World Radio

BBC Africa Debate Asks if Africa's Image is Prejudiced

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:08:04 +0000

People across Africa often question the images the continent projects around the world, focusing on famine, disease, poverty, instability and violence.

Western media and aid organisations, are often blamed for perpetuating this one-sided negative view of Africa, and some people believe that Africa can only influence its image abroad if it gets to control or own part of the global media market.

However, there are those who argue that the way the continent is portrayed is a reflection of what is happening in many African countries, and that no amount of spin can improve such an image if there are no meaningful reforms.

This is the subject of the April 2012 edition of BBC World Service’s programme, BBC Africa Debate.

Presented by the BBC’s Akwasi Sarpong and Fergus Nicoll, Africa’s global image: Justified or prejudiced? will be recorded in Kampala, Uganda, and broadcast at 19.00 GMT on Friday 27 April. BBC Swahili will also record and broadcast a debate on the same subject, on the same day.

African governments have repeatedly but often unsuccessfully attempted to shake off negative connotations and rebrand. Nigeria, for example, had little success when it tried to rebrand in 2009 with its “Nigeria: Good people, great nation” campaign. South Africa, however, has managed to get rid of its long-standing association with apartheid, and to establish itself as a premium tourism destination.

There have also been attempts to rebrand the continent as a whole. An annual series of media summits began in 2006 with the aim of showing to the world "the other side of Africa". The initiative drew support from the likes of Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan, and the Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka. But why has success been limited – and the narrative of Africa as home of some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, of expanding middle classes, of vibrant, unique arts and talent, largely left outside the global focus?

BBC Africa Debate will be asking in Kampala what actually shapes the global image of the continent and whether the image of Africa projected internationally is justified or prejudiced. The programme will explore whether this image reflects reality and if Africa can influence the way it is portrayed.

Around 100 invited guests, including media, representatives of NGOs, business people, government officials, opposition and activists, students and academics, PR professionals, bloggers, and other social-media users who actively work to change perceptions about Africa.

This edition of BBC Africa Debate will be recorded on Friday 27 April at the Fairway hotel, Kampala, Uganda, and will be broadcast by BBC World Service at 19.00 GMT on the same day. The programme will be repeated on Sunday 29 April at 13.00 GMT. BBC Swahili’s debate will be recorded at the same location on Friday 27 April, and will be broadcast at 15.30 GMT on the same day.

Each edition of BBC Africa Debate is broadcast from a different location in Africa.

SiriusXM Canada Declares April 'Phil Hartman Month'

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:18:59 +0000

SiriusXM Canada (TSX: XSR) is dedicating the month of April to famous Canadian comedian, Phil Hartman. Working with notable comedians including Steve-O, Debra DiGiovanni, Fraser Young and others, as well as Phil Hartman's estate, SiriusXM will celebrate his comedy and influence.

Throughout the month of April, SiriusXM subscribers can tune in to Laugh Attack (XM channel 160) to hear Phil-inspired programming including testimonials from his colleagues, family and media personalities on what made Phil a comedic influence. His entire album will also air at the end of the month. These programming specials and April theme were developed alongside a bid to nominate Phil into Canada's Walk-of-Fame.

"Phil was one of the great comedy legends of our time and should be recognized on Canada's Walk of Fame," said John Lewis, Vice President, Programming and Operations at SiriusXM Canada. "SiriusXM is honouring his memory through the month of April and is encouraging Canadians to do the same by spreading the word and by nominating Phil for a star on Canada's Walk of Fame."

"My family and I are pleased to see Phil's fans and SiriusXM Canada support the push to have Phil recognized as one of Canada's brightest comedic stars," said Paul Hartman, Phil's brother. "Phil's fans feel his star on Canada's Walk of Fame is long overdue and it's great to see so many Canadians jumping on board to bring attention to this."

BBC Africa Debate Asks Whether 'Africa is on Trial'

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:04:19 +0000

The March edition of BBC World Service’s programme, BBC Africa Debate, will discuss whether the International Criminal Court (ICC) places too much emphasis on African cases.

Broadcast at 19.00 GMT on Friday 30 March from Nairobi, Kenya, the debate “International justice: is Africa on trial?” is presented by the BBC's Akwasi Sarpong and Karen Allen. BBC Swahili’s debate on the same subject, presented by Anne Mawathe and Odeo Sirari, will be broadcast on the same day.

Human-rights advocates and victims of human-rights violations appreciate the ICC’s role in international justice, even though all the court’s active cases are from the continent. They argue that most investigations to date have been determined by referrals, either by African states or the United Nations Security Council.

However, a lot of African leaders see the ICC as a body which focuses mainly on the African continent effectively ignoring crimes committed elsewhere in the world. Some critics have gone as far as accusing the ICC of politicising justice in Africa and undermining other alternatives such as reconciliation and traditional justice. Some question the fact that three veto-wielding UN Security Council members - China, Russia and the USA – have not signed up to the ICC, and their nationals therefore would never be referred to the court.

Rachael Akidi, BBC Africa Debate Senior Producer, says: “The ICC was set up to prosecute the perpetrators of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. As ICC marks its tenth anniversary this year, BBC Africa Debate will be asking whether its focus on Africa is undermining its credibility and whether its newly appointed Chief Prosecutor – who is from The Gambia - can bridge the apparent divide between the court and the continent.”

So is the ICC a valid court of last resort, or an example of the West flexing its muscles in the African continent? BBC Africa Debate will be discussing the issue in Nairobi with a high-profile panel, in front of an audience of invited guests including prominent African legal experts, human-rights activists, victims of violence, religious leaders, Kenyan politicians, academics, students and media representatives.

This edition of BBC Africa Debate will be recorded from 10.00 on Friday 30 March at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya, and will be broadcast by BBC World Service at 19.00 GMT on the same day. The programme will be repeated on Sunday 1 April at 13.00 GMT. Each edition of BBC Africa Debate is broadcast from a different location in Africa.

BBC Swahili’s debate will be recorded at the same location on Friday 30 March, and will be broadcast on the same day.

Ukraine to Use DRM to Continue its National MW Broadcasts

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:35:02 +0000

The National Radio Company of Ukraine (NRCU) plans to continue broadcasting on medium wave with the help of DRM transmitters.

Two channels of Ukrainian radio will go on broadcasting on medium wave with new DRM digital radio transmitters; this was stated by the Chairman of the State committee for television and radio broadcasting Alexander Kurdinovich in an interview to Telekritika".

"Taking into account that the National radio company does not have a systematic network for FM-broadcasting and will not have it due to the lack of frequency resources, and the insane competition with commercial broadcasters, it was decided to transfer a minimum of two programs of the NRCU to broadcasts on medium wave", he explained. “It is a question of purchasing 15-16 modern digital radio transmitters DRM-format, which can work in both digital and analogue radio broadcasting. By placing them on the whole territory of Ukraine, we will be able to provide access to the National radio of at least 85-90% of the population ", noted Mr. Kurdinovich.

According to him, the replacement of obsolete analogue transmitters will save money, since the new transmitters consume three times less electricity. He specified that the funds for this re-equipment are not provided, but they must be received at the expense of centralized distribution of capital expenditures. "There is an instruction of the President of the Ukrainian Cabinet of ministers and the Ministry of finance to make specific proposals for this. We have prepared all the technical documentation, the project of creating such a network. The only thing that remains for us is to get financing, announce a tender and purchase transmitters. The problem will be solved seriously and for a long time. After the transition to a digital broadcasting standard we would have created a normal digital radio network”, underlined the chairman of Goskomteleradio.

580 CFRA Christmas Cheer Breakfast and Broadcast Airs Thursday December 8th

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:33:28 +0000

This Thursday, December 8th, 580 CFRA will host the 61st Annual Christmas Cheer Broadcast in downtown Ottawa.

The Christmas Cheer Broadcast begins with a sold-out breakfast in the ballroom of the Westin Hotel, with over 100 local community and corporate organizations taking part, before shifting to the Rideau Centre.

The all-day fundraising broadcast features guest appearances from a wide array of notable members of the local community, including Mayor Jim Watson, Ottawa 67’s owner Jeff Hunt, and many members of the Bell Media broadcast family.

The day culminates at 6 p.m. ET with the cash total announcement live on 580 CFRA.

“This is one of the most important days of the year for three local community organizations,” said Richard Gray, Vice-President and General Manager, CTV Two and Bell Media Radio. “The generosity provided by the corporate community and by our listeners on Thursday will do so much to help those in need over this holiday season and throughout the year. We are grateful for all the support.”

Beneficiaries of the day include the Christmas Cheer Foundation, Christmas Exchange Program and Ottawa Food Bank.

Bell Media Radio is a division of Bell Media, which is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company. Bell Media Radio is one of Canada’s most successful radio networks operating 33 radio stations in 14 markets throughout Canada including CHUM FM, Canada’s # 1 FM station.

BBC Condemns Umbroy Usmonov Verdict

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 11:33:29 +0000

BBC World Service strongly condemns the guilty verdict against its correspondent in Tajikistan, Urunboy Usmonov.

Mr Usmonov and the BBC have consistently maintained that all allegations of association with Islamic extremists are completely unfounded and that Mr Usmonov is innocent of all charges.

The BBC believes that no evidence of wrong doing whatsoever emerged during the trial, and that only a complete exoneration of our correspondent is acceptable.

Despite being given amnesty, Mr Usmonov intends to appeal to a higher court to clear his name.

Peter Horrocks, Director BBC Global News, said: "We will continue to support Urunboy and hope that the appeal process will lead to his reputation as a highly respected writer and journalist being restored.

"We also intend to press for answers over the torture and mistreatment Urunboy suffered while in custody and to raise real concerns about shortcomings in the legal process."

When questioned during his trial, Mr Usmonov told the court that he'd been tortured in custody following his arrest on 13 June this year, including beatings and security officers burning his arms with cigarettes. He also said he'd been forced to sign a confession which had been dictated to him.

BBC World Service Poll Reveals Public Narrowly Backs UN Recognition of Palestine

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:04:35 +0000

As debate continues over whether the Palestinians should ask for a UN resolution recognising Palestine as an independent state, a new global poll for BBC World Service reveals that, in all 19 countries surveyed, more citizens would prefer to see their government vote to support the resolution than vote against it – although only by a modest margin in many countries.

The poll of 20,446 citizens conducted by GlobeScan shows that, while the public is five to two in favour, with three undecided, in only nine countries is there an outright majority of citizens in support of recognizing Palestine as a state.

Across the countries surveyed 49% back the resolution, while 21% say their government should oppose it, and a large proportion (30%) either say that it depends, that their government should abstain, or that they do not know what their government should do.

Support for recognition is strongest in Egypt, where 90% are in favour and only 9% opposed. But there is also majority support in the other three predominantly Muslim countries polled – Turkey (60% support, 19% oppose), Pakistan (52% support, 12% oppose) and Indonesia (51% support, 16% oppose). Chinese people are the second most likely overall to favour their government voting for recognition of a Palestinian state, with 56% in support, and just 9% opposed.

In terms of countries with a higher level of opposition, Americans (45% support, 36% oppose) and Indians (32% support, 25% opposed, with many undecided) are the most likely to prefer that their government vote against recognizing Palestine, along with Filipinos (56% support, 36% oppose) and Brazilians (41% support, 26% oppose).

The results are drawn from a survey of 20,466 adult citizens across 19 countries. It was conducted for BBC World Service by the international polling firm GlobeScan. GlobeScan coordinated fieldwork between 3 July 2011 and 29 August 2011. Within-country results are considered accurate within +/- 2.1 to 3.5% 19 times out of 20.

GlobeScan Chairman Doug Miller commented: "If countries' citizens had a vote at the UN, the poll suggests that Palestine would receive official UN recognition. However, with many people undecided or opposed, domestic repercussions are unlikely if their governments choose to vote against recognition."

Amanpour Lined up for BBC World Service Guest Spot

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 18:46:29 +0000

BBC World Service's award-winning news and current affairs programme Newshour will be hosted by five guest presenters, from Monday 26 September to Friday 30 September.

The presenters – drawn from the world of international broadcasting and media – will each present the programme for one edition at 13:00 GMT, which will air to a global audience. The line-up includes:

Renowned broadcaster, journalist and author Jeremy Paxman, who anchors the BBC's flagship television news and current-affairs programme Newsnight and who has hosted the BBC's University Challenge programme since 1994. He launches the week as Newshour's first guest presenter on Monday 26 September.

Christine Ockrent, one of France's most respected journalists, the first woman to anchor the evening news on French TV, former editor of the weekly news magazine l'Express and of the flagship TV political programme France-Europe Express, will be in the presenter seat on Tuesday 27 September.

Broadcaster and journalist Redi Tlhabi who has hosted a variety of news programmes on the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and presents primetime shows for Talk Radio 702 in Johannesburg and 567 Cape Talk in Capetown, South Africa, will present Newshour on Wednesday 28 September from Johannesburg, South Africa.

Award-winning journalist, broadcaster and one of the most experienced foreign correspondents, Christiane Amanpour, who has over two decades of experience reporting from some of the world's major conflicts and now hosts This Week with Christiane Amanpour on ABC News in the USA, will anchor Newshour from New York, USA, on Thursday 29 September.

Journalist Evan Davis, who presents BBC Radio 4's leading news and current-affairs programme Today in the UK and was previously the BBC's economics editor, will be the final guest presenter on Friday 30 September.

Andrew Whitehead, editor BBC World Service News, says: "I'm delighted to have such a renowned line-up of international journalists and broadcasters in the presenting seat for Newshour – all bringing their own expertise and flair to one of the most challenging roles in news broadcasting, tackling a global agenda and serving a global audience."

Newshour is BBC World Service's leading international news and current-affairs programme, which broadcasts two editions a day every day of the year, to audiences around the world.

Broadcasting live from Bush House in London and on location, Newshour covers the big breaking news stories, as well as wider analysis and interviews. Covering stories from a global context, as well as featuring interviews with leading figures, debate and discussion, the programme also draws on the expertise of BBC correspondents around the world, including BBC World Service's multi-lingual journalists, who provide unique insight and expertise on local and regional issues.

In May 2010, for the second time in three years, Newshour won Best News & Current Affairs Programme at the UK's Sony Awards. Two of Newshour's regular presenters, Owen Bennett Jones and Lyse Doucet, have both been Sony News Journalists of the Year.

Newshour is broadcast globally on BBC World Service's English network, which has a total weekly reach of 43 million (*2011 World Service annual review).

In the UK, BBC World Service posted a weekly UK reach of 1.72 million in August 2011 – up from 1.29m last year and close to last quarter's record of 1.79m (source: RAJAR 2011 Quarter 2)

BBC World Service has a total weekly reach of 9.9 million in the US (source: Arbitron Fall 2010 radio ratings)

BBC World Service Launches Lifeline Broadcasts for Drought-affected in the Horn of Africa

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:12:07 +0000

BBC World Service has launched special radio broadcasts to serve the Somali-speaking population affected by famine and drought in the Horn of Africa.

The purpose of the daily 15-minute radio programmes by BBC Somali is to help people to make informed decisions that may help them survive the famine.

At 14.15 local time (11.15 GMT) every day, Gurmad (Rescue) on BBC Somali delivers special news bulletins, practical information and expert advice for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). It will also reach those who have stayed in their home towns and villages.

Editor of BBC Somali, Yusuf Garaad Omar, comments: “We have been covering the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa since it started to unfold, and our reporters were overwhelmed with questions and suggestions on relief aid - or lack of it. So we decided to devote a special programme to address these issues, and as a majority of those affected are Somali-speakers, it was also obvious that BBC Somali is the right channel to reach these people. We hope that timely, up-to-date information, provided by experts, about issues these people are facing every day, will help them survive this crisis. We will do our best to maintain the supply of such knowledge to all those who are in need of it.”

Particularly aimed at the refugees in Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Yemen, as well as IDPs in Mogadishu and other locations in Somalia, the lifeline broadcasts bring a wealth of information on how to get access to food aid and health services, on safety on the roads, advice on legal matters, nutrition, water and sanitation.

News bulletins with the latest on the relief efforts and humanitarian situation are followed by interviews and reports by the BBC’s correspondents across the region. Along with giving listeners a platform to share their experiences, a special slot in the programme channels their questions to aid workers, doctors and authorities.

Gurmad also informs the Somali diaspora, who are willing to contribute to the international relief effort, about the type of need required as well as on where and how the assistance is distributed.

Available on shortwave and BBC FM relays across the Horn of Africa, Gurmad is also rebroadcast by the BBC’s partner radio stations: Kenya’s Star FM, whose network covers Dadaab refugee camp and Mogadishu; Shabelle FM in Mogadishu, Somalia; and the private Somali network, SBC. Gurmad also features on a special index on bbcsomali.com, in text and audio.

BBC Launches Radio Service in Libya

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:33:47 +0000

The BBC has announced the launch of World Service content on FM radio in the Libyan cities of Benghazi and Misrata.

The BBC World Service exists to provide accurate, impartial and trusted news around the world – balanced and reliable news and information plays a particularly important role for audiences during times and in areas of conflict.

BBC Arabic has an established audience in Libya on TV as well as SW and MW radio and we are pleased to be extending our availability to FM radio. The programming is principally in Arabic radio, with the addition of the World Service English Newshour programme once a day.

Liliane Landor, BBC Controller of Languages, said: "This year has been a very difficult one for Libyans. It is important for local people to have access to news and information that they can trust, and the BBC has experience of delivering that.

"We know the people of Libya are keen listeners of BBC Arabic and they regularly participate in our interactive programmes, use our Arabic web service and watch BBC Arabic TV. The new FMs will give the people of Benghazi and Misrata somewhere to turn to for news they can trust and know is accurate."

The Arab Spring and events in Libya have been comprehensively covered by BBC Arabic on radio, TV and online.

The new FM radio services are now live with details below.

Benghazi
FM frequency – 91.5 MHz
Output is predominately the live stream of BBC Arabic radio with the WS English Newshour 13:00 GMT edition incorporated

Misrata
FM frequency – 91.5 MHz
Output is predominately the live stream of BBC Arabic radio with the WS English Newshour 13:00 GMT edition incorporated

Report into Successful DRM Plus Test in Delhi Released

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:56:05 +0000

The report on the first ever DRM+ test carried out in New Delhi has been released.

All India Radio and the DRM Consortium jointly organised the DRM+ showcase and workshop in the Indian capital from 23rd-27th May 2011.

DRM members Nautel, Fraunhofer, RFmondial, Analog Devices and the BBC participated with all the necessary equipment and manpower and scientist Friederike Maier from the University of Hannover, Germany supervised the test and authored the report.

The test was able to establish that DRM in the FM band is capable of good coverage at reduced power levels compared to analog FM. Two live radio programmes (FM Rainbow and FM Gold), a Journaline text information service and a PRBS test sequence were transmitted. The report carried measurements that were conducted in four radial directions from the transmitter located at All India Radio.

The functionality of the DRM standard particularly for the VHF band (DRM+) could be presented with this field trial in the FM band II.

BBC World Service Announce Release of Urunboy Usmonov

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:29:14 +0000

The BBC World Service has announced that journalist Urunboy Usmonov has been released after being arrested in Tajikistan.

The BBC World Service said in a statement; "BBC World Service is delighted that our colleague, Urunboy Usmonov, has been released today from detention on bail in Tajikistan.

"His son Oybek picked him up from prison in Khojand today and he is at home. He has said he is tired but very happy. Our first priority is to see Urunboy reunited with his family.

"Urunboy would like to pass on a huge thank you to everyone for their support.

"We are waiting to see details of the terms of his release but we understand that he will be expected to stay in Khojand, at home, while the legal process takes its course.

"Peter Horrocks, Director BBC Global News, said: "We are encouraged that Tajik authorities have considered our appeals. As we have said all along we believe Urunboy is innocent and all he was doing was his journalistic work for the BBC.

"We know that his family and friends are delighted to have Urunboy back and are appreciative of the support from colleagues at the BBC and around the world."

BBC World Service Issue Statement on Continued Detention of Urunboy Usmonov

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:11:40 +0000

The BBC World Service has issued a statement on the continued detention of journalist Urunboy Usmonov in Tajikistan.

"It is now a month since our colleague Urunboy Usmonov was detained by the security services in Tajikistan.

"The Tajik authorities have now confirmed that their investigation has been completed and the results have been handed over to the regional prosecutor's office.

"We also note that the Prosecutor General of Tajikistan has requested a summary of the case to be passed to the head of state, President Emomali Rakhmon for information.

"The BBC hopes that this process will come to a speedy conclusion and lead to the release of Urunboy Usmonov and the clearing of his name.

"The BBC has been clear that it regards the allegations linking the BBC reporter to Hizb ut-Tahrir as completely unfounded.

"We believe that meetings and interviews with people representing all shades of opinion are part of the work of any BBC journalist.

"We also remain deeply concerned about Urunboy Usmonov's well being. BBC colleagues have been able to visit and found him to be frail and frightened.

"It is now essential that our colleague is released as soon as possible, so that he can return to his family and his work as a respected journalist and writer."

BBC World Service Audiences Fall by 14 Million

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:00:18 +0000

BBC World Service audiences have fallen 14m in the past year, largely as a result of service closures and platform changes due to cuts to central Government grants.

The overall audience estimate for the year is 166m, down from 180m last year. The World Service, currently funded by the UK's Foreign & Commonwealth Office, had its budget cut in the Government's Spending Review and in January announced that five language services would close along with significant platform changes to other services.

However, there were solid improvements in some core areas of World Service which partly offset the effects of the cuts.

World Service online audience figures have risen by 40% over the past 12 months. The 2010/11 figures indicate that there are 10m weekly unique users of World Service websites, a 3m increase from 2009/10.

World Service English audiences are up 10% on the previous year with a total weekly reach of 43m and the audience in the US has risen to 10m. This follows record audience figures in the UK of 1.79m for the first quarter of 2011 – a reach of 3.5% among all UK adults.

There were also increases in the audience figures for the World Service's Arabic television service. BBC Arabic TV had a strong year with audience growth of 2m taking it to 13.5m viewers.

Peter Horrocks, Director BBC Global News, said: "We've had to make considerable changes to the World Service over the past year due to the cut in our funding from the Government and this was always going to result in a drop in our audience figures.

"The World Service has been looking hard at the best way to provide impartial news and information to our audiences going forward, and it's encouraging to see improvement in key areas. The strong international journalism from the World Service, particularly during the Arab Spring, has been a key part of the significant increases for online, English radio and Arabic television.

"We are also pleased to see that we are doing so well in the UK with audiences accessing World Service through digital radio, freeview and live streaming online.

"We will continue to look for the best fit for the audience – online, radio, tv, mobile – wherever it suits them best."

Toronto's Flow 93.5 Announces 'Summer Jam' Concert

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 09:57:39 +0000

Flow 93-5 has announced that tickets are now on sale for Flow 93-5’s 'Summer Jam', a new summer concert featuring Kardinal Offishall, Melanie Fiona, Shawn Desman, A-Game, and Belly.

Flow 93-5’S 'Summer Jam' goes down July 15 at 9 p.m. at The Masonic Temple. Tickets are available now for just $9.35 at ticketbreak.com.

“'Summer Jam' is packed with some of the hottest Canadian acts!” said David Corey, Vice-President, Programming, Bell Media Radio. “We wanted to deliver an exclusive summer concert in an intimate venue for a really great price. 'Summer Jam' is going to be a great event and a hot ticket that sells out quickly.”

Hosted by Flow 93-5’s favourite on-air personalities, including morning show hosts JJ and Melanie along with Miss Ange, Jeni, Peter Kash and Mastermind, 'Summer Jam' marks Flow 93-5’s first big concert since joining the Bell Media family in February. As Toronto’s Hip Hop, Dance and R&B station, Flow 93-5 is Toronto’s leader in delivering a rhythmic blend of music.

BBC World Service Statement on Continuing Detention of Urunboy Usmonov

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:52:11 +0000

The BBC's World Service has issued an updated statement as Urunboy Usmonov continues to be detained in Tajikistan.

The statement reads;

It has now been a week since our colleague Urunboy Usmonov was detained by the security services in Tajikistan. The BBC issued a statement on the 14 June, condemning the detention and demanding his immediate release.

Despite similar statements from the British and American Embassies and many other respected international organisations the Tajik authorities have not responded. Moreover, over the past week the BBC reporter has been denied regular and confidential access to his lawyer, and has not been allowed any access to his family and colleagues, which is against the norms of both international and Tajik law.

The recent interview arranged by the security agencies and subsequent article published by Press.tj agency on Saturday 18 June, accusing the BBC correspondent of being a member of Hizbut-Tahrir represents a breach of legal practice and a serious violation of presumption of innocence. We strongly reiterate that these allegations are unfounded and the BBC sees them as a serious threat to professional journalism and to freedom of expression in Tajikistan.

Urunboy Usmonov, as a BBC journalist, is expected to cover all sides of any story and in the course of his work it is only natural that he would meet and interview people representing all shades of opinion.

It is vital for all journalists to be able to report freely on any organisation without fear of harassment and intimidation.

We continue to be highly concerned for Urunboy's safety. He suffers from a serious heart condition and has requested further medical attention. His family have expressed deep concerns about his health and possible maltreatment in the detention centre. Our thoughts are with Urunboy and his family, and we appeal to everyone with influence over this situation to redouble their efforts to secure the immediate release of the BBC reporter Urunboy Usmonov by the Tajik authorities.

BBC World Service Reporter Urinboy Usmonov Detained in Tajikistan

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:57:44 +0000

The BBC has learnt with very great concern of the detention of its reporter in Tajikistan, Urinboy Usmonov.

Mr Usmonov, who has worked for the BBC Central Asian Service for the last 10 years, was reported missing by his family on 13 June 2011 when he failed to return home after work. At 12:00 BST on 14 June 2011, after increasingly desperate searches by family and work colleagues, Mr Usmonov appeared at his home accompanied by members of the Tajik security services. Mr Usmonov's family reported that he appeared to have been beaten up.

A search was conducted of his home by the officers and he was then taken away. He has been denied access to his family since then.

The BBC now understands that Mr Usmonov has been accused of having links to the Hizbi Tahrir party – an Islamic organisation which is banned in Tajikistan. Whilst Mr Usmonov has reported on the judicial trials and activities of the Hizbi Tahrir party in Tajikistan at the request of the BBC, the BBC has no reason to believe these allegations. The BBC deplores the alleged treatment of Mr Usmonov whilst detained, in particular the denial of access to a legal representative.

The BBC has demanded that Mr Usmonov is released with immediate effect.

BBC Hindi Radio Now Available on Mobile Phones Across the US

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:01:09 +0000

BBC Hindi radio and audio news content is now available on demand on mobile phones in the United States of America, thanks to the BBC’s agreement with provider of mobile phone radio distribution in North America, AudioNowTM.

As part of this new service, Hindi-speakers in the US can access BBC Hindi audio in two formats. By calling 712.432.6586, they can listen to the BBC Hindi one-hour radio news programme which brings news, analysis and interviews on a range of issues, from current affairs to showbiz and sport. Plus, two-minute audio news bulletins in Hindi, updated twice a day, can be accessed by calling 712.432.6585.

While the service is free to callers in the US, users should check their mobile phone contracts for any additional charges.

Head of BBC Hindi, Amit Baruah, says: “This is an exciting development. More than one in 10 weekly users of our website, bbchindi.com, are from USA, and we are really glad that, thanks to this new service, Hindi-speaking audiences in the US can now use our audio content in such a convenient way.”

Jen Friesen, AudioNow's Director of Public Affairs, says: "Listeners can now access their favourite content on any mobile device, which we have seen builds tremendous loyalty for broadcasters. BBC Hindi's content will now be available to every mobile-phone listener without downloads or the need to access data services. This continues our commitment to expand unique broadcasting content to North American mobile listeners from around the globe."

The BBC World Service radio content in English, Arabic, Persian, Somali and Urdu is available to US audiences via AudioNow by calling dedicated numbers.

DRM+ Successfully Tested in New Delhi

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:00:40 +0000

The first ever DRM+ trial measurements in India have thrown up very satisfactory results.

The test, organised jointly by All India Radio (AIR) and Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium, was an effort to test the strength and coverage of DRM digital radio in FM band (VHF band II).

The single test frequency of 100.1MHz carried three programme channels - Gold DRM (FM), Rainbow DRM (FM) and AIR news in Journaline and its reception was measured by a test vehicle going in four directions from central New Delhi where the transmitter was installed. Nautel VS-1 transmitter with 300W output power (500W radiated power) along with RFmondial DRM+ Modulator and Fraunhofer DRM Content Server were used.

Two test modes were measured - robust 4-QAM and high capacity 16-QAM and the DRM+ coverage was found to be comparable with that of analogue FM station operating at approximately 5 times the power of the DRM+ signal. A full report will jointly be published by AIR and DRM.

This week long DRM+ Showcase (23rd - 27th May 2011) in New Delhi was also accompanied with an extensive workshop on DRM technology covering crucial issues of planning, transition, simulcast, content and receivers. A large number of participants from all across the country attended the sessions that also had interactive discussions with DRM experts.

DRM members Nautel (Canada), Fraunhofer, RFmondial, University of Hannover (Germany) KETI (South Korea), Analog Devices (USA) and BBC (UK) took part in the test either with equipment or experts or both.

Ruxandra Obreja, Chairperson DRM Consortium said “This test was a successful culmination of a close partnership of DRM Consortium and All India Radio and the whole hearted support of the DRM members who took part in this event. AIR has already adopted DRM30 for its SW/MW network and DRM+ will play a complementary role operating in VHF band.”

DRM+ Hits the Airwaves in New Delhi

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Wed, 25 May 2011 11:23:38 +0000

India’s capital city is getting a taste of Digital FM today with a test transmission of DRM+ on air, jointly organised by All India Radio (AIR) and the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium.

A DRM ContentServer, DRM Modulator and special transmitter has been installed at the headquarters of AIR in the heart of the city, carrying the live programme of both AIR Gold and AIR Rainbow plus the Journaline text news service on the test frequency 100.1 MHz.

DRM+ is capable of carrying up to 4 radio services per frequency.

During this DRM+ India Showcase week (23rd - 27th May) a workshop is being held for AIR engineers and members of the industry to learn and discuss all aspects of DRM technology. While on the first day an overall view of DRM was given to participants, during the workshop there will be extensive hands-on experience, field trips and discussions of new content offers, transition strategies, simulcast, and receivers. The week’s work will culminate on Friday when the New Delhi DRM+ trial test results will be presented and evaluated.

For the demonstration a full DRM+ capable transmission chain was set up at the AIR premises, consisting of a Fraunhofer DRM ContentServer R5 in the studio generating the DRM+ multiplex signal, an RFmondial DRM+ Modulator and a new generation Nautel V-Series transmitter with VSDRM+ exciter at the transmission site.

Coverage of the DRM+ signal at roughly 500 W radiated power (300 W exciter output) has already exceeded the predicted 10 km reach. It could be successfully received up to 28 km on the first day and is comparable with that of analogue FM station operating at 5 times the power of the DRM+ signal.

The DRM Showcase in India comes immediately after the end of the full DRM+ trial (Band II) in Scotland and this week’s ITU-R Study Group 6 approval in favour of endorsing DRM mode E (DRM+) as a recommended digital radio standard.