Lights Out…

The AP’s Amy Sawitta Lefevre writes about CNN, the BBC, and Al Jazeera being taken off the air in Thailand…

One of the first actions taken by the generals now running the country was to impose sweeping censorship across the media.

The crackdown on the media appeared to be more vigorous than after the last of Thailand’s frequent coups, in 2006, perhaps, according to some observers, due to greater opposition to the army’s action and a more defiant “blogosphere” online.

“Measures became more aggressive after the coup announcement and now critical opinions are not allowed to be published, broadcast or circulated,” said a television presenter at a state-run station, who declined to be named for fear of breaking the law. “The military have threatened prosecution for any defiance.”

Prayuth’s announcement was followed by bulletins from the army’s own channel, interspersed with patriotic martial music.

Radio and television stations were ordered to suspend normal programming and air only military broadcasts and official content. Media outlets that tried live streaming online through YouTube channels were soon closed.

The blackout extended to foreign broadcasters including CNN, the BBC and Aljazeera. By mid-afternoon on Friday, none were back on air.

Mandela Funeral Broadcast Spat

The Times’ Jerome Starkey has an bizarre story about Nelson Mandela’s (eventual) funeral and the fight over broadcast rights…

Makaziwe Mandela, the former president’s eldest daughter, held talks with the South African Broadcasting Corp and government officials last month demanding “preferential” access for CNN, the American network.

Although details of Mr Mandela’s state funeral have not been released – it is deemed inappropriate while he clings to life in hospital – it is expected to be one of the most widely watched send-offs in broadcasting history.

Ms Mandela’s insistence on having CNN present comes despite the BBC spending months advising South Africa’s state broadcaster on how best to manage a major ceremonial event.

The news is likely to inflame tensions with her nephew Mandla, who was accused by network executives of selling exclusive broadcasting rights to SABC in 2008. He denied the deal but lost control of the funeral arrangements last week after Makaziwe Mandela won a court ruling.

The ruling also forced Mandla to return the bodies of the former president’s three dead children from his own village of Mvezo, in the Eastern Cape, to Qunu, where the anti-apartheid hero grew up.

A spokesman for CNN denied paying for special broadcasting rights, but sources inside the company confirmed they had been in touch with Makaziwe Mandela across many years and that discussions included how they could best cover the funeral.

It is understood CNN is hoping to have a camera and a correspondent inside Mr Mandela’s house and at the graveside. If the plan goes ahead, it will be the only broadcaster with its own crew inside the Mandela compound. The rest of the world’s media will be forced to rely on a live feed from the SABC.

BBC World News Announces New Global Marketing Campaign…

BBC World News announced a new global marketing campaign called “Live the Story” today….

BBC World News and BBC.com/news launch ‘Live the Story’ global marketing campaign

London, 13 March 2013—Today the BBC announced that on 14th March, BBC World News and BBC.com will launch ‘Live the Story,’ a new brand positioning and major global marketing campaign. The activity will include television, press, online, radio, Out of Home and experiential media. The campaign will span consumer and trade media with particular focus on Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong and additional activity across other European markets and the US.

The ‘Live the Story’ campaign focuses on BBC World News and BBC.com/news and our unique ability to engage audiences through our reporting. With more journalists in more places than any other international news broadcaster, the BBC brings unrivalled depth and insight to news from around the world and, because our journalists live the story, our audience can live the story along with them.