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Week ending June 29, 2013

BBC Afrique radio re-launches with a new, expanded schedule - June 27, 2013
from Lala Najafova/BBC WS

BBC Afrique has announced an exciting new radio schedule for its audiences across Francophone Africa. From Monday 1 July 2013, BBC Afrique will be bringing its audiences an expanded BBC Matin, along with an even stronger interactive element and new programmes presented in a more conversational, relaxed style. The BBC Afrique schedule will increase from 8 hours a day to up to 15 hours, broadcasting from 04:30 to 19:00 GMT (04:30 to 19:30 on Saturdays).

The new schedule will be launched with a live edition of BBC Matin from Kinshasa on Monday 1 July. BBC World Service Head of Journalism, Nikki Clarke, says: “We are delighted to be here to launch the extended BBC Matin and the new BBC Afrique. DR Congo delivers the largest share of the BBC Afrique audience who rely on us for credible and independent news and analysis. Every week, millions tune in to BBC Afrique for quality content, and we have embarked on this new schedule to deliver an even better service to them, and to reach new audiences from across Africa.”

Ata Ahli Ahebla will co-present the first programme from Kinshasa, with Helene Alex in Dakar. Ata Ahli Ahebla says: “BBC Afrique is breaking with the more formal and traditional way of presentation, turning our shows into a constant interaction between the co-presenters, business and sports presenters, reporters, programme guests and listeners. We welcome everyone to BBC Afrique’s new, dynamic radio.”

Highlights of the new BBC Afrique radio schedule include:
- the flagship morning show, BBC Matin, will broadcast for three and a half hours and include a new slot, Journal Monde, focusing on international stories with an African perspective
- hourly news bulletins will now be accessible via mobile platform and social media
- a new weekly sports programme, MultiSport - an interactive two-hour show with Hans Masro and Nathalie Wakam in Dakar, and reporters from across the continent - will cover all kinds of sport with views from players, coaches and fans on radio and social media
- the new daily A Vous L’Antenne (Over to You) will channel listeners’ engagement with BBC Afrique, offering them a platform, in addition to social media and SMS, to voice their views
- the new weekly cultural programme, Le Magazine de la Culture, presented from Abidjan by Valerie Bony, will reflect the vitality of culture on the continent and in the diaspora
- the new weekly music show, C’est le moment, with Ata Ahli Ahebla in Dakar, will bring the best of African music, from modern classic to unsigned artistes.

BBC Afrique Editor, Ibrahima Diane, adds: “As we re-launch our radio schedule, we are writing a new page in the history of BBC Afrique. The new and revamped programming is created with our audiences in mind, making sure they are even more engaged, and more visible across our radio output. We want this connection to go from strength to strength.”

EBU GENERAL ASSEMBLY CALLS FOR URGENCY IN RESTORING PUBLIC SERVICE MEDIA IN GREECE - June 27, 2013
from Michelle Roverelli/EBU

EBU Members currently gathered in Malta for the 70th EBU General Assembly today unanimously supported a Declaration expressing their grave concern with the continued “black screens” and silence of Greece’s public broadcaster.

The text reads:

After the Greek Government took ERT off air on 11 June, the country's highest administrative court, the Council of State, ordered the return to air of public service broadcasting as soon as possible.

The EBU membership welcomes the court’s interim ruling, which reaffirms the pivotal role of public service media in democratic society. Yet the Greek Government still has not succeeded in restoring services, and ERT channels remain black and silent.

The Greek Government has announced it will establish a new organization to replace ERT, in line with the highest European standards. However, to do this successfully, and based on an open democratic debate, will take time.

The EBU unanimously calls for urgent action to immediately set up interim services and re-establish public service programming, making use of existing facilities and staff.

The EBU offers its expertise to the Greek Government and to Mr Pantelis Kapsis, the new deputy minister in charge of public service broadcasting, in reaching short- and long-term solutions to provide independent, sustainable public service media that contribute to pluralism, diversity and inclusivity in Greece, in accordance with the Public Service Media Values of our Union.