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Emirates Business to drop weekend edition
Arab Media Group's English daily, Emirates Business 24/7, will stop printing its weekend editions from this week to prepare for its re-launch in January as a more lifestyle-focused paper, the National has reported. The move was in response to a recent market research which showed its readers wanted new sections devoted to local news, lifestyle, culture and listings, Abdullatif al Sayegh, the chief executive of AMG said.
Three Iranian newspapers shut down
Three Iranian newspapers have been shut down by a government-run press supervisory body, according to AFP news agency. ILNA news agency has reported the closure of Farhang Ashdi (Culture of Reconciliation) and Arman (Ideals); while the official IRNA news agency has said Tahlil Rooz (Day's Analysis) was also ordered shut without giving reasons.
Al Jazeera launches mobile app
The Qatar-based Al Jazeera Satellite Network has launched a mobile application which gives access to the channel's Arabic and English programs live for all users of Symbian or Windows Mobile phones worldwide. The application provides high quality live viewing of the News Channel in English and Arabic as well as Video News Bulletin on demand.
Rubicon to get boost from GrowthGate Capital
Jordan-based Rubicon, the Middle East's largest animation studio, is expected to announce that it has secured a 30% equity investment from a Gulf buy-out firm, The Financial Times has reported. The deal will see Bahrain-based GrowthGate Capital subscribe to new shares as it invests a significant amount of a $75m three-year investment plan to allow Rubicon to compete on the global stage.
Red Door wins Reel Cinemas contract
Red Door Productions, a Dubai-based entertainment services company, has won the contract to run the on-screen advertising network of Reel Cinemas, the region's largest megaplex operator which opened recently in The Dubai Mall. Reel Cinemas is the region's largest megaplex with 22 screens and a seating capacity of 2800.
Bloomberg to boost Dubai office
Bloomberg, the New York-based provider of financial data and news services, has drawn up a five-year plan to 'significantly' boost regional operations, doubling revenue from its Dubai hub by 2014, Khaleej Times has reported. 'Central to our growth strategy is the doubling of staff strength in Dubai office, our 10th regional hub, from 48 to 100 people with in a year,' Peter T. Grauer, Chairman and Managing Director of Bloomberg said. Currently, Bloomberg has a total workforce of 175 in the Middle East region, with India accounting for almost 100 people.
Ekadaa PR wins BBC Lifestyle account
Ekadaa PR has announced its appointment as the public relations agency in the Middle East for BBC Lifestyle channel. ekadaa PR takes up the post with immediate effect. Ekadaa PR is a full-service public relations agency set up in 2003. Some of its clients include Lufthansa German Airlines, German National Tourist Board, Crocs, Medcare Hospital, Swiss-Belhotel, Canon, Clinique, Technogym, Swarovski, and Durex.
Oman to have fourth English-language daily
Oman-based Apex Press and Publishing is launching a fourth English daily newspaper in the Sultanate, The National has reported. Muscat Daily will be launched on October 10, with plans to make a niche by focusing on local news and targeting Oman's entire English-speaking community. Apex had focused on monthly magazines such as Business Today until it launched The Week, a free weekly, in 2003.
Dubai Media inks deal with chinese TC station
Dubai Media Incorporated has signed a memorandum of understanding with China's Qingdao Television Station as part of its strategy to adopt best practices and latest technology, as well as develop quality programming. The MoU enables both parties to exchange media experience and provide logistical assistance to visiting crews from each other's organisations. It also includes exchange of television programmes in news coverage, culture, arts, science, and sports, in addition to cooperation in programme production.
Yahoo-Maktoob deal may spur Mideast online sector
Yahoo's acquisition of Jordan-based Maktoob, the largest Arabic online community, could be a catalyst for the region's internet market and help boost the online media sector across the whole region, according to a report by A T Kearney, a strategic consulting firm. 'Yahoo's acquisition of Maktoob does not come as a surprise to us, as it provides Yahoo with immediate access to the fast growing Arab and Muslim market. Our study shows that across the Arab world there is increasing disposable income for entertainment, an improving regulatory environment and a burgeoning youth population (50% are below 30 years old) that is open to new technology. Together this is driving a 19% annual growth rate in the media sector; while the rest of the media world is stagnant or in decline,' said Christophe Firth, senior consultant in A T Kearney's Media Practice.
Twofour54 Intaj launches new production facilites
The Abu Dhabi-based content creation community, Twofour54, has announced the launch of Twofour54 Intaj, production and post-production facilities, media asset management, digital archiving, playout and broadcast services. Twofour54 Intaj offers five high definition (HD) production studios equipped to support production in a range of fields. The production facilities are complemented by 22 fully equipped post-production suites including audio, video, graphics and high-end finishing as well as media asset management and full broadcast services including play-out, satellite uplink and downlink.
ART to cancel Irdeto boxes
The largest Middle East pay-TV platform, Arab Radio & Television (ART), is in the process of switching from Irdeto to Viaccess conditional access in an attempt to curb local piracy. The broadcaster will begin the switch-out of its Irdeto encryption on June 1 next year, just days ahead of the important 2010 FIFA World Cup football tournament. However, ART's subscriber services company (MultiChoice Middle East) has said it will continue to simulcrypt Irdeto conditional access for the foreseeable future, and aims to see 95% of its audience to have new Viaccess boxes before any final Irdeto switch-off is concerned.
Kuwait blocks terrorist websites
Kuwait's communications ministry has blocked a number of internet blogs and websites with links to terror cells and groups, Kuwait Times has reported. The ministry has also blocked sites deemed offensive to God and the Amir and which undermined what it called national unity, in addition to sites promoting pornography.
Al Hilal Group opens office in Abu Dhabi
Bahrain-based media group Al Hilal has expanded its operations in the UAE with the opening of a new office in Abu Dhabi Media Zone, twofour54. The office will be headed by Simon O'Herlihy, who has previously worked with Al Hilal Group and Motivate Publishing.
Acxiom buys direct marketing service in Saudi
Acxiom Corp, a US-based interactive marketing services and infrastructure management firm, has acquired Saudi Arabia-based Direct Marketing Services (DMS) and its UAE branch. The new Acxiom MENA organization will serve global and regional clientele from offices in Jeddah and Dubai. The operation will be led by DMS managing director Yousef Hamidaddin, who becomes CEO of Acxiom MENA. Alaa Al-Shroogi of Dubai will serve as president, Acxiom said.
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