Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qassimi Highlights Centre’s Mandateto Position Sharjah in Regional and Global Media
His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Corporation, headed a delegation to Paris, as part of an endeavour to forge ties with leading media organisations in France. Osama Samra,Director of Sharjah Media Centre (SMC), the communications arm of the government of Sharjah,was a key member of the delegation.
The visit served to take forward the objective of Sharjah Media Centre to position Sharjah in the internationale media landscape through expanding the scope of cooperation and synergy with key media houses globally.
During the tour, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi and the team visited a number of major French media organizations in Paris, including thegroup headquarters of the government-run Radio France Internationale, France 24 TV channel, and Radio Monte CarloDoualiya (International).
Frank Melloul, Vice-President of Strategy, Research and Business Development,AudiovisuelExterieur de la France France, John Maguire, Director of International Development, Radio France Internationale,His Excellency AntonieCormery, Director of the academy at AudiovisuelExterieur de la France, Karen Oswald, Director of International Relations for the Middle East and North Africa, and NahidaNakad, Director, Arabic Language Channels, France 24, were among the key officials that welcomed the Sharjah delegation.
Discussions among the heads of media organizations focused on the possibility of cooperation between Sharjah Media Centre and Radio France Internationale,Radio Monte Carlo Internationale and TV France 24 that comprises three channels in Arabic, French and English.
Opportunities for correspondents across the group’s channels and stations to cover events and activities taking place in Sharjah throughout the year were examined.The two parties also discussed areasfor hosting joint initiatives such as media training and enhancingongoing communication between the two sides.
His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimiemphasised upon the prominent role of Sharjah Media Centre inhighlighting the economic, cultural and social elements of Sharjah.He also outlined the efforts of the centre to establish channels for joint cooperation with major regional and international media organizations, which is inline with the centre’s strategy and objectives. Furthermore, he offered a brief on the message that SMCseeks to deliver to the world.
His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimisaid:“Sharjah Media Centre aims to positionSharjah on the regional and international media map and give the emirate its rightful place in the global community.Towards this end, SMC seeks to foster communication withjournalists and media persons from across the world. The Sharjah Media Centre is committed to offering the mediaan opportunity to meet with decision-makers to exchange ideas on relevant issues. Our visit today to the most prominent French media institutions translates our efforts to achieve the centre’s core mandate.”
Osama Samra, Director of Sharjah Media Centre, said: “This visit comes as part of our scheduled tour to meet major media organizations worldwide to define our role as the communications arm of the government of Sharjah. Envisioned toencouragea fair reportageofthe emirate inthe local, regional and international media, SMC is committed to strengthening relations between the media and government bodies in the emirate.Additionally, SMCprioritises the dissemination ofinformation in a fast and accurate manner.”
Samrainvited thestations and channels of France Television and Radio Group to attend the Government Communication Forum 2013 for sharing their wide expertise in all media segments with the event participants.
Frank Melloul accompanied His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi and the Sharjah delegation on a tour of the TV France 24 and Radio France International offices including the newsroom and studios.The latest techniques of satellite broadcasting used at the French media centre were highlighted during the tour. His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi was also briefed onthe functioning of the sections in addition tothe publishing process and mechanisms for collating information from across the world.He was additionally informed about the television studio project for Al Sharq Al Awsat newspaper, which will serve as a paradigm shift in the world of new media.
The meeting concluded with the two sides exchangingsouvenirs.His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi presented a copy of the French edition of the book “Self Narrative”, one of the most prominent works of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
The visiting delegation invited the French media to register for membership with the Sharjah Media Centre,whichis open to individuals working in the media sector within the UAE and worldwide.
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