ASIA

Maushumi Chakravarty has taken over as the Director General of India’s Akashvani (All India Radio) News from May 1.She is a 1991 batch Indian Information Services (IIS) officer with vast experience in various capacities under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, including its media organizations the Press Information Bureau and the Central Bureau of Communication.In her last position she was serving as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at the News Services Division of Akashvani News.In her career of over three decades, she has worked on a deputation basis in the National Human Rights Commission and as P.S. to the Cabinet Minister.Chakravarty succeeds Dr. Vasudha Gupta, who retired as Principal Director General of Akashvani News on April 30th. […]

The BBC World Service has submitted an updated complaint to its urgent appeal filed with the UN and requested urgent action.The action follows recent developments, including the publication of documents in late February 2024 by a hacking group, which appear to reveal that a number of current and former BBC News Persian journalists were convicted in absentia by a court in Tehran in February 2022 for “propaganda against the Islamic Republic”. This comes after sanctions were imposed on Iranian officials by the UK and US in January this year for threats towards Iranian journalists in London.The updated complaint was sent to five Special Procedures mandate-holders with whom it was first filed in December 2020 and updated in February 2022: the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression; the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran; the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions; the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, its Causes and Consequences; and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.The new complaint was also addressed, for the first time, to the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism, citing “the relevance of historic and recent events” to this UN Special Rapporteur’s mandate, including the sanctioning of BBC News Persian by Iran, as well as the mass national security criminal investigation of BBC News Persian staff and the associated asset freeze.In the appeal, submitted on behalf of the BBC by counsel for BBC News Persian, Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC and Jennifer Robinson, and presented by them as “extremely urgent”, the UN experts are requested to issue:
a new communication to Iran, raising both Iran’s inadequate response to their previous communication in 2022, and the recent developments; and
a public joint statement from UN experts condemning the ongoing targeting and harassment of BBC News Persian journalists.
Liliane Landor, Director, BBC World Service (pictured), says:  “Recent developments have amplified the severe situation facing our BBC News Persian staff on a daily basis. They are being penalised for their journalism and professionalism.“As we look to World Press Freedom Day next month, we are urging UN experts to robustly condemn the Iranian authorities’ harassment and to hold the regime to account.”Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said: “Journalists must not be targeted for doing their job. Speaking truth to power and covering the news without fear or favour must be the cornerstones of journalism, but BBC News Persian and other Iranian journalists are today suffering for doing just that. We fully support this intervention from the BBC and encourage the UN to exercise its influence to bring safety and justice for Iranian journalists and their families who are targeted so heartlessly.”Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC and Jennifer Robinson, said: “Iran’s abuse of national security and counter-terrorism laws against the BBC and the convictions in absentia for BBC News Persian journalists for ‘propaganda’ against the state for their independent reporting on Iran are designed to intimidate and silence the BBC’s journalism about Iran. It must stop. We call on the UN to denounce these unlawful actions in the strongest possible terms.”These recent developments come in the context of comprehensive targeting and intimidation of BBC News Persian staff and the harassment of their families, which escalated dramatically from September 2022 in the aftermath of the mass protests and increased tension in Iran, which BBC News Persian has reported extensively on. This was the subject of the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran whose final report issued earlier in 2024 documented the continuing threats and harassment of BBC News Persian staff.The ongoing harassment is also documented in a 2024 survey of BBC News Persian staff where half of the respondents said they had received online threats or been harassed online for working for the BBC. The work of the BBC journalists continues to cause harassment of their families or friends, with over 60% of the respondents having been harassed, threatened or questioned in Iran. Nearly 70% said that they hadn’t been able to say goodbye to one or both their parents before they passed away in Iran.BBC News Persian is part of the BBC World Service. […]

Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) and Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) International hosted the 2024 edition of the Pacific Media Partnership Conference (PMPC) in the Brisbane on April 29 and 30.The PMPC is an opportunity to harness the collective wisdom and experience of the region’s most experienced broadcasters and the resources of the world’s biggest broadcasting union to map a path forward.  Attendees worked together on a host of practical issues with workshops, masterclasses, expert guests and working groups, plus formal and informal networking.On the agenda were discussions on story sovereignty, journalism in an age of social media, emergency broadcasting, and what the region needs in its next generation of media leaders.Delegates issued the following communique at the end of the conference:In the lead up to World Press Freedom Day on May 3, this meeting of Pacific broadcasters in Brisbane calls on governments and organisations across the Pacific to acknowledge the important work done by journalists and to commit to helping their local newsrooms provide timely and accurate information. Accurate and factual information empowers audiences and informs decision making. It enhances community understanding and development. World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity to reflect on the important role of media freedom in supporting the public good with facts. This year, UNESCO has dedicated World Press Freedom Day to highlighting the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis. It notes misinformation and disinformation about environmental issues can undermine public and political support for climate action, effective policies and efforts to protect vulnerable communities. Withholding information is as threatening to democracy and good governance as misinformation. This meeting of Pacific broadcasters appeals to all those in positions of power and authority, who lead governments, institutions, businesses and community organisations – to actively support journalists in their work so that the media can fulfil its role in supporting the development and protection of our communities. This meeting of Pacific broadcasters also calls for support in addressing the following priority areas as part of a shared Pacific vision: Sustainable financial models for national broadcasters
The urgent digitalisation of media archives documenting cultural heritage.
Investment in training and development and support for the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation’s initiative to establish a regional Multimedia Training Hub at its Suva headquarters.
The importance of strengthening and coordinating emergency broadcasting to ensure support in the event of a major disaster.
 The broadcasters noted the value of continuing to gather annually at the ABU’s Pacific Media Partners Conference (PMPC) and commended the ABU for their ongoing commitment to Pacific members. The broadcasters look forward to the PMPC in 2025, to be hosted by FBC in Fiji and the ABC’s commitment to continue to support this valuable annual event. The conference makes a substantial contribution to information sharing, professional development, coordination, collaboration and solidarity amongst Pacific media in these uncertain and challenging times. […]

MBC LOUD FM, Saudi’s Arabia’s first English commercial radio station, announced its new season line-up of  weekday programming.The Byron Cooke Show with Sana KWeekdays from 6 to 10amFeaturing high-energy entertainment and vibes, this brand-new breakfast show that’s “Made for Saudi” promises to get listeners ready for the day ahead with the latest news, sports updates, traffic reports, and the juiciest showbiz gossip during “Sana Spills”. It is also home to the biggest cash contest in Saudi with the “MBC Loud 10K Pop Quiz” every weekday at 7.10am.On Air with Ryan SeacrestWeekdays from 10am to 1pm and 7 to 10pmA twice-daily ticket to all things pop culture brings listeners closer to the biggest Hollywood stars, gossip, and live performances from chart-topping artists including Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodriguez, and Dua Lipa.Non-Stop Hits with HarryWeekdays from 1 to 4pmThe live and local show features Andrew ‘Harry’ Harrison whose dynamic presence and knack for spinning the biggest hits keeps listeners entertained. Stay updated with the latest news, sports, traffic, tech trends, and E! News on “The Feed”.“The Drive” with Jay R and DanahWeekdays from 4 to 6pmFeaturing segments such as “Would you Rather Wednesday”, “Danah’s Diary”, and “Jay R’s P.O.V.”, this interactive, Live and Local show guarantees an entertaining commute while keeping listeners in the loop with the latest traffic updates, news and sports stories.The BenchwarmersWeeknights from 6 to 7pmSport enthusiasts have their prime time sorted with “The Benchwarmers”, featuring Jay R and Alex as they dive into the biggest sports stories, with special insights on the Saudi Pro League, boxing, the English Premier League, NBA, F1, and much more. […]

Pajhwok Afghan News agency celebrated its 20th anniversary last week at its headquarters in Kabul.Pajhwok was founded in 2003 and is Afghanistan’s largest independent news agency with eight regional bureaus and a wide network of reporters all over the countryIn addition to 24-hour general news reporting, it also publishes special investigative reports about important topics relating to Afghanistan, including political corruptionPajhwok founder and editor-in-chief Danish Karokhel thanked Pajhwok followers and readers for supporting the agency, saying this support enabled the organization to complete its 20-year journey successfully.“We once again renew our promise with the people that we will present the real picture of the events and our country and convey the voice of our suffering people to the authorities and the world with full trust.”Abdul Qadir Munsef, responsible for managing the agency, told a ceremony marking 20th anniversary of the outlet that Pajhwok completed its 20-year journey with full professionalism. He said during this period Pajhwok remained committed to religious and cultural values, national interests and journalistic principles.He asked Pajhwok employees to further strengthen their resolve in this way, consider the mentioned values and principles and convey the facts to the people and the voice of the people to the government and officials with full accuracy, impartiality and trustworthiness.Independent Journalists’ Union head Hujjatullah Mujaddadi said Pajhwok carried out its activities in the past 20 years with impartiality and observing all principles of journalism.He said despite ups and downs during this period, Pajhwok’s leadership and workers refused to bow down to pressure from any side and continued their work in a professional manner.Committee for Protection of Journalists head Abdul Qadim Ghaus said Pajhwok indeed was the first and only private news agency that started its work in a standard and professional manner and covered news to its readers from different regions of the country.“In the history of Afghanistan’s media, Pajhwok emerged the only private news agency that worked on what the people needed and what the society of Afghanistan needed and continues its professional work until today.”Hundreds of Pajhwok followers and readers also commented through posts published on its 20th anniversary and praised the agency.Mohammad Nasim Shakir wrote: “Pajhwok is one of the best standard and professional news agencies in Afghanistan… the only neutral media for raising the voice of Afghans.”He said journalists who gave priority to the voice of the people and exposed the powerful and usurpers and officials for the sake of national interests. The agency reported inhuman actions.”Hamtullah Mohmand wrote: “Congratulations. Pajhwok is a reliable address in Afghanistan, which works mostly in the research field.”Sarwar Khairy wrote: “I congratulate the Pajhwok family on their 20th anniversary. Pajhwok brought about a revolution in the media of Afghanistan 20 years ago and it was able to report with full impartiality and journalistic principles. I wish more success to Pajhwok.” […]

According to a Media Prima Audio (MPA), its stations had a total weekly listenership of 5.6 million unique individuals, an increase of over 100,000 listeners compared to last year in the latest listenership results from the Nielsen Consumer & Media View (CMV) survey.The survey covered the period from January to December 2023 and evaluated ‘Last Week Listening’ among individuals aged 15 and above across Peninsular Malaysia.Hot FM remained the country’s leading radio station for the third consecutive year, with nearly four million weekly listeners.Fly FM maintained its position as the second most popular English-language station in Malaysia, with 2.15 million weekly listeners.Kool 101, another Malay-language station, has experienced remarkable growth. Since rebranding, it has attracted 234,000 listeners in just six months by capitalising on current and trending social stories.Eight FM, the Chinese-language station under MPA, continues to attract 506,000 weekly listeners.Nazri Noran, CEO of Media Prima Audio, said: “We are dedicated to excellence in creating content for multiple platforms. As we embrace the digital era, our focus is on crafting exceptionally engaging content that resonates with fans across all our brands, reaching them wherever they engage with us.” […]