Latest news with #AlSharqiya
Broadcast Pro
01-07-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Why MEA broadcasters are choosing evolution over revolution
The MEA broadcast landscape is evolving smartly, with broadcasters choosing technologies that meet current needs and prepare them for the future, building on proven foundations instead of starting anew. The broadcast industry loves to talk about revolution. IP workflows, cloud production, software-defined everything – the narrative often suggests that broadcasters need to tear down their existing infrastructure and start fresh. But here in the Middle East and Africa, I'm witnessing something far more pragmatic and, frankly, more intelligent: evolution over revolution. Working from our Dubai hub and supporting broadcasters across this vast, diverse region, I see firsthand how MEA operators are navigating technological change with a wisdom that comes from understanding their unique operational realities. They're not rushing to abandon proven technologies; instead, they're strategically adopting new capabilities whilst maintaining the rock-solid reliability that their audiences and stakeholders demand. The Reliability Imperative and Regional Diversity Consider the operational pressures facing broadcasters in our region. When Al Sharqiya covers breaking news across Iraq and the broader Middle East, or when Production Crew produces live sports coverage for Saudi Arabia's expanding entertainment sector, there's absolutely no margin for error. These aren't just business operations – they're critical communications infrastructure that audiences, governments, and sponsors depend upon. This reliability requirement shapes every technology decision. It's why Al Sharqiya chose our HVS-1200 switcher for their Dubai newsroom – not because it was the flashiest option, but because it delivers broadcast-grade reliability whilst future-proofing their investment with 12G-SDI capabilities ready for their planned Ultra HD transition. Similarly, Sharjah TV required absolute reliability for mission-critical government event coverage combined with creative flexibility for cultural programming, leading them to implement a sophisticated dual-switcher setup featuring the HVS-2000 as main and HVS-1200 as backup. These broadcasters needed technology that works flawlessly today but grows with them tomorrow. One aspect that outsiders often underestimate is the sheer diversity of our region. Technical standards, content requirements, infrastructure maturity, and production scales vary dramatically from country to country. A solution that works perfectly for a high-end sports production in Dubai might be completely inappropriate for a news operation in Lagos or a cultural programme in Cairo. This diversity actually drives innovation in interesting ways, pushing us to develop solutions that are genuinely flexible rather than one-size-fits-all. The Smart Hybrid Approach What I find particularly interesting is how MEA broadcasters are embracing hybrid workflows that blend traditional and next-generation technologies. Production Crew's new 12G-SDI outside broadcast unit exemplifies this approach perfectly. They wanted the creative flexibility of modern production tools, but they also needed the operational certainty that comes with native 12G-SDI infrastructure. This isn't about being conservative, it's about being smart. The 12G-SDI architecture provides immediate 4K capabilities with the simplicity and security that live production demands, whilst still offering pathways to IP integration when business cases and operational requirements align. The modular approach we see in products like our FA-1616HB-12G platform allows broadcasters to build exactly the functionality they need, whether they're focused on remote production with JPEG XS support, SMPTE ST 2110 implementation, or exploring new technologies like AI-assisted production. The most successful broadcasters I work with view technology as an enabler of content and business goals, not as an end in itself. This pragmatic approach is leading to some fascinating hybrid architectures: IP connectivity for remote collaboration combined with SDI infrastructure for mission-critical switching, software-defined capabilities for creative flexibility paired with hardware reliability for core operations, and AI tools for production efficiency integrated with proven broadcast-grade equipment for output quality. Building the Future Intelligently Perhaps most exciting is how this evolutionary approach is positioning MEA broadcasters for growth. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is driving massive investment in entertainment and sports production. The UAE continues to expand as a regional media hub. African markets are seeing unprecedented growth in local content production. Broadcasters who have built flexible, future-ready infrastructure, rather than cutting-edge systems that might be obsolete in two years, are best positioned to capture these opportunities. They can scale up for major events, adapt to new content requirements, and integrate new technologies as business cases develop. The MEA broadcast landscape is evolving rapidly, but it's evolving intelligently. Broadcasters are making technology choices that serve their current operational needs whilst preparing for future opportunities. They're building on proven foundations rather than starting from scratch. This evolution-over-revolution approach isn't just smart for individual broadcasters; it's creating a robust, adaptable industry infrastructure that can support the region's growing content ambitions. Whether it's covering major sporting events, producing cultural programming that reflects our diverse communities, or delivering the reliable news coverage that democracy depends upon, MEA broadcasters are proving that thoughtful evolution often beats dramatic revolution. The future of broadcasting in our region isn't just about having the latest technology – it's about having the right technology, implemented thoughtfully, supporting real operational needs and business goals. That's the kind of future I'm excited to help build.
Sharjah 24
01-07-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Al Sharqiya, Al Wusta Magazines highlight dev. scene in Region
Investment Growth Focus Al Sharqiya focused on the continuous growth of investments in the eastern region and featured success stories of community figures, unique tourism and sports experiences, as well as various cultural and heritage topics. Al-Wusta Highlights Market Meanwhile, Al-Wusta dedicated its main feature to the Friday Market in Mleiha as a vital destination supporting productive families and youth. The issue also included interviews with prominent figures, reports on heritage and sports events, and coverage of developmental projects in the region.
Sharjah 24
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Enhanced programming on Al Sharqiya-Kalba TV
Celebrating poetry "Bayt Al Qasid" (essence of poem) is a new 40-minute program that airs every Friday at 8 p.m. The show, hosted by media star Tareq Al Balhai and produced by Osama Zuhdi, features several poems and spotlights contributions, emphasising Sharjah's continued support for literary talent through its cultural institutions. Inspirational journeys Every Thursday at 8 p.m., "Sirah wa Masirah" (life and path story) features notable figures from various areas. The series, hosted by Sultan Al Hammadi and produced by Sumaya Al Khouri, offers details about guests' personal and professional experiences, with the goal of inspiring viewers, particularly young people. Season three of "My Family" "My Family" is now in its third season and airs every Sunday at 8 p.m. The show, hosted by Maryam Al Alay and produced by Sumaya Al Khouri, discusses family, parenting, and relationships. Experts in psychology and sociology offer perspectives on everyday family life. Viewer-orientated approach Nawal Rashid Al Naqbi, director of programs at Al Sharqiya in Kalba, emphasised the channel's dedication to providing relevant content that resonates with viewers. The aim is to provide valuable and enriching information that improves the viewer's experience while maintaining Emirati identity. Al Naqbi emphasised the channel's continued attempts to improve its programming by constantly updating content, soliciting audience feedback, and providing media that reflected the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority's distinguished role.
Sharjah 24
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Al Sharqiya launches new shows from Kalba
The new programmes represent the Eastern Region's distinct culture and breathtaking beauty while appealing to a wide range of societal interests. Among the new programmes gaining popularity is "Baraem Al Shi'r (Buds of Poetry)," which airs every Monday at 8:30 p.m. The show takes viewers on a delightful journey into the realm of poetry by featuring a group of young poets from the Eastern Region. It's hosted by Omar Ahmed and set up by Dima Hamad. Ali Al Naqbi hosts the show "Qadha" (Capable), which focusses on youth. This dynamic programme combines excitement and intellect in a structure rich in exciting sporting challenges and cerebral competitions. It airs every Saturday at 8:00 PM. Al Sharqiya from Kalba continues to focus on environmental diversity with "Fi Al Mahmiyyat" (In the Reserves)," which takes viewers on exploratory tours of nature reserves in the Eastern Region, including the mangrove reserve, Al Hefaiyah Reserve, and the Kalba Bird of Prey Centre. The programme, which airs every Monday at 8:00 p.m., emphasises ongoing efforts to safeguard these biologically rich habitats. "Kunuz Jabaliyyah" (Mountain Treasures) airs every Wednesday at 8:00 PM and takes viewers deep into the mountainous regions. It delves into the history of the area's inhabitants, from traditional dwellings and food sources to crafts and folk medicine, using a narrative approach to document the spectacular mountains' environmental and cultural heritage. Nawal Rashid Al Naqbi, Program Director of Al Sharqiya in Kalba, reaffirmed the channel's commitment to providing media content that reflects the Eastern Region's uniqueness, natural and cultural diversity, and appeals to a diverse audience. She continued, "In our new programmes, we concentrated on promoting local talent, raising environmental awareness, and providing purposeful entertainment. Through these shows, we hope to establish the channel's reputation as a trustworthy voice representing Sharjah's Eastern Region while also emphasising its human potential and natural assets. We will continue to create material that aligns with our viewers' goals, promoting national identity and recognising local ingenuity."
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Yahoo
Clip shows smoke from warehouse fire in Iraq, not wildfires in Los Angeles
The video, showing thick, fast-moving smoke over a street, was shared on Facebook on January 11, 2025. It surfaced as wildfires raged across Los Angeles, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. The wildfires -- fanned by southern California's strong, dry Santa Ana winds -- have claimed at least 27 lives and wreaked billions of dollars of devastation (archived link). The video's caption included hashtags for "California" and "wildfires". The footage was shared alongside similar claims here, here and here. The clip, however, was not filmed in Los Angeles. Reverse image searches on Google using keyframes from the falsely shared video led to the same footage on TikTok posted on October 28, 2024 (archived link). The user who uploaded the video commented in Arabic that it shows "Baghdad stores in Al-Dhilal Street". Elements in the clip match similar videos about the fire published in media reports. White and yellow shop signs from the falsely shared video can be seen in a report about the fire posted by Iraqi TV channel Al Sharqiya to its YouTube channel on October 28, 2024 (archived link). Al Sharqiya's video is titled, "Baghdad wakes up to the effects of the cold storage fire. Initial estimates of losses in Al-Dhilal Street are about 30 billion dinars". The same signs can also be seen in a report posted by Iraqi broadcaster Zagros TV on TikTok on October 30, 2024 (archived link). The report shows a sign for a shop named "Ziggurat" at its 2:42 mark, which AFP geolocated on Google Earth (archived link). The small tree on the street's median strip and a post in front of the shop correspond to features from the satellite imagery of Al-Dhilal Street. The LA wildfires have spawned a slew of misinformation, some of which AFP has debunked here, here and here.
