World Radio

BBC Africa Debate Asks if Africa's Image is Prejudiced

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'

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'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Sirius Canada and XM Canada Merger Receives CRTC Approval

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:11:09 +0000

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) have announced a favourable ruling which authorizes the merger of Canada’s two satellite radio providers – Sirius Canada Inc. (of which CBC/Radio-Canada is part owner) and Canadian Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (the parent company of XM Canada).

The merged company will have a combined enterprise value of approximately $520 million.

The CRTC’s decision follows a favourable announcement on February 23, 2011 by the Competition Bureau that it did not intend to make an application to the Competition Tribunal to challenge the merger.

The final approval required for the merger to proceed is an Order in Council, which the Corporation hopes to receive in May or June of this year.

“We are extremely pleased that the CRTC has given its approval for the merger to proceed,” said Michel Tremblay, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Strategy and Business Partnerships, CBC/Radio-Canada.

“This is great news for CBC/Radio Canada and for Canadian satellite radio subscribers. The merger enhances the long-term viability and potential of satellite radio in Canada and creates an opportunity for CBC/Radio-Canada to distribute its world-class content to a broader audience throughout North America.”

CBC/Radio-Canada currently owns a 25.05 per cent equity interest in Sirius Canada. The Corporation’s interest in the new entity will be 15.0 per cent. It’s voting share will be 20 per cent, and the Corporation will have a seat on the Board of the merged company.

The merged company will have a combined subscriber base of close to 1.8 million Canadians. Sirius XM in the United States has a subscriber base of approximately 21 million.

BBC World Service Examines The Yuri Gagarin Legacy in Fifty Years Of Human Spaceflight

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:42:03 +0000

To mark the 50-year anniversary of the first human to journey into space, BBC World Service broadcasts an hour-long special on Monday 11 April, from 7pm GMT.

Travelling back to the historic events of 1961, the programme features those that knew Gagarin and examine the legacy and global impact of this first human spaceflight.

In the first part of this 60-minute special, presenter Richard Hollingham relives the momentous events of 12 April 1961 when Yuri Gagarin became the first human to fly in space and to orbit the Earth.

Through archive recordings and the memories of people who met Gagarin, or whose lives were changed by his journey, Richard builds up a picture of the life and untimely death of the first cosmonaut. He also examines the risky technology that propelled him into space, and the impact this first spaceflight had around the world.

Reporter Katia Moskvitch visits the village where Yuri Gagarin was born and the city where he grew up, which now bears his name. She meets one of his school teachers and his niece, Tamara Filatova, who remembers him well and who now runs a museum dedicated to his memory.

The second part of this programme examines the history, legacy and future of the Soviet and now Russian space programme, from the collapse of the Soviet Union through to its recent explorations to deliver cargo and crew to the International Space Station.

Hollingham reviews recent successes and asks a panel of experts what the next 50 years might hold for the Russian space programme. The panel includes European Space Agency astronaut Frank De Winne, who has commanded the International Space Station; Yuri Karash, a Moscow-based commentator on the Russian space programme, Dr Iya Whitely, a psychologist at University College London, the European Astronaut Centre and the University of Bath; and, from his home in the US state of Maryland, Roald Sagdeev, the former head of the Soviet Space Science Institute.

The final part of this programme features a special edition of BBC World Service's history programme, Witness, which goes back to 12 April 1961 to relive events on the day that Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space, revealing that secrecy was so tight that even his niece didn't know her uncle had been selected until the mission was under way.

Global Poll Reveals Rising Concern about China's Increasing Power

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 13:20:08 +0000

Public concern is growing about China's increasing economic power, according to a new global poll conducted for BBC World Service.

The poll conducted by GlobeScan/PIPA among 28,619 people in 27 countries reveals that the numbers who say that China becoming more powerful economically is a bad thing have increased substantially across a number of China's key trading partners—and especially in G7 countries.

Compared to BBC World Service polling in 2005, negative views of China's growing economic power rose – and are now in the majority – in France (up from 31% to 53%), in Canada (up from 37% to 55%), in Germany (up from 44% to 53%), in Italy (up from 47% to 57%) and in the USA (up from 45% to 54%). Negative views also grew significantly in countries such as the United Kingdom (up from 34% to 41%), and Mexico (up from 18% to 43%).

Despite increasing unease in many countries, however, views of China's increased economic power remained positive on balance, with an average of 50% with a positive view of it and 33% with a negative view across all countries polled. The two nations with the most positive views of China’s economic growth were in Africa – Nigeria (82%) and Kenya (77%).

The poll results also suggest that worries about China's economic growth are related to perceptions that China's trade practices with other countries are unfair.

Overall, more than one-third of those polled (35%) rated China's trade practices as unfair, compared to 28% who rated US trade practices as unfair and just one in five (20%) who felt EU trade practices are unfair. Further, the proportions rating China's trade practices as unfair were substantially higher in the countries that have a negative view of China's economic growth, including Japan (70% saying China is unfair), France (59%), South Korea (58%), Germany (56%), Italy (51%), the USA (45%), the United Kingdom (44%), Mexico (41%), and Canada (39%). These countries are among China's largest trading partners.

China is also expected by many to overtake the USA in economic importance to their country over the next ten years. Asked to rate on a scale of 0 to 10 the importance of their economic relations with the USA, China, and the EU now, and in ten years' time, people on average give China a score of 6.85, but a score of 7.29 in ten years – more important than the USA and the EU.

Doug Miller, Chairman of GlobeScan, comments: "China's 'economic miracle' is more controversial today than it was in 2005. Ravaged by the Great Recession, citizens of G7 countries may be less certain how they will compete with China, now so large in their economic lives."

Steven Kull, Director of PIPA, said: "China may feel that it is only natural that it should seek advantages in its trading relations and a larger military footprint. But this poll suggests that a growing perception of China as acting unfairly is alienating some of its largest trading partners, while its military expansion is being watched by its neighbours with a wary eye."

Results are based on 28,619 in-home or telephone interviews conducted across a total of 27 countries by the international polling firm GlobeScan, together with the Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) at the University of Maryland. GlobeScan coordinated fieldwork between 2 December 2010 and 4 February 2011.

BBC Russian Marks End of Traditional Radio Broadcasting after 65 Years On Air

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:50:18 +0000

On Saturday 26 March, the BBC Russian live weekend programme, Pyatiy Etazh (Fifth Floor), broadcasts from the studio in Bush House, London, for the last time.

Airing at 18.30 GMT (21.30 Moscow time), the final programme signals the end of the BBC's 65-year history of traditional radio broadcasting in Russian.

In a week of special programming in the run-up to this milestone date, BBC Russian is featuring special multimedia content, looking back at the radio journalism that has made the BBC a household name, from Vilnius to Vladivostok, and also looking at future shape of media.

Head of BBC Russian, Sarah Gibson, says: "This is a sad time for all of us at BBC Russian. We are also proud of the unique heritage our broadcasts have left behind – in the hearts and minds of millions of radio listeners. As we move on, we will continue to serve our audiences through online and mobile services. Our website bbcrussian.com will continue to bring global stories to the Russian audience, and put Russian stories in a global context."

The BBC started regular Russian-language broadcasts to the Soviet Union on 24 March 1946. Throughout the years, the BBC radio brought independent news and analysis to Russian-speaking audiences. In its special programming, BBC Russian looks again at the key stories it has covered – reporting the cold war and the perestroika, the attempted putsch of August 1991 and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the two Chechen wars and Beslan, the Russia-Georgia conflict and everything else that has mattered to its audiences in the region.

Highlights from the 65 years of broadcasting also include the BBC voices that have been well known to listeners, ground-breaking interactive interviews with Margaret Thatcher and Paul McCartney, both speaking to audiences in the Soviet Union, as well as unique archive material such as Joseph Brodsky's first radio interview, hours after winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1987.

Key Russian media, political and business personalities share their views of the BBC's work over the years – including the businessman and owner of The Independent, Alexander Lebedev, leading Russian journalists such as Yevgeniy Kiselyov, Dmitriy Muratov, Leonid Parfyonov, Vladimir Pozner and Mikhail Rykhlin, human-rights activist Lev Ponomaryov, writer Dmitriy Bykov, and President of the Faculty of Journalism of Moscow Sate University, Yasen Zassurskiy.

The BBC looks at what its broadcasts to the Soviet Union, and then to Russia and other post-Soviet states, meant for the people in those countries, and its influence. Putting its work in the wider context of foreign broadcasting, BBC Russian also looks at how the Western views of the importance of broadcasting to the USSR and post-Soviet states changed over the years, and what these changes mean for politics and the media in Russia. Another focus looks at how the media in Russia is changing, the role the internet is playing in the current media landscape, and the rapid changes in media consumption.

The BBC is closing three of its Russian-language radio programmes – Ranniy Chas (Dawn), Utro na Bi-bi-si (Morning with the BBC) and Vecher na Bi-bi-si (Evening with the BBC). However, BBC Russian will continue to produce BBSeva, Vam Slovo and Pyatiy Etazh which will be available for listening via the website bbcrussian.com as well as for FM partners outside Russia.

BBC World Service is also stopping its short- and medium-wave broadcasts to Russia in English.

BBC World Service Statement on BBC Hindi

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 14:25:56 +0000

On 26 January the BBC announced the closure of its news and current affairs radio output in Hindi, as part of the outcome of its Spending Review 2010 settlement.

Since the announcement, there has been much public discussion of the potential for retaining some of this service and the BBC has been approached by a number of commercial parties with alternative funding proposals.

In order to explore these proposals further, BBC World Service has decided to retain an evening news and current affairs radio broadcast (1 hour) in Hindi for our Indian audiences for an interim period. This broadcast will be available on all platforms – via SW, online and mobile.

If sustainable commercial funding for this service cannot be found during the 2011/12 financial year, we regret that it will then have to close by March 2012.

BBC Launches New FM Service in Ghana's Western Region

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 14:24:13 +0000

The BBC has launched BBC 104.7FM in Ghana's Western Region, from a transmitter based just outside Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana's third largest media market and the country's new oil city.

The transmission will also reach parts of the Central Region and provide coverage along important transport routes in the area.

BBC's investment in a second 24/7 dedicated FM in Ghana gives audiences in and around the Western Region the opportunity to hear the full range of BBC programmes. BBC 104.7FM will broadcast news and current affairs programmes, sports and documentaries.

Simon Kendall, Head of Business Development at BBC Global News, said: "We are absolutely committed to our audiences in Africa and delivering our content on FM, whether through relays or with partnerships, will be a big part of that commitment. Our investment in BBC 104.7FM will help us reach a wider audience in Ghana, growing our connection with listeners in this important country."

Solomon Mugera, Editor, Africa, said: "Audiences are at the heart of everything we do at the BBC; the launch of BBC 104.7 FM brings the BBC much closer to its audience, offering them a range of African and world news and current affairs programmes. Audiences also have the opportunity to tune to live Premiership match commentary every Saturday and Sunday."

To mark the launch of the transmitter World Have Your Say – the BBC's award-winning global interactive news discussion show on radio and TV – will be at Skyy House in Takoradi to broadcast a special launch show at 6pm. Hosted by Nuala McGovern, the programme will be connecting audiences in Ghana with people around the world. On a day that celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women over the last century, the programme will debate the following question: "Why do so many men around the world think it is okay to harass and sexually assault women?"

Hosted on the BBC's international news services – on radio (BBC World Service) and on TV (BBC World News) – the show is a global conversation, with the agenda set by everyone taking part. The show uses different technology to enable as many people as possible in different parts of the world to join the debate via bbc.co.uk/blogs/worldhaveyoursay, Twitter (@bbc_whys), Facebook (World Have Your Say), telephone and on air.

DRM 'At Home' in India

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:31:34 +0000

Following the announcement by the Indian government in the spring of 2010 that DRM is to be rolled out across India, leading members of the DRM Consortium, the DRM chair and vice-chair, with the chair and vice-chair of the Technical committee as well as the Asia-group chair and representatives from the BBC, TDP, Transradio, Digidia, Fraunhofer IIS, RFmondial and Analog Devices have taken part in a week of events linked to Radio Asia 2011 (February 21st -23rd) and the India Broadcasting Engineers Society, annual conference (February 24th -26th).

Both events were held in New Delhi.

Among the highlights of this week of presentations, demonstrations and discussions were the excellently attended 'hands-on' DRM workshop, held on Monday February 21st at RAC2011 and the meeting with some of the Indian car manufacturers.

The culmination of these events came on February 23rd with the launch of the Indian DRM Platform, an informal group of Indian stakeholders (broadcasters, network operators and manufacturers) whose aim is to raise awareness of DRM in India with the ultimate goal of bringing better, digital radio to new receivers and platforms for the Indian listener.

All these events will be discussed and reviewed in ten days time at the DRM General Assembly Meeting on the 7th - 8th March 2011 at the Hotel Istana, Kuala Lumpur. This will be the first time that DRM has held its key internal meeting in Malaysia.

The General Assembly is the largest decision-making body of the DRM Consortium. It meets once a year to oversee the Consortium’s activities and progress made in spreading knowledge on the use and implementation of DRM digital radio technology. The two day conference (7th-8th March 2011) will be attended by many DRM members and supporters from around the world who will not only review the work that has been undertaken, but will discuss the progress of DRM technology and the challenges faced when introducing digital radio.

At the end of the General Assembly, the DRM Consortium hopes to meet many DRM members and friends at a networking event organized just before Digital Broadcasting Symposium (8th -11th March 2011).

BBC Urdu Brings Cricket World Cup News to Mobile Phones Across Pakistan

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:57:06 +0000

Mobile phone users across Pakistan can now listen to Cricket World Cup bulletins on BBC Urdu by dialling the short-code, 447474.

Throughout the tournament, cricket fans in Pakistan can hear five daily audio bulletins bringing them up to date with the latest developments at the contest.

The five two-minute bulletins include the latest Cricket World Cup-related news and gossip, special reports on all Cricket World Cup matches and venues plus interesting facts and stats such as the highest scorer, fastest scorer, highest wicket taker, best fielder and new tournament records.

Ahead of the matches involving the Pakistan team, special editions of the audio bulletins will bring pre-match assessments from the team management as well as some of the players.

Head of BBC Urdu Aamer Ahmed Khan comments: "BBC Urdu audio bulletins on mobile phones have been enjoying a high demand among mobile phone users across Pakistan since we launched this service last November.

"We hope that cricket fans will now welcome this special content we'll be producing for them every day of the tournament, bringing them the updates, whenever they want them and regardless of the network they are using."

BBC Urdu will issue five Cricket World Cup audio bulletins for mobile phones every two hours from 1200 PST every day until Saturday 2 April. Calls cost 3 Rupees per minute.

The Cricket World Cup bulletins are an addition to the BBC Urdu existing mobile phone offer in Pakistan, whereby mobile-phone users can listen to news and sports bulletins from BBC Urdu on their phones via the dedicated short-code, 447474. By calling the number, subscribers to any mobile phone network in Pakistan can choose between the BBC's news or sports bulletins on demand.

BBC World Service Cuts Language Services and Radio Broadcasts to Cut Costs

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:15:40 +0000

BBC World Service gave details of its response to a cut to its Grant-in-Aid funding from the UK's Foreign & Commonwealth Office today.

BBC World Service is to carry out a fundamental restructure in order to meet the 16 per cent savings target required by the Government's Spending Review of 20 October last year.

To ensure the 16 per cent target is achieved and other unavoidable cost increases are met BBC World Service is announcing cash savings of 20 per cent over the next three years. This amounts to an annual saving of £46m by April 2014, when Grant-in-Aid funding comes to an end as BBC World Service transfers to television licence fee funding, agreed as part of the domestic BBC's licence fee settlement announced on the same day.

In the first year, starting in April 2011, the international broadcaster will be making savings of £19m on this year's operating expenditure of £236.7m (2010/11).

The changes include:

five full language service closures;
the end of radio programmes in seven languages, focusing those services on online and new media content and distribution; and
a phased reduction from most short wave and medium wave distribution of remaining radio services.

BBC Global News Director Peter Horrocks said: "This is a painful day for BBC World Service and the 180 million people around the world who rely on the BBC's global news services every week. We are making cuts in services that we would rather not be making. But the scale of the cut in BBC World Service's Grant-in-Aid funding is such that we couldn't cope with this by efficiencies alone.

"What won't change is the BBC's aim to continue to be the world's best known and most trusted provider of high quality impartial and editorially independent international news. We will continue to bring the BBC's expertise, perspectives and content to the largest worldwide audience, which will reflect well on Britain and its people."

BBC World Service also plans spending reductions and efficiencies across the board, targeted in particular in support areas where there will be average cuts of 33 per cent.

BBC World Service also expects to generate additional savings from the new ways of working after the move to the BBC's London headquarters at Broadcasting House in 2012, and also by the transfer of BBC World Service to television licence fee funding in April 2014.

Under these proposals 480 posts are expected to close over the next year.

By the time the BBC World Service moves in to the licence fee in 2014/15 we anticipate the number of proposed closures to reach 650. Some of these closures may be offset by new posts being created during this period.

It is expected that audiences will fall by more than 30 million from the current weekly audience of 180 million as a result of the changes this year.

The changes have been approved by the BBC Trust, the BBC Executive and, in relation to closure of services, The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, William Hague, as he is required to do under the terms of the BBC's agreement with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The changes in detail are:

Full language service closures

There will be the complete closure of five language services – Albanian, Macedonian, Portuguese for Africa and Serbian languages; as well as the English for the Caribbean regional service.

End of radio programming

BBC World Service will cease all radio programming – focusing instead, as appropriate, on online, mobile and television content and distribution – in the following languages: Azeri, Mandarin Chinese (note that Cantonese radio programming continues), Russian (save for some programmes which will be distributed online only), Spanish for Cuba, Turkish, Vietnamese, and Ukrainian.

Reductions in short wave and medium wave radio distribution

There will be a phased reduction in medium wave and short wave throughout the period.

English language short wave and medium wave broadcasts to Russia and the Former Soviet Union are planned to end in March 2011. The 648 medium wave service covering Western Europe and south-east England will end in March 2011. Listeners in the UK can continue to listen on DAB, digital television and online. Those in Europe can continue to listen online or direct to home free-to-air satellite via Hotbird and UK Astra. By March 2014, short wave broadcasts of the English service could be reduced to two hours per day in Africa and Asia.

BBC World Service will cease all short wave distribution of its radio content in March 2011 in: Hindi, Indonesian, Kyrgyz, Nepali, Swahili and the Great Lakes service (for Rwanda and Burundi).

These radio services will continue to be available for audiences by other means of distribution such as FM radio (direct broadcasts and via partners); online; mobiles and other new media devices.

Short wave broadcasts in remaining languages other than English are expected to end by March 2014 with the exception of a small number of "lifeline" services such as Burmese and Somali.

English language programmes

There will be a new schedule for World Service English language programming – a focus on four daily news titles (BBC Newshour, BBC World Today, BBC World Briefing, and BBC World Have Your Say); and a new morning programme for Africa. There will be a new daily edition of From Our Own Correspondent; and an expansion of the interactive World Have Your Say programme.

There will be a reduction from seven to five daily pre-recorded "non-news" programmes on the English service. This includes the loss of one of the four weekly documentary strands. Some programmes will be shortened. Titles such as Politics UK, Europe Today, World Of Music, Something Understood, Letter From…, and Crossing Continents will all close. There will also be the loss of some correspondent posts.

Audience reduction

Audiences will fall by more than 30 million as a result of the changes announced on 26 January 2011. Investments in new services are planned in order to offset further net audience losses resulting from additional savings in the 2012-14 period.

Professional Services

There will be a substantial reduction in an already tight overhead budget. Teams in Finance, HR, Business Development, Strategy, Marketing and other administrative operations will face cuts averaging 33 per cent.

Job losses

Under these proposals 480 posts would be declared redundant; of these 26 posts are currently unfilled vacancies. BBC World Service is proposing to open 21 new posts. Therefore the net impact of these proposed changes could result in up to 433 posts being closed this financial year against a total staff number of 2400.

By the time the BBC World Service moves in to the licence fee in 2014/15 we anticipate the number of proposed closures to reach up to 650. Some of these closures may be offset by new posts being created during this period.

BBC World Service to Close Five Language Service and Cut Staff Numbers

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:20:53 +0000

BBC World Service has announced that it will be closing five language services – Albanian, Macedonian, Portuguese for Africa and Serbian; as well as the English for the Caribbean regional service.

This is part of its response to a cut to its Grant-in-Aid funding from the UK's Foreign & Commonwealth Office. The cut is part of a BBC World Service restructure in order to meet a 16% savings target announced in the Government's Spending Review of 20 October last year.

BBC Global News Director Peter Horrocks said: "These closures are not a reflection on the performance of individual services or programmes. They are all extremely important to their audiences and to the BBC.

"It is simply that there is a need to make savings due to the scale of the cuts to the World Service's Grant-in-Aid funding from the UK's Foreign & Commonwealth Office and we need to focus our efforts in the languages where there is the greatest need and where we have the strongest impact."

The BBC is expected to confirm in more detail later on Wednesday, the nature of the cuts and it's effect on the World Service staff.