MBC inks agreement with China’s National Radio and Television Administration

MBC Group has signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), a move aimed at developing traditional and digital media content; sharing TV and film production expertise and competencies; and promoting and developing the human resource sector.

The signing ceremony took place at MBC Group’s headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in the presence of MBC Group Chairman Sheikh Waleed Bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim; Vice Chairman Ali Al-Hedeithy, and CEO Sam Barnett. Representing NRTA was HE Gao Jianmin, Deputy Minister of Information at NRTA, as well as a number of senior executives and consultants.

Commenting on the agreement, MBC Chairman Sheikh Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim said: “The National Radio and Television Administration aims to develop a comprehensive media environment that simulates its peers from the world’s largest companies, in terms of efficiency, performance, innovation, research and development, as well as other areas of growth and development.

“The digital media sector is of utmost importance to us; digital platforms are now a necessity for the growth of any media organisation in the region and the world. Investing in the event industry and in human capital is as crucial as investing in media content, so we are now sharing our experiences in these sectors with our partners in China.”

On his part, NRTA’s deputy minister Gao Jianmin stated: “We are pleased to announce today this strategic cooperation with MBC in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. MBC has established over the years the prime broadcasting platform across the Middle East and North Africa region and we believe our partnership will support the cultural cooperation and content sharing across our regions.

“We are looking forward to a successful cooperation that will represent one more milestone on the long history of exchanges between China and the Middle East.”

To mark this occasion, MBC Action and MBC Variety will showcase a five-part documentary called China’s Mega Projects. The programme delves into the mechanism of design, implementation and completion of China’s largest building and giant construction projects.

The strategic agreement will comprise media content in all its forms, including dubbed television programmes from both territories, as well as joint productions.

Looking at digital media, the agreement aims to focus on audio-visual programmes, with MBC Group showcasing Chinese film content dubbed and translated into Arabic. In turn, NRTA will show MBC Group programming, tailored to a Chinese audience.

In terms of events, the agreement includes the attendance and participation of both parties in events and festivals hosted by either party. For example, this includes the participation of MBC in the China-Arab Cooperation Forum in Radio and Television, in addition to other television and film festivals held in China. Meanwhile, MBC Group will host NRTA at media, film, television and festival events in the region.

Finally, resourcing and the human development sector is at the heart of this agreement, focusing on the exchange of expertise through joint seminars, courses and training programmes aimed at honing the human talent of both parties.