Category Archives: General Broadcast

Continued confusion in Vietnam

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AP reports that a Vietnamese satellite TV platform has dropped BBC World News and CNN from its channel line-up on Thursday 16 May. K+, a joint venture between a Vietnamese company and Canal Overseas, part of the Canal+ Group, appears to be interpreting the “Decision 20″ regulation – which places onerous conditions on foreign TV channels – in a particular way, in direct contrast to a majority of other Vietnam-based platforms.

AIB has been lobbying on the issue over the past few months and is now seeking further clarification both from K+ and the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communication.

“We are disappointed that Vietnamese audiences are having their choice of international TV channels restricted,” said Simon Spanswick, AIB chief executive. “There is still uncertainty around the proposed pay-TV regulations promulgated in Vietnam. K+ appears to be out of step with the Vietnamese market and the latest interpretation of Decision 20. We look forward to the channels that have been taken off air being restored very quickly.”

As of the European afternoon on 16 May, the K+ website was still showing BBC World News and CNN as channels available to the platform’s subscribers.

BBC domestic changes staff as department names regain meaning

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Incoming BBC Director-General Tony Hall has announced his first major senior management appointments. Helen BoadenHelen Boaden (right), currently head of news, becomes head of radio (a department whose name has been “Audio and Music” for the past few years).

James Purnell, a former culture minister in the UK government under Labour, returns to the BBC to the new post of director of strategy and digital. Purnell was head of corporate planning of the BBC before leaving to work for former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

BBC Vision regains the telly – it is to be known as BBC Television again. Hall says that the BBC’s audience – and everyone within the corporation – talks of radio and television, not “audio and music” and “vision” so it makes sense to give them their proper names.

It’s World Radio Day 2013

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World Radio Day 2013

February 13 marks World Radio Day, a celebration of the world’s oldest mass communication medium.

Radio remains the most widely-consumed media on the planet, with broadcasters reaching listeners on traditional FM and AM services, as well as via satellite, set top boxes, mobile phones and the Internet.

Radio is a trusted friend to many and a primary source of news and information. It’s engaging. It’s portable. It’s always available.

We’ve from Finland where every radio station joined together to offer a love poem to listeners, we’ve heard of events across India celebrating the medium.

As we mark World Radio Day 2013, AIB salutes its radio broadcaster members and all radio broadcasters around the world.

Tunisia – safety advisory from INSI

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The International News Safety Institute urges journalists to exercise caution while covering demonstrations in Tunisia.

There have been reports of unrest since the murder of the liberal politician Chokri Belaid
last week, the first political assassination since Tunisia’s independence from France in
1965.

On 8 February Tunis was engulfed by violent protests, which have not occurred since January 2011. Police fired tear gas into the crowds and there were reports of armed youths smashing cars and clashing with police. Although the situation has stabilised it is likely that protests will begin again this Friday (15 February).

INSI’s advice on covering demonstrations and other civil disorders includes:

Journalists should be aware that water cannons and tear gas (CS gas) may be used.

Journalists have also reported that their mobile phones and cameras were stolen while
covering last Friday’s protests. Consider covering the unrest with your back to a wall to
ensure that this is less likely to happen.

Covering demonstrations and other civil disorders

Before you head out, consider the following:

• Ensure your accreditation is in order and easily accessible.

• You may wish to alert the authorities that your news organisation plans to cover the
protests, if it is appropriate and not dangerous to do so in the country you are in. If so,
obtain the mobile number of the person in charge; the more senior the better.

• Take protective gear. This can include helmets, gas masks, or bullet proof vests with
protective plates. Your decision regarding this may depend on what weapons the local
police force uses for crowd control.

• In case of tear gas, carry a bandana and soak it in water. Cover your mouth and nose
with it. Try to use some sort of goggles to protect your eyes. Ladies – consider not wearing
make up as tear gas sticks to it.

• Try not to wear contact lenses as the tear gas will get under the lense. Bring eye drops
and spare glasses.

• Wear comfortable boots that you can run in.

• Wear natural fabrics, which may be less flammable than synthetic fabrics.

• Prepare a backpack with supplies to last a day: lightweight rain gear, energy bars and
water, spare batteries for electronic equipment, protective equipment.

• Pack a medical kit and know how to use it.

• Carry a photocopy of your press accreditation and telephone numbers of your editor and
lawyer. Make sure your editor knows how to reach your family in case you’re arrested or
hurt.

• Set your mobile phone to speed dial with an emergency number pre-set.

• If possible, ensure you have studied the map prior to going on the ground. Consider
filming from high vantage points. Agree a rendez-vous point in case you lose your team
and agree a “safe” place where you can retreat if the situation becomes too dangerous.

On the ground:

• Try not go alone and if you can, take someone to watch your back if you’re shooting
pictures.

• As soon as you arrive, look for escape routes and ensure you know the landmarks to
head for if you become disorientated.

• Try to stay on the edge of the crowd and do not get caught on the line between police
and protestors.

• Crowds have a life of their own. Be constantly aware of the mood and attitude.

• Alert your editors if the mood starts to change and begin to think of what your plan is.

• If planning to change direction, seek advice from people who have just come from the
direction you’re heading.

• Television crews should travel as light as possible. If experiencing aggression, ensure
your backpack is big enough to hold the tripod and pack it away. Be prepared to leave it
behind if you need to run away.

When trouble erupts:

• Avoid horses. They bite and kick.

• Try to stay upwind from tear gas.

•  Try to avoid getting in the line of the water being fired as it will damage your kit. It often
has dye in it for the security forces to be able to identify the protestors after.

• If the police detain you, try to ask them to call the person in charge if you have their
number. Try to speak to a senior officer, as this will have more impact.

• Call your editor, ensure legal advice is available through your organisaiton.

• Try to avoid violence if you can and move away to film if necessary.