2006
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Al Jaz sets up memorial
The Al Jazeera satellite TV network is to unveil a Wall of Freedom commemorating journalists who have lost their lives while reporting on the news around the world, reported the AFP. The memorial will be unveiled on November 1 at the company's Doha headquarters and will list the names of more than 630 journalists. The tribute marks the channel's 10th anniversary.
Arab TV eyes next Ramadan
Although Ramadan only ended a few days ago the region's TV companies are already devising next year's schedules and buying up film rights, reported Gulf News. Competition to provide quality programming and to secure lucrative advertising deals during the month is fierce and according to Mohammed Al Mulhem, the Group Director of Marketing at MBC, the network commences its own Ramadan planning over a year in advance.
Hezbollah film, Egypt ban
An Egyptian screenwriter is fighting to have his film about the Lebanese guerilla group Hezbollah released after it was blocked by the nation's Entertainment Censorship Board over a year ago, reported Gulf News. Government officials have said that the film by Mohammed Al Mahlawi is currently under review by the Grievances Committee following the writer's original complaint more than eight months ago.
iMPZ to Singapore
The International Media Production Zone is to participate in the first UAE Asia Investment Exhibition and Forum to be held at the Suntec Singapore Convention Centre, from October 30 until November 3. The event will provide over 15,000 visitors with information on business expansion and investment opportunities in Singapore and the UAE.
Iran newspaper banned
Iran has banned the Rouzegar newspaper after just one week of publication, according to Reuters. Many of its journalists previously worked for the pro-reform newspaper Sharq, before it was shut down. Iran's press supervisory board suggested that Rouzegar was shut down because it was too similar to Sharq.
Tunisia in Al Jaz protest
Tunisia is closing its embassy in Qatar to protest alleged bias by Al Jazeera against its government, Reuters reported. The action was taken after the satellite channel aired comments by Tunisian dissident Moncef Marzouki, in which he called for peaceful resistance to the Tunisian government.
Kidnapped photographer released
A Spanish photographer seized by gunmen in the Gaza Strip has been released, according to the BBC. Emilio Morenatti, who works for Associated Press, was held for less than a day. In the past two years there have been around 24 cases of foreigners kidnapped in Gaza, usually by disaffected military groups.
Kuwait leads in press freedom
An annual index listing countries in order of their press freedom has ranked Kuwait at 85, the highest in the Middle East, according to Arab Times. The Worldwide Press Freedom Index for 2005, compiled by Reporters Without Borders, ranked other GCC member countries Qatar at 90, the UAE 100, Bahrain 123 and Saudi Arabia 154. Oman was not listed due a lack of information.
Al Jaz is top Arab brand
Al Jazeera has topped a list of Arab brands compiled by the Arabic edition of Forbes magazine, according to Reuters. The Qatar-based satellite TV channel came first in an online survey that looked at a brand's trust, recognition and adaptability. The list of 40 brands was dominated by firms based in the UAE, including Dubai-based airline Emirates and broadcaster Al Arabiya.
Creative Director for Flip
Arvind Krishnan has joined Flip Media as its new Creative Director. Krishnan joins Flip from Impact Proximity Dubai where he worked as Creative Group Head for the last three years. He has over 10 years experience in advertising and design at various agencies in Bangalore and the Middle East.
DIFF contest a hit
Organisers of the Dubai International Film Festival have said that a large number of entries have been received for their inaugural Arab film contest, reported Gulf News. The Muhr Awards, consisting of prize money of Dhs1.2m, were announced in the summer and due to the heavy response the deadline for submissions was extended from late September into October. The competition will now become an integral part of future festivals.
Daily Mail buys Catchpole
The UK's Daily Mail and General Trust has revealed that Associated Newspapers, its national newspaper division, has acquired 60% of Dubai based Catchpole Communications for $7.2m, reported Emirates Today. Catchpole provides management consultancy and technical services for Dubai's free English language newspaper 7Days.
Al Jaz seeks UK explanation
Rolling news channel Al Jazeera is seeking clarification from the UK government in the wake of comments made by a former cabinet minister seeming to condone the bombing of its Baghdad office in 2003 which killed a reporter, reported Reuters. David Blunkett, a former Home Secretary, described the station as a propaganda mechanism and said that, as such, it needed to be taken off the air.
Radio campaign for FNC elections
The UAE's National Election Committee is running a campaign through local Arabic radio stations to explain procedures for the upcoming Federal National Council elections. The 40-member FNC will have 50% of its members elected through the December vote.
Orbit picks up EuroNews
Orbit will broadcast EuroNews to 25 countries in the Middle East and North Africa next year, following a deal struck at MIPCOM 2006 in Cannes. The Lyon-based channel will be available in January 2007 to all Orbit subscribers in English and French.
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