Reaching the world, news from U.S. international media
February 2014
BBG Speaks Out on Media Freedom
BBG, RFE/RL Condemn Journalist Beatings in Ukraine   
Two men, with bruises and black eyes
RFE/RL correspondents Dmytro Barkar and cameraman Ihor Iskhakov
Harassment, intimidation and attacks on independent journalists, including of those from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and the Voice of America, have spiked in the wake of mass protests in Kyiv, Ukraine, drawing condemnation from the BBG, RFE/RL and VOA. While covering the protests, RFE/RL Ukrainian Service reporter Dmytro Barkar and cameraman Ihor Iskhakov were severely beaten by police. These attacks prompted BBG Chairman Jeff Shell and RFE/RL President and CEO Kevin Klose to express outrage and demand that Ukrainian authorities immediately investigate the incident. Later, Klose traveled with Governor Matt Armstrong to Kyiv, to meet with the journalists, denounce the violence and press Ukrainian authorities to ensure basic rights and protections for journalists. 
BBG Statement on Media in Cambodia
A medic treats a protester suffering from a facial wound, Jan. 27, 2014.
A medic treats a protester suffering from a facial wound. Credit: RFA

In late January, the Cambodian government took steps to restrict independent media, including denying expanded licensing for a non-state radio station, cracking down on protestors supporting the independent media, and issuing a report accusing RFA and VOA of manipulating the news. On behalf of the Agency, BBG Chair Jeffrey Shell issued a statement rejecting the accusations of bias and calling on the Cambodian government to remove its restrictions on a free and independent press. 

BBG Demands Reversal on Russian Visa Denial for Journalist David Satter
Man sitting in chari addresses a crowd After RFE/RL journalist adviser David Satter was refused a visa renewal to enter Russia, BBG Chair Jeffrey Shell issued a statement calling the action a "gross interference in the operations of Radio Liberty."
From the World's Hot Spots
RFE/RL Liveblogs Euromaidan, Even as Ukraine Protests Claim First Fatalities
Ukrainian flag rises above protestors and fire As the Euromaidan protests intensified in Ukraine, RFE/RL provided up to the minute information through liveblogging news, photos and tweets from correspondents and others following events in Kyiv and elsewhere in the region.
Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa Report from Anbar Despite Media Blackout
man on the street speaks to Alhurra reporter Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa have been providing the people of Iraq's Anbar Province with vital news and information. Despite an escalation in and the fleeing of thousands, Alhurra-Iraq correspondent Omar Al Obaidi filed daily reports from Anbar province for the two networks, providing details from the ground on the most important developments.
Alhurra and Radio Sawa Provide Extensive Coverage of the Egyptian Referendum Vote
woman on the street speaks to Alhurra reporter As Egyptians took to the polls to vote on a new constitution, Alhurra Television and Radio Sawa provided audiences the latest news, expert analysis and reaction from the street. During the two days of voting, Alhurra expanded its reporting to include more than 15 hours of live coverage.
Programming Notes
VOA Launches Bambara Call-in Show
A year after launching its first-ever Bambara language radio show for audiences in Mali, VOA has added a dynamic new call-in program called Anba Fo (in English, We'll Say It). The hour-long weekly radio show airs on VOA's 24/7 FM transmitter in Bamako and is also available online.
VOA Partners with Pakistan Radio Network
Two women, with logo of the show Voice of America and Pakistan's Radio News Network (RNN) are teaming up on a new hour-long radio program that focuses on current events and social issues in both countries. The weekly co-production Sada e Jahan (Voice of the World) airs on RNN's FM stations located throughout Pakistan.
Avanza Cuba Examines Filmmaking in Cuba  
Independent filmmaking in Cuba was the topic of the latest episode of Radio and Television Martí's Avanza Cuba (Cuba Forward), which aired on January 25. Hosts Karen Caballero and Alfredo Jacomino were joined by experts on Cuban cinema and filmmakers, including for the first time on Radio and Television Martí, those who are or have been sponsored by the Cuban government.
News & Updates
New Interim Management Structure Takes Effect
The Broadcasting Board of Governors has established an interim management structure for its International Broadcasting Bureau that appoints three senior executives to manage the day-to-day operations of the agency and helps pave the way for a future Chief Executive Officer.
VOA Rooftop Gets Covered Standup Platform
Reporter standing in new covered set
VOA's rooftop standup location, with the U.S. Capitol in the background, is one of the best Washington has to offer. And it just got better with the addition of a brand new covered platform.
In This Issue
Awards
woman holds up phone with VOA app
The mobile news platform developed across components of the BBG - and used around the world - has been named a finalist for the "Best Mobile Publishing Product or Service" in the GSM Association (GSMA) 2014 Global Mobile Awards.
Alhurra Wins Three CINE Awards
6 characters from the TV show with logo above their heads
Alhurra Television won three 2013 CINE Golden Eagle Awards for Rayheen ala Fain?, Street Pulse and a promo for the online journal Syria Stories.
Events
Leo Sarkisian Honored with VOA Studio Dedication

Voice of America has named its Studio 23 after creator and former co-host of Music Time in Africa, Leo Sarkisian. Mr. Sarkisian was on-hand for the dedication ceremony on January 23.
RESCHEDULED: Contemporary Media Use in Russia
BBG Research Series on Russi is Feb 6 The BBG Research Series event on media use in Russia has been rescheduled for Feb. 6. Registration is available to attend this briefing in Washington, D.C. where BBG and Gallup will present new findings about media consumption habits in Russia, including data on the rapid growth of Internet use.
Interviews of Note
Alhurra Provides Congressional Reaction to State of The Union
reporter interviews man Alhurra TV provided the most comprehensive coverage and analysis of the State of the Union and the Republican response of any other Arabic-language network. Alhurra's more than 2 ½ hours of coverage included several interviews with Democratic and Republican members of Congress.
Alhurra Interviews Congressman Deutch on Iran
reporter sits with man in office
Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL), the ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, spoke with Alhurra's Inside Washington about current debate surrounding U.S.-Iranian relations and explained America's foreign aid policy.
Missing
Bashar Fahmi Remains Missing
collage of photos of journalist who is now missing Alhurra TV reporter Bashar Fahmi has been missing in Syria for 17 months.
The Broadcasting Board of Governors is an independent federal agency, supervising all U.S. government-supported, civilian international broadcasting, whose mission is to inform, engage and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy. BBG broadcasts reach an audience of 206 million in more than 100 countries. BBG broadcasting organizations include the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa), Radio Free Asia, and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio and TV Marti).

 

 

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