. All that will remain is a field.

(Source : RNW)

Digital radio is now making waves

Roberts Colour Stream.

The hoopla has settled and these new radios are starting to live up to their promise.

DIGITAL radio is finally starting to emerge as a viable choice. For some time the digital-radio lobby had been telling us that consumers were flocking to the format, but their sales figures were inflated somewhat by lots of music systems that had a digital tuner built in. It was a genuine sale but it was not something the consumer had gone out looking for. Call it a default purchase.

But now, with its superior audio qualities and in most cases greater ease of operation, digital is becoming a proposition. It is not just because prices have plummeted from their ridiculous levels at launch, where a similarly specified analog radio could be had for one-tenth the price. Plenty of radios are now genuinely capable of doing justice to the superior sound quality of the format.

At first, most of the digitals were offered with small, cheap speakers that sounded no better on digital than they did on FM. Now, you can hear the improvement - or you can with radios above the $100 mark.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/hometech/digital-is-now-making-waves-20120627-2111k.html#ixzz1zBu4u0SL

(Source: The Sydney Morning Herald)

RTI : Winners of the Dragon Painting Competition (Quiz and Painting)

On June 20, RTI held a drawing to give away souvenirs to 150 people who enter the painting competition and 315 people who submit responses to the quiz. Following is the list of winners who are loyal listeners of the English service.

Quiz Winners

Second Prize (Digital Radios)

Bithi Khanam (Bangladesh)

Third Prize (T-Shirts)

India--Debakamal Hazarika; Chitturi Vamsi; S. Pripyanka; Rabisankar Bosu; Vimal Janjni

Pakistan-- Baber Shehzad; Ch Faheem Noor; Abdul Sattar Ansari; Salman Khan

Bangladesh--Taslima Akter Lima; Sahadot Hossain; Muklesur Rahman; KH Milon Rahman; Dewan Rana

Nigeria--John James B.

Eritrea--Solomon Fessahazion

Cuba--Ivan Carralero Rodriguez

New Zealand--Ray Davey

Oman--Muqeet Mohd

Lucky prize (foldable containers)

India-- Anila Amitabh; Devyansh Garg; Sapna Bain  E. Vijayalakshmi; K.C. Sivaraj; V. Dhakshinamoorthi; Aparna Chatterjee; Manisha Chakraborty; M. Ganesan; Ram Sarup Garg; Viniya Garg; Ashok Kumar Gupta; Kusham Kumar Goyal; Tanumoy Das; Shanti Kr. Chattopadhyay;Nitin; S.S. Bhattaacaryya

Pakistan--Naveed Abbas;Kaneez Fatima; Hadi Bakhsh Soomro; Rana Ejaz Ahmed Khan; Abdul Sattar Khoso; Shujat Ali Khan; Muhammadn Irfan Niazi; Fareeha Jabeen; Ghulam Qadir Nizamani

Bangladesh--Salahuddin Dolar; Kamrun Nahar; Priyanka Yeasmin; Fahmida Banu; Sume Akter;    Rabeya Khatun; Talek Hosen

The Philippines--Allan Fenix

Oman--Sabiha Mubeen

United Arab Emirates--Avinash Cheekoth

Algeria--Goumidi Mohamed

Painting Competition Winners (Canvas bags)

India--Muhammade Shamin S; Rabisankar Bosu; Sudeshna Bosu; K. C. Sivaraj; Kanchan Kumar Chatterjee; Debsandar Chakraborty; Manisha Chakraborty

Italy--Agide Melloni

Pakistan--Samina Gul

Taiwan--Juliet T. Que

Turkey--Semay Cankurt

(Source : Radio Taiwan International)

RCI ends shortwave broadcast: Sackville, N.B. transmitters will be sold

After decades of service, the transmission towers outside of Sackville, N.B are no longer broadcasting Radio Canada International to the world.

The international broadcasting service ended its shortwave transmission Sunday night.

"I find myself, on behalf of all of us, saying goodbye to 67 years of radio," said host Marc Montgomery, breaking down on air.

In April, CBC reduced RCI's budget from $12.3 million annually to $2.3 million, resulting in dozens of job cuts and the need to end the shortwave service.

RCI will continue as an online-only service. However, Montgomery called it a huge loss for many listeners around the world.

"There's no denying the importance of the internet. There's also no denying that it can be and is regularly blocked by authoritarian regimes. Shortwave broadcasts on the other hand, almost always get through to people hungry for information," said Montgomery.

Martin Marcotte, director of CBC Transmission, said he's now looking to sell the New Brunswick towers and land.

He said he's focussing on selling the site to other shortwave broadcasters or wind farm companies.

"It will be fairly costly to dismantle and as a last resort we would dismantle the facility, return it to bare land as it was when we first acquired that site," said Marcotte.

(Source : CBC News via kimandrewelliott.com)

RNW : Yours sincerely – What words can’t express...

Your response to our announcement that the English service of Radio Netherlands Worldwide will be closing at the end of this month has been amazing. It is so good to hear how much you will miss us - and of course we’ll miss you too! 

Graham Foy (UK) really sums it all up by saying “words can’t express my sadness at the loss of this great international broadcaster”. And although words fall short, this has not stopped many of you from trying to communicate what it means to you.

Government decision
“Thanks to the Dutch government for putting another nail in the coffin of short wave as a simple, easy means of internationally communicating news and views from around the country,” writes Michael Bryan (Canada) and like him, many of you find it hard to understand why the government has decided to cut back its funding.

John Mayson (US): “RNW has been a wonderful Dutch ambassador to the world and it's troubling the Dutch government has seen fit to cancel all English programming. Your programming is the best in the world. I know many countries are facing budget crises and austerity measures. In my opinion the Dutch government gets a lot of bang for its buck with RNW and they should keep the English service alive.”

And Alex May (UK) adds: “You have been a valuable link to Dutch culture and journalism for the outside world and it is tragic that your government has taken the funding decision it has.”

Enjoying RNW
It is great to hear how much you have enjoyed our programmes over the past decades. Many of you have let us know you appreciated learning a lot about the Dutch country, people and culture. John R. (UK) says he used RNW “to try and pick up as much of the language as possible” and RNW has kept Katie r. (UK) in touch with her father’s roots.

Fred Gosiewski (US) says he will miss RNW's short wave programming, but thinks there might be a positive side to it all:

“I have always enjoyed SWLing, going back to the 1960s, when I built a SW radio. RNW was an excellent choice for listening to the station's programming, as opposed to just collecting more QSL cards. SWL was a great way to connect with the world. On the other hand, with the great reduction in international broadcasting stations, perhaps the thrill will return of discovering foreign broadcasts over-the-air.”

QSL cards
Ivan Smythe (Canada) has no such hopes. He lets us know that the olden days are over for good:

“Sorry people, but at the end of the day the era of shortwave broadcast stations transmitting programming to the far flung corners of the globe has come to an end.

[...] The days of a massive organization providing a service that very few people continue to use are done.
The few SWL'ers out there are meaningless. Quaint things such as QSL cards meant something back in the 60s and 70s but today are an unnecessary cost to broadcasters.

Move on people...move on!”

The discussion got a bit heated here and sadly our moderator had to delete a few comments on this topic. But whether you agree that the olden days are over or not, I hope you’ll all tune in for our last broadcast on 29 June. We’re even designing a special commemoration QSL card for the occasion!

It has done us good to hear from all of you. Please keep writing in to letters@rnw.nl, or post your comment on our website or Facebook.

 

(Source : RNW)

ABC Radio Celebrates 80 years of broadcasting with special event digital station

This year, Australia’s public service broadcaster – which started in 1932 with just 12 radio stations - turns 80.

To celebrate, the ABC is devoting this weekend to the new showcasing the old, with the broadcaster’s new digital station broadcasting the sounds of Australia from the ABC’s vast archives going back over the last eight decades. 

The name of the station is ‘ABC Turns 80’ – a special events digital station broadcasting from 29 June to 1 July, 2012. 

From the 1932 Melbourne Cup, to the then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam's dismissal, to 9/11, the broadcaster will cover significant historical moments and trace the way Australia has changed – politically, socially and culturally.

“Over the past eight decades, there’s been an incredible revolution not only in the development of Australia, but also in the development of the media landscape – and what better way to showcase the wealth of material we’ve collected than through the lates radio broadcasting technology – digital radio” said Tony Walker, Manager, ABC Digital Radio. 

 

(Source : Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union)

Iraq backs off on plans to force closure of 44 media outlets, including BBC and VOA

BAGHDAD — Iraq has suspended orders to close 44 media operations in the country, including the BBC and Voice of America, after an outcry by press freedom advocates, an official said Tuesday.

The Communications and Media Commission that regulates the news media in Iraq will give the targeted organizations more time to pay outstanding fees and renew lapsed licenses, deputy director Ali Nasir said.

Read More

(Source: Associated Press via the Washington Post via kimandrewelliott.com)

New EBU recommendation on future spectrum use

The EBU today published a new recommendation on spectrum management, representing an important milestone in preparing for the next ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15). The recommendation affirms the importance of terrestrial broadcasting in EBU Member markets, pointing out that there are large differences between each of these. Such differences should be taken into account when planning the way that the UHF band is used in future.

Integrating linear and non-linear services

The EBU also stresses the importance of ensuring that the UHF band (including the 700MHz band) should be retained for the delivery of broadcasting services (both linear and non-linear). This is particularly important as the EBU and its Members are working to facilitate a close integration between the linear and non-linear services they deliver to mobile devices, PCs, tablets and hybrid television sets.

The EBU’s Director of Technology & Development, Lieven Vermaele said “Terrestrial spectrum is an important natural resource and its use should be optimized for the benefit of citizens. Broadcasting is a very efficient way of delivering media services to the public. EBU Members in many European countries rely heavily on terrestrial spectrum to ensure that their viewers can watch their services. The EBU recognizes the need to ensure that the mobile services can help to bring broadband to all ; we are working with different industry stakeholders and regulators to ensure that this can be done without undermining the distribution channels for public service media.”

EBU contributions

The next ITU World Radiocommunication Conference will take place in Geneva in 2015. In the interim period numerous consultations and studies are being undertaken at both global and regional level. The EBU and its Members are actively contributing to these activities, in particular through ITU and CEPT.

• Download EBU Recommendation 136

 (Source : European Broadcasting Union)

DW wins for design in Los Angeles

DW picked up a total of of eight prizes, including two gold at the PromaxBDA Global Excellence Design Awards for 2012.  The PromaxBDA awards recognize accomplishments for TV design and media marketing and the event is considered one of the most prestigious in this field.  The team took three prizes in the category of “News, Bumper” – a gold for the design of “The Car Making World,” silver for “Global 3000 Africa on the Move,” and bronze for “Global 3000 Global Snack.”  The design for “The Future of Motoring” also took gold in the category of News, Open/Titles. Other nominees in this category included CNN International, CNN en Espanol, Al Jazeera English and Schweizer Fernsehen.

(Source : DW Insider)

PCJ Radio's Keith Perron comments on RCI

Keith Perron

Editorial on RCI and international broadcasting 

by Keith Perron, Director of PCJ Radio International

Over the last few months a few people have criticized me for my view on Radio Canada International. I never at any point said I was against RCI. In fact I always felt and still do feel it is vital that Canada maintain an international shortwave service. I stress again vitally important.

One thing I have been preaching for the past 10 plus years is that if international broadcasters like RCI are to survive. Radical, bold and groundbreaking changes need to take place. There was a time international broadcasting stations like RCI or Radio Netherlands had programming and on air personalities that stood out. In the 1990s we saw this change to get away from that and just have presenters that sound like everyone else on every other station.  Or as I like to saw the McDonald’s syndrome where every hamburger looks and tastes the same. It made most radio sound like assembly line programming.  Sure there is an element of kitsch to have Radio Netherlands talk about barrel organs, windmills, dykes or Radio Canada International talking about things that are stereotypical Canadian. But is it not this that would make you stand out from the rest?

Something that I have learned with starting up PCJ in 2009. You need to be different, unique  and maybe a little offbeat. If you offer programming that is different and fun to listen to the audience will come.  Back in 2009 many many people thought the idea of bringing back Happy Station Show as an independent production was crazy, stupid, dumb and mad. I knew for a long time and had a gut feeling the show would be successful. If the program was not I would have stopped doing it in the first 6 month. But what happened? The show went from once every 2 weeks, to weekly, to 3 different versions a week, including specials like the one we are doing June 29^th.

The same goes with Media Network Plus, which started off as a monthly 55 minute program and the we added a weekly 30 minute program. Jazz For The Asking, Nash Holos, Focus Asia Pacific, Switzerland In Sound, Classic Media Network, The Stuph File, The Kelly Alexander Show and the special programs we do.

At the moment there are over 32 local stations in 21 countries that relay our programming.  I knew that if we had a program schedule with content that maybe some would consider a little off hinged it would take off. Was it a lot of work? That is an understatement. But I am such a strong believer in international programming that if it meant sleeping a few hours a day and not taking a day off so be it.

We are now in the process of building our own 20kw relay to reach listeners in South East Asia and the Pacific. We are doing this because there is a huge potential for an audience. What will our programming be? What will our style be? Very simple. Go back to the basics of international broadcasting and offer something that people will enjoy listening to, have a good time and be a little kitsch. There is nothing wrong with kitsch.

Changes that took place in the 1990s have had nothing but a negative impact. Recently Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was asked about what she thought of the BBC World Service. She said she was a strong supporter BBC, but felt the changes left the station with less variety and music programs. And said the only thing she heard were news and commentaries.

To conclude. Yes and I say it again Canada needs an international broadcasting service and I would do anything I can to support RCI being restored. At the same time we live in a democracy and I have the right to also speak my mind and give my own personal view. This is not RCI bashing. This is only having an open debate on the situation.

(Source : PCJ Radio International)

Zimbabwe: Radio Now an Alternative Rather Than a Necessity

With the debate raging over new radio licences, advances in technology mean radio is no longer at the core of information dissemination in the world, meaning the Ministry of Media, Information and Publicity's refusal to open up the airwaves may be an exercise in futility.

While radio remains an important tool in disseminating information, its influence has been somewhat on the decline with the advent of the mobile phone, DVD players, the internet and satellite television.

Media minister Webster Shamu has indicated that his ministry will not be dishing out new radio and television licences, raising fears that Zanu PF felt that with access to more communication platforms its unease grip on power could be under threat. Only Zimpapers and AB Communications have been granted licences, but critics say this is just a pretence at opening up the airwaves as both companies are aligned to Zanu PF.

But such an approach, some analysts felt, was anachronistic, as Zimbabweans had moved to other platforms. With the region and the world moving towards digitalisation of media space, more channels would be added to the spectrum, meaning licensing should no longer be an issue.

Alongside the internet, mobile phones have also become an alternative for people to receive news and with more people on the platform, the radio is no longer that important.

The Post and Telecommunications Authority of Zimbabwe estimates that nearly three out of every four Zimbabweans have access to mobile phones.

At one time Econet had a programme called "News on Demand" where they would provide news via text message or through a listen-in programme.If that scheme were to be revived, it would reach about six million people, slightly more than the registered number of voters.

This service would reach both urban and rural areas, as far flung as Binga in the far north and Mukumbura in the far east.

Econet says it has about two million people on its mobile broadband facility. While statistics for other networks were not available, this already means that a significant chunk of the population is receiving information through other means, making new radio stations only a bonus rather than a necessity.

However, media rights organisation, Misa, said while the convergence of media platforms was ideal, the first step was the licensing of more radio players and then the country could build on that.

"Our struggles should first make broadcasting accessible to every citizen and in that pace move swiftly to address issues of ICT of which we don't have an ICT regulatory framework as a country," Misa president, Njabulo Ncube said.

"In the long run we yearn for total convergence, but from where we stand, Minister Shamu, sir, play your role in ensuring the opening of the broadcasting environment and stop misleading parliament, cabinet and the people of Zimbabwe on the broadcasting capacity, we have the space to accommodate more players."

(Source : The Standard via allAfrica.com)

Important notice for DW Website!

Important notice!

Deutsche Welle website carried a notice "Because of essential maintenance work, the DW website cannot currently be updated. Thank you for your patience"

(Source : DW)

[1600 UTC] Update : It seems the maintenance work has been done.

Special QSL card commemorating the closing of RNW's English service!

For those listeners who enjoy picking up shortwave broadcasts and sending in a reception report, this is your last chance to dispatch your SINPO to our P.O.box 222, 1200 JG Hilversum, The Netherlands, or letters@rnw.nl (subject: 29 June Reception report).

We'll return the favour by sending you a special QSL card commemorating the closing of RNW's English service!

(Source : RNW)

First DRM Transmitter manufactured in Brazil

The first Brazilian made DRM transmitter was unveiled by BT Broadcast Transmitters.  The company is well known for their analogue Transmitters in Brazil and this is their first digital radio transmitter.  The transmitter has a power of 2.5 KW and is produced with the help and cooperation of Digidia, a DRM consortium member.

(Source : DRM Consortium)

Asian broadcast industry looks to future technologies

New technologies met old at this year’s Broadcast Asia conference which kicked off yesterday with a programme focused on future technologies as Asia’s digital switchover programme reaches completion.

The opening session focused on the business models that can support these new deployments and how operators can navigate the minefield of which to deploy first.

“There are 12 new technologies on the table. Should we take all of them or should we take them one-by-one. How should we decide which one to do first?” said Sharad Sadhu, Director of ABU Technology during the first keynote panel discussion. He urged technology vendors to focus on providing business models within the local market.

Other panelists pointed to the success of broadcasters Channel 4 and the BBC in the UK, but the only panellist who admitted to having a successful business model for new technologies was indeed a new entrant. 

Jonathan Benartzi, the CEO of Live Asia TV, who provide OTT services to niche communities shared the secret of their success as being the humble set-top box, saying that “the only way to get engagement was to give people a box because then you got the forty-plus consumer mums engaging”.

The Broadcast Asia 2012 continues until 22 June at the Marina Bay Sands, in Singapore.

(Source : Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union)

Hong Kong: Launch of DAB transmission network

Hong Kong (HKSAR) - Hong Kong's digital audio broadcasting (DAB) service is set to be further enhanced to enable more listeners to enjoy a brand new listening experience, with the transmission network coming into full operation.

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, speaking at the DAB transmission network launch ceremony today (June 19), said, "For the four public and commercial DAB operators to complete the construction of all major transmission stations of the transmission network, soon after the launch of DAB service, is an achievement indeed."

Hong Kong's DAB transmission network comprises seven transmission stations located at Beacon Hill, Golden Hill, Cloudy Hill, Kowloon Peak, Castle Peak, Mount Gough and Lamma Island, and related construction works were completed earlier. With the transmission network launched, the geographical coverage of the DAB service now stands at around 70 per cent, covering most of Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon peninsula, while reception in individual areas in the New Territories may vary. Reception in some individual areas may not be completely stable due to the effects of terrain.

Such an issue is unavoidable at the initial stage of network development.

"Apart from the completion of the seven transmission stations, the four operators are planning to build gap-filler stations. Four gap-filler stations will be completed in phases from the end of this year to early next year, further expanding the signal coverage," said Mr So.

"Recently, there have been views that the Government should increase the transmission power so as to improve reception.

I wish to take this opportunity to clarify that the Office of the Communications Authority has already given approval for the DAB operators to increase the transmission power. We cannot increase the transmission power indefinitely, since excessive transmission power will interfere with television broadcasting services in the Mainland and necessitate co-ordination. More importantly, the present reception problems are mainly due to obstruction by terrain and buildings.

Further increase in transmission power may not be a suitable solution, and the construction of gap-fillers will be more effective.

"DAB is an advanced broadcasting technology. Digitalisation of the broadcasting service is also the dominant trend. With the launch of digital radio channels in phases, the new DAB service, which provides 'quality sound, quality visuals and quality choices', should be well-received by the audience."

Digital Broadcasting Corporation Hong Kong Limited (DBC), Metro Broadcast Corporation Limited (Metro), Phoenix U Radio Limited (Phoenix U), and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) will provide a total of 18 DAB channels (three each for Metro and Phoenix U, seven for DBC and five for RTHK), offering a wide variety of programme choices covering music, lifestyle, current affairs, finance, community and art and culture.

So far, 13 channels have been formally launched or soft launched.

Compared with analogue radio services, DAB provides better sound quality, more stable reception and a greater diversity of programmes. It also supports the transmission of digital images (ancillary visual service) to the screens of DAB receivers.

With suitable digital radios, listeners will be able to view news, weather and traffic information, and information about songs on the radio screen.

More details are available on the dedicated website (www.digitalradio.gov.hk).

(Source: 7th Space Interactive)

Australian Senate passes Bill to regulate ABC and SBS Board Appointments

A bill that will require the government to adhere to a merit-based process for appointing board members to both of its public service broadcasters was carried in the Senate last night, with the support of the Greens party. 

The National Broadcasting Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 still needs to be passed by the House of Representatives, and is likely to do so.

The laws will reinstate a staff-elected director to the ABC and create an independent panel to advise the government on suitable appointments for the ABC and SBS boards. The panel will provide a short list to the communications minister who makes the final choice.

The laws reverse a 2006 coalition government decision to abolish the staff-elected position on the ABC board in 2006 on grounds that it risked a conflict of interest.

To avoid claims of political bias, current or former politicians and senior political staff will be banned from appointment. 

In the case of the ABC Chair, selection will be made by the prime minister after consultation with the opposition leader.

An amendment by the Greens to ban current or former politicians and senior political staff failed.

(Source : Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union)

General Assembly comes at critical time, says ABU Secretary-General

This year’s ABU General Assembly in Seoul, Korea, comes at critical time for the broadcasting media in the Asia-Pacific, according to the Union’s Secretary-General.

Dr Javad Mottaghi says this is not just an important time for the transition to digital broadcasting but the whole structure of the media themselves is changing.

He says the theme of this year’s General Assembly, Beyond the Digital Wave, will have to take the debate further than technologies or even broadcasting practices and shift it into the very purpose of broadcasting.

“We are seeing some traditional media models collapsing and regenerating almost overnight,” Dr Mottaghi said. “One only has to look at the world’s most developed media market in the United States to see the tidal wave of change.

“Local media there are dying or morphing into quite different things. Nearer to home, Australia’s two major newspaper groups are abandoning large parts of their print markets to move online and into multimedia.

“All these changes will have a profound effect on what we do as broadcasters in the Asia-Pacific.”

Dr Mottaghi said although the agenda for the General Assembly from 11-17 October 2012 was well-developed, members and guests attending should come prepared for an ever-evolving debate.

Information about the 49^th ABU General Assembly and how to register can be found here. There is a 15 August 2012 deadline for hotel bookings as well as visa applications.

 

(Source : Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union)

UK: John Myers receives honorary fellowship

Carlisle-born radio executive John Myers is to receive an honorary fellowship of the University of Cumbria for his outstanding contribution to radio.

He will also become a visiting professor.

John began his broadcasting at BBC Radio Cumbria in 1982. He later became a presenter on Border Television before launching CFM Radio in Carlisle in 1993.

He was also at Red Rose Radio in Lancashire where he hosted the breakfast show on Red Rose Gold when the station launched in 1990.

John told RadioToday.co.uk: “I am absolutely delighted to accept this wonderful honour from the University of Cumbria. To be recognised by my own city and county is very special indeed. I also look forward to spending some time working with the University and its media students.”

He recently denied on Twitter that he has anything to do with the rumoured sale of GMG Radio.

(Source : Radio Today, UK)

Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum starts Monday

From June 25-27, the Deutsche Welle Global Media Foru will once again bring attention to the issues that are relevant in today’s global society. This year’s focus will be on “Culture. Education. Media – Shaping a sustainable world”. DW anticipates that about 1,800 participants from 100 nations will attend the conference at the World Conference Center in Bonn. In more than 50 panel discussions and workshops they will discuss subjects such as the right to education, cultural diversity, political culture, global ethics and intercultural dialog, sustainability and new methods of learning.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle is taking part in the fifth edition of the three-day conference. On Tuesday, June 26, he will stalk about “Shaping globalization together: Deepening dialogues and building partnerships.” The former Indonesian president Jusuf Habibie and the Director of News and Current Affairs of Al Arabiya Nakhle El Hage will also take the panel discussion. Some of the other illustrious guest speakers confirmed for this year include author and South African anti-apartheid activist Denis Goldberg, Franz Josef Radermacher, a professor of informatics at the University of Ulm and a member of the Club of Rome, as well as the human rights activist Theary C. Seng from Cambodia.

On Monday afternoon, DW will put a focus on the Russian television market with a panel looking at Education in Modern Commercial TV-Markets. The Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum has always been a fantastic platform for media representatives to meet with their colleagues and discuss the most current issues that are shaping the industry. The DW distribution team always takes part in panels and helps develop side events.

We will keep you updated with news from the event – so keep an eye out for developments. You can also check out a full list of speakers and events here.

(Source : Deutsche Welle Blog)

Budget Cuts Radio Canada International (RCI) - Solidarity Rally for RCI

MONTREAL, June 20, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - More than a hundred people demonstrated in front of the Radio-Canada-CBC building in Montreal today at noon in solidarity with the RCI Action Committee, a union-supported lobby of Radio Canada International employees. At the rally the Committee called on the federal government to stop the budget cuts at the international service, and to give RCI financial autonomy from Radio-Canada-CBC. 

On April 4, 2012, Radio-Canada-CBC announced RCI's budget would be cut by 80%, dropping from $12.3 million to $2.3 million. The newsroom will be closed down. RCI, Canada's Voice to the World for the past 67 years, will stop being a radio broadcaster both on shortwave and by satellite on June 24. This decision was retroactively approved by Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore on June 7, when he changed the 2003 Order in Council and removed Radio-Canada-CBC's obligation to provide RCI's programming on shortwave, and to consult the ministry of Foreign Affairs about geographic target areas and broadcast languages. 

Listeners cut off from Canada
In ending RCI's role as a radio broadcaster and limiting its presence to the Internet, millions of listeners will be cut off from uncensored news from Canada. This is because of limited access to the Internet, or as in the case of Chinese listeners, because the RCI website is blocked by Chinese authorities. In the case of China, however, the shortwave radio broadcasts are not jammed by the authorities. Minister Moore's decision now effectively does that for them. Many of Canada's important economic partners such as India, Russia and Brazil will also lose access to Canadian news because the services have been closed, or in the case of India, access to the Internet is limited. In addition, the Minister's decision to eliminate the need for consultations with Foreign Affairs opens the door to more slashing of the service such as those to Ukraine, Russia and Brazil. 

Enormous loss of expertise
RCI Action Committee spokesperson Wojtek Gwiazda, a host and producer at Radio Canada International, says the federal government must step in and stop the drastic cuts to Radio Canada International, "We think it should be Canada's Parliament and not Radio-Canada-CBC that decides the strength or weakness of RCI. Even if we know the government does not want to get involved in the internal functioning of the Radio-Canada-CBC, we feel that the Corporation failed to meet its obligations under the Broadcasting Act." 

For SCRC president Alex Levasseur, "Canada's voice to the world is unique not because it broadcasts in different languages, but because it explains Canada to the rest of the world in these different languages. Our contextualized programming for people who may know little about Canada helps trade, tourism and immigration. And RCI's tradition of journalistic integrity has received worldwide respect and appreciation for 67 years." 

For more information, visit www.rciaction.org/blog

The SCRC represents almost 1800 members in Quebec and Moncton, and is affiliated with the Fédération nationale des communications of the CSN. 

(Source : Canada Newswire)

EBU Membership endorses incumbent leadership for 2013-2014

Strasbourg, 22 June 2012 – The President and Vice-President of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) were elected for a further two year term during the opening session yesterday of the EBU General Assembly in Strasbourg.

Confirmation of Jean-Paul Philippot (RTBF/Belgium) as President for a third term, and Claudio Cappon (RAI/Italy) as Vice-President, for a second full consecutive term, was unanimous.

Mr Philippot said he was gratified to have received a clear mandate from the Membership to continue the work begun in cooperation with the EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre:

"I am very grateful for the confidence and support of our Members. I look forward to continuing to work with the Executive Board and the Director General to defend and promote the values that reflect our distinctiveness as Public Service Media, and ensure that our audiences have free access to our content on all media platforms," Mr Philippot said.

His comments were echoed by Mr Cappon, who highlighted the many achievements of the EBU Partnership Programme in empowering Members to better serve their public. Through the Programme, the EBU has established valuable alliances with international inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, which support PSM and their mission.

"The EBU Partnership Programme embodies the principle of solidarity, which is at the heart of our Union – one of the distinctive public service media values that set us apart from commercial media," said Mr Cappon.

One of the Presidencies' first tasks will be to launch the procedure for the election of the membership of the Executive Board for the next term of office (2013-2014). The election will take place at the Winter General Assembly in Geneva on 6-7 December 2012. 

Additionally, Themis Themistocleous, (CYBC/Cyprus) was chosen to fill the vacant post of member of the Executive Board for the remainder of 2012. He replaces Teresa Pignatelli (Portugal).

(Source : European Broadcasting Union)

CBS Creates ‘CBS Sports Radio’

CBS Corp. has created CBS Sports Radio, a new 24/7 national network produced with programming from CBS Radio and CBS Sports. The broadcaster says it will be the largest sports radio network in the country.

In an unusual move, the broadcaster will partner with Cumulus to sell and distribute the new sports network through Cumulus Media Networks. Cumulus will also make CBS Sports Radio programming available on 67 Cumulus-owned stations.

CBS executives called the move the next step in its evolution to serve the ever-expanding audience of sports fans.

The new talk network is designed to enhance the reach of CBS Sports and CBS Radio brands, as well as its properties like WFAN(AM), New York, WSCR(AM), Chicago, WIP(FM), Philadelphia, WBZ(FM), Boston and WXYT(FM), Detroit, among others. 

CBS Radio President/CEO Dan Mason called the move a chance to successfully complement the broadcasters’ existing businesses “while expanding into what until now has been a largely unchallenged sector of the radio business.”

At launch, the new network will reach listeners in nine of the top 10 markets, with an estimated cumulative reach of nearly 10 million potential listeners, CBS believes.

CBS Sports updates will be heard on all affiliates beginning this September and the actual network launches in January 2013. 

Wells Fargo analyst Marci Ryvicker said in a note to clients that while ESPN current dominates the sports radio market, CBS' new network could gain significant market share as early as 2013. She also notes the network will not carry live sporting events, keeping its costs low.

 

(Source : Radio World)

DW and the Goethe-Institut want to get you to Berlin

For their Ticket to Berlin game show, Deutsche Welle and the Goethe-Institut are conducting a worldwide search for nine people who are ready for adventure. For 10 days, contestants will travel all over Germany, fulfill certain tasks and meet interesting people. A camera team will accompany them on their journey and the videos of this adventure will be shown on the DW and Goethe-Institut websites.

If you or someone you know has what it takes to compete, they should register on the show’s website. We need a photograph that shows you in full (not just your face), plus a short video. You can upload both here just as soon as you have registered. The closing date for applications is 28 June 2012!

Find out more about DW’s German courses here.

(Source : Deutsche Welle)

DW: For fans of the German language (Countdown to 100,000 Join and Win)

Our Facebook fan page for learning German is on course for 100,000 fans and we are looking for you to contribute. You can win some fabulous prizes by taking part – and you just need to post a comment. Become of fan of “Learn German with Deutsche Welle” and then comment on when you think we will break the 100,000 mark. You will find more information about the contest on our Facebook fan page – basic German is required.

(Source : Deutsche Welle)

VOA Indonesian Tops 1 Million Facebook Fans

VOA’s Indonesian Service is marking a Facebook milestone: their most popular pages now have more than 1-million fans.

“The main page was launched in September 2009 and it just skyrocketed. Before we knew it, we had hundreds of thousands of fans,” said VOA Indonesian Service’s New Media manager, Ade Astuti. “Now, we have more than 900,000 fans on our main page and 117,000 fans on our Dunia Kita show page. Combined, we have over a million.”

Indonesia has the third largest number of Facebook users in the world, which certainly helped the service reach this milestone quickly.

“When we realized that this is such a popular platform, we thought that we should really invest in it,” Astuti added.

The Service started by putting ads on Facebook and later expanded its efforts with social media campaigns like Facebook discussions and blog contests. Despite its popularity, the service isn’t resting on its laurels and continues to upgrade its social media strategy.
​
“The challenge now is that Facebook keeps changing all the time…and we need to keep an eye on the new trends. We also have to look beyond Facebook. We want to be ahead of the curve when something big comes out,” said Astuti.

Today, VOA Indonesian reaches out to its audience on TV, radio, Internet and mobile platforms, covering international and domestic news and features stories. VOA programs are also broadcast on a network of affiliate stations around the country, where about 38 million adults see or hear VOA programs each week. 

(Source : Inside VOA) 

Over 8000 posts to be filled in All India Radio

A total of 8469 vacancies exist in All India Radio, which has total staff strength of 17,853 against the sanctioned strength of 26,322. 

The most critically affected areas are the Programme Wing and the News Services Division with 3383 and 85 vacancies respectively. The existing strength in the Programme Wing is just 3532 out of the total sanctioned strength of 6915, while NSD/News has strength of 147 as against the sanctioned strength of 232. 

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information & Technology has asserted that it has ‘consistently been exhorting’ the Information & Broadcasting Ministry to fill up the critical vacancies in DD and AIR and it again exhorted the Department to settle the issues with various Ministries and set up the recruitment board. 

The Committee stated that during the course of study visits to various parts of the country, it was told about the difficulties encountered by various regional stations due to staff shortages, however, the situation had not been addressed earnestly. A report on the Demand for Grants for 2012-13 said that the Ministry/Prasar Bharati had not been able to keep their promises made before the Committee to handle the situation. 

The Committee also regretted that Prasar Bharati had failed to live up to the assurance given by then Prasar Bharati CEO that the Recruitment Boards for Prasar Bharati would be set up by 31 March 2011. “Now, when full one year has elapsed since then, the issues have still not been settled resulting in further delay in filling up these vacancies,” the Committee noted. 

The Committee had been informed that the notification with regard to setting up of Recruitment Board is under inter-Ministerial consultation and was given to understand that there are still some issues to be resolved between the Ministry/Department of Expenditure and the Department of Personnel. 

Furthermore, UPSC and SSC both are said to have refused to select for a non-Governmental organization, thus creating a new problem for the Ministry/Prasar Bharati. 

The Committee said that while deploring the situation on finalization of recruitment rules and setting up of Recruitment Board leading from worse to worst scenario, it ‘fails to understand how DD and AIR can work effectively without filling the critical vacancies.’ It wanted its concerns to be adequately conveyed to the respective Ministries. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry is also required to finalize the strategy to fill vacancies on a fast track basis so that the recruitment process commences immediately when the Recruitment Board and Recruitment Rules are in place, which will enable Prasar Bharati to fill up the vacancies within the shortest possible timeframe. 

The Proposal for setting up a Prasar Bharati Recruitment Board was approved by Prasar Bharati Board on 21 July 2010 and discussed in the Ministry and a final proposal was referred to the Department of Personnel and Training(DOP&T) on 15 February 2011. DOP&T concurred with the proposal in June 2011 and comments of the Department of Expenditure (DOE) were also received on 28 September last year. The DoE had requested that a separate proposal be formulated for creation of posts for the secretariat of Prasar Bharati Recruitment Board and also requested for drafting of agreement containing terms and conditions of the members of the Board. 

This had been done and the proposal was sent to DoE in February 2012, which would then be sent to Law Ministry. 

In its report in August last year, the Committee had urged Prasar Bharati to send a proposal for filling up 3452 essential categories of posts to the DoE, based on the report of the National Productivity Council giving full justification for such recruitment. The Ministry is now in the process of seeking cabinet approval, for which a cabinet note has already been circulated for inter-Ministerial consultation. After obtaining the cabinet approval, Prasar Bharati shall undertake the process of filling up the essential category of posts. 

(Source : Radioandmusic.com)