Every now and then, one has the pleasure of meeting someone in a position of power who has used the resources he has to bring about a positive shift in the industry. Last month, BroadcastPro Middle East met with six such game changers in the Arab world men with a mission — who have […]
Every now and then, one has the pleasure of meeting someone in a position of power who has used the resources he has to bring about a positive shift in the industry. Last month, BroadcastPro Middle East met with six such game changers in the Arab world men with a mission — who have each undertaken transformative initiatives at their respective facilities that make them frontrunners.
Two months ago, for instance, a resolution was finally passed in Saudi Arabia authorising the establishment of an AV Commission and a corresponding AV Act to embrace all forms of media across different platforms. Dr. Riyadh Najm was responsible for drafting the first elements of this commission and has been actively involved in bringing it to its present stage. He shares exclusive details on how the new resolution will change the face of Saudi Arabias media landscape.
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, when the whole Arab world supposedly goes into hibernation, BroadcastPro ME toured four TV studios in Qatar, belonging to Qatar TV and Al Jazeera. We were there to look at the state-of-the-art lighting installations at each of these studios.
The studios were abuzz with activity as sets were being designed for Al Jazeera Sports and Qatar TVs news channel. The star among these four is a brand new 1100 sqm studio one of the largest in the Gulf designed and equipped to international standards.
In Jordan, Arab Radio and Television decided to ditch satellite for IP to deliver its Ramadan content to its distribution centre in Italy. This was a brave move that saved ART a whopping 80% of satellite transport costs last month.
Likewise, Mohamed Youssif of YahLive is on a unique mission to ensure that he delivers the best of HD channels to the Arab world and it looks like hes already half way there.
In the meantime, within three months of joining Dubai Media Inc as CEO, Mohammed Saeed Al Shahi has already wrought changes, while Sharjah Media Corporation is quietly inching its way to the front by upgrading various elements of its radio and TV entities under the guidance of Dr. Khalid Al Midfa.
No platform could have been better than IBC to showcase these initiatives in the Arab world that are in every way innovative, and a testament to what a few good men can achieve.
