2006
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African 24-hour news channel
African leaders plan to emulate Al Jazeera and set up a 24-hour TV news channel to provide a positive perspective on the continent, according to officials at a pan-African media conference. The multilingual channel aims to broadcast from late 2007, costing around $75m.
Reuters drops photographer
Reuters had withdrawn from sale 920 photos taken by photographer Adnan Hajj, after he was found to have doctored two images of the war in Lebanon, the BBC reports. The photoshopped smoke plumes on one image was first spotted by bloggers. A Reuters investigation later found that two flares had been added to an image of an Israeli jet. Hajj claims he was cleaning dust off the shots.
India denies Arabic TV ban
Indian Authorities are denying reports that a ban had been placed on Arabic language channels in the wake of the conflict in Lebanon, Gulf News reported. Some hotels have stopped broadcasting Arabic channels, citing poor demand from guests. Other hotels in areas regularly frequented by Jewish tourists don't show Arabic channels.
Dubai Properties picks Burnett
Leo Burnett has begun an advertising campaign for Dubai Properties' corporate brand and its Business Bay project. The move follows Leo Burnett being chosen by Dubai Properties to be its lead brand agency following a competitive agency review. Leo Burnett's work will emphasise the developer's ability to create a unique environment for the lives of its customers.
DIFF wants submissions
The Dubai International Film Festival, which takes place this December, is inviting submissions in the categories of features, shorts and documentaries for its new Arab Film Competition. All films must have been made by a director of Arab nationality or origin, and the subject and storyline of the film must be centred on the Arab world or Arab history or culture. The deadline for submissions is September 21.
DPP reveals new image
The Deira Printing Press has unveiled a new brand image and has revealed plans to move to the International Media Production Zone. The DPP has booked a 70,000 sqft plot at the iMPZ and hopes to boost its production capacity by 90% once it moves to its new facility. Construction is to get underway in January.
Arab TV banned in India
Arab television channels have been banned in India, according to a report in Arab News. An official from the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that the ban was due to India enjoying a closer relationship with Israel than with Arab states. Several Indian journalists said that the ban was due to the Indian government succumbing to pressure from Israel.
Decision Makers starts trial
Decision Makers, a new TV channel based in Dubai and targeting a niche Arabic audience, started a trial run on August 1. The channel will mainly address Arab investors and the business community, presenting news and reports on politics, business and real estate. Decision Makers will also focus on the contribution of Arab business figures to society.
Media Gateway goes Russian
Media Gateway has agreed a deal with Russian satellite television group RTV International to distribute the company's five Russian television channels, Russian music videos and film library of nearly 900 Russian language movies. The deal will see Media Gateway delivering Russian programming and television channels via digital multimedia distribution platforms such as IPTV, broadband, mobile phones and Video On Demand to audiences in Europe, Australia, the Middle East and India.
Virgin launches DXB mag
Virgin Atlantic has launched a route dedicated in-flight magazine, DXB. The monthly publication is now available to all passengers on board the airline's flights between London Heathrow and Dubai. Published by Hot Media, DXB aims to give Virgin Atlantic's passengers an insider's guide to the best shops, restaurants, bars, clubs and activities in the city.
Media Gateway gets INTV
Media Gateway has signed an agreement to distribute INTV, Dubai's English language channel, across digital multimedia platforms worldwide. Through the deal, Media Gateway is able to distribute both the live, linear TV signal as well as video on demand content, and related programmes, via every platform from cable and hotels to mobile phones and the Internet.
Snappers can now click in Saudi
Taking photographs in public places in Saudi is now legal, after a royal decree removed prohibitions to promote tourism in the kingdom, according to Arab News. It will still be an offence to photograph private individuals without their consent. Journalists say the move will make reporting local news easier.
UAE films get free showing
Five short films made by UAE nationals are being screened free of charge on 3 August at Qanat Al Qasba, Sharjah, reported Gulf News. The films, depicting various issues affecting people in the UAE, are in Arabic with English subtitles. The session starts at 8pm.
Bates gets new creative director
Bates PanGulf in Dubai has hired Guy Thonard as new creative director for its banking, finance and property accounts, according to Campaign Middle East. Thonard comes to Bates PanGulf from the Hong Kong office of advertising agency Doremus.
B-M, BPG PR end partnership
Burson-Marsteller and Dubai-based Bates PanGulf PR have ended their Middle East partnership, according to a media statement. Both groups are affiliated with WPP, a global advertising and media planning marketing conglomerate. The companies say they have outgrown the partnership and need to concentrate on their own strategies.
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