Israel moves to sever ties with Haaretz following publisher’s ‘freedom fighters’ remarks

Israel moves to sever ties with Haaretz following publisher’s ‘freedom fighters’ remarks
Haaretz publisher Amos Shocken. (Getty Images/file photo)
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Updated 01 November 2024
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Israel moves to sever ties with Haaretz following publisher’s ‘freedom fighters’ remarks

Israel moves to sever ties with Haaretz following publisher’s ‘freedom fighters’ remarks
  • Publisher Amos Schocken delivered harsh criticism of Israeli policies, prompting government to call for restrictions on newspaper

LONDON: Israel is moving to sever ties and impose restrictions on the newspaper Haaretz after its publisher Amos Schocken referred to Palestinians as “freedom fighters” in a speech in London on Sunday.

Israel’s Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi on Thursday submitted a proposal calling for a range of restrictions on Haaretz following Schocken’s comments.

Moves include halting any new government contracts with the newspaper, including individual subscriptions for state employees, and canceling current agreements wherever legally feasible.

“All current agreements with Haaretz, including personal subscriptions, will be canceled as legally feasible,” Karhi’s proposal said, adding that the Government Advertising Bureau will be directed to withdraw all advertisements from the publication and seek refunds for any outstanding payments.

The proposal follows a similar measure put forward by Karhi in November 2023 when he accused Haaretz of undermining Israel’s war effort in Gaza.

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel also ordered an immediate halt to cooperation with Haaretz on Wednesday, saying in a letter that the government “cannot and will not remain silent in the face of harm to IDF soldiers and the state’s efforts to protect its citizens.”




Logo of Haaretz, English edition. (Wikimedia Commons)

The Interior Ministry’s official statement described Schocken’s comments as “deeply offensive and revealing a fundamental departure from core values.”

Speaking at a Haaretz conference in London — titled “Israel After Oct. 7: Ally or Alone?” — Schocken criticized Israeli policies and the current government, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration of “imposing a cruel apartheid regime on the Palestinian population.”

He told attendees: “It dismisses the costs of both sides for defending the settlements while fighting the Palestinian freedom fighters, that Israel calls terrorists.”

Schocken, who has led the left-leaning publication since 1990, condemned Israel’s settlement policies, asserting that the only viable solution was the establishment of a Palestinian state.

He said: “A Palestinian state must be established. And the only way to achieve this, I think, is to apply sanctions against Israel, against the leaders who oppose it, and against the settlers.”

Following a strong backlash, Schocken clarified his remarks to indicate that he did not consider groups like Hamas to be “freedom fighters,” and emphasized his support for those who resisted occupation without resorting to terrorism.

He said: “Given the reactions to my labeling Palestinians who commit acts of terror as freedom fighters, I have reconsidered my words.

“Many freedom fighters around the world and throughout history, possibly even those who fought for Israel’s establishment, committed terrible acts of terrorism, harming innocent people to achieve their goals.

“I should have said freedom fighters who also resort to terror tactics — which must be combated. The use of terror is not legitimate.”

Schocken, the son of Gershom Schocken who was the editor and publisher of Haaretz for over 50 years, faced similar criticism in September for advocating international intervention against the Netanyahu administration, comparing the situation in Israel to apartheid-era South Africa.
 


Spotify announces Taylor Swift as Saudi’s most-streamed artist for second successive year

Spotify announces Taylor Swift as Saudi’s most-streamed artist for second successive year
Updated 05 December 2024
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Spotify announces Taylor Swift as Saudi’s most-streamed artist for second successive year

Spotify announces Taylor Swift as Saudi’s most-streamed artist for second successive year
  • Ayed Yousef most-streamed Arab artist in the Kingdom in 2024

DUBAI: Spotify has released its annual Wrapped report, a roundup of the most popular artists, songs, albums and podcasts streamed in each country over the past year, as well as a personalized experience for each user based on their own activity on the platform during that time.

Taylor Swift has topped the chart as the most-streamed artist in Saudi Arabia for the second year in a row.

Saudi listening habits are consistent with global trends with Swift ranking first, followed by Canadian artist The Weeknd in the Kingdom and globally.

Billie Eilish comes in third, followed by Travis Scott and Drake who rank fourth and fifth as the most-streamed artists of 2024 in the Kingdom.

Globally, Puerto Rican sensation Bad Bunny comes in third, followed by Eilish and Drake.

This year, podcasts have grown in popularity in the Kingdom with “Finjan Ma’ Abdel El Rahman Abo Maleh” topping the charts for the second consecutive year.

“Each year, the podcast landscape in Saudi Arabia increasingly reflects the country’s cultural shifts,” said Rhea Chedid, Spotify’s editorial lead and senior podcast manager for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.

The report revealed “a resounding preference for Arabic podcasts, particularly those that weave long stories, highlighting Saudis’ love for rich, narrative-driven content,” she told Arab News.

There has been a surge in the popularity of music-related podcasts reflecting the burgeoning music scene in the Kingdom and ongoing efforts to nurture it, Chedid added.

Ayed Yousef tops the list of most-streamed Arab artists in Saudi Arabia, with his songs “Lammah” and “Rdy” ranking among Spotify’s most-streamed Arabic songs in the Kingdom.

He is followed by Abdul Majeed Abdullah and Rashed Al-Majed in second and third place, and Assala and Majid Al-Mohandis in fourth and fifth place respectively.

Most-streamed Arab artists in Saudi Arabia:

1. Ayed

2. Abdul Majeed Abdullah

3. Rashed Al-Majed

4. Assala

5. Majid Al-Mohandis

Most-streamed artists in Saudi Arabia:

1. Taylor Swift

2. The Weeknd

3. Billie Eilish

4. Travis Scott

5. Drake

Most-streamed songs in Saudi Arabia:

1. “Who” by Jimin

2. “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish

3. “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter

4. “Love Me Again” by V

5. “End of Beginning” by Djo

Most popular podcasts in Saudi Arabia:

1. “Finjan Ma’ Abdel El Rahman Abo Maleh”

2. “Jinaayah”

3.. “Areeka”

4. “Sahib”

5. “Yasir Khair”

Spotify users can access their personalized Wrapped experience on its mobile app and website.


MBC Group companies sign MoUs with TikTok

MBC Group companies sign MoUs with TikTok
Updated 05 December 2024
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MBC Group companies sign MoUs with TikTok

MBC Group companies sign MoUs with TikTok
  • Potential partnerships will see the companies collaborate on creating content and selling adverts

DUBAI: Leading regional media company MBC Group has overseen the signings of memorandums of understanding between two of the group’s companies, MBC Media and MBC Media Solutions, with short-form video company TikTok.

The former MoU aims to leverage the expertise of both companies in creating content for TikTok. As part of the potential agreement, MBC Media will create content for TikTok across verticals including entertainment, lifestyle, and music.

The partnership reflects “both companies’ commitment to innovative content creation to meet the diverse needs of audiences in the rapidly evolving KSA market,” according to a statement.

The second MoU, between MBC’s in-house commercial advertising and sales arm MMS and TikTok, will see MMS become the official advertising partner of the short-form video platform in Saudi Arabia. 

The agreement will see MMS provide advertisers access to TikTok’s ad formats in the Kingdom through an advertising reselling program.

MMS is already familiar with this role given that it was appointed the official reseller of TikTok in Egypt in May 2023.

MBC Group and TikTok have worked together in the past through initiatives like a film-making competition, called #FilmOnTikTok, in collaboration with MBC Group’s educational and training arm, MBC Academy in 2021.

In 2023, TikTok and MMS renewed a partnership that allowed TikTok advertisers to pair their advertising with unique MBC content throughout Ramadan.


Netflix launches two-day ‘fan experience’ in Jeddah

Netflix launches two-day ‘fan experience’ in Jeddah
Updated 05 December 2024
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Netflix launches two-day ‘fan experience’ in Jeddah

Netflix launches two-day ‘fan experience’ in Jeddah
  • Event will run on Dec. 5 and 6 at Le Chateau Mall

DUBAI: Netflix is hosting an interactive two-day “fan experience” in Jeddah’s Le Chateau Mall on Dec. 5 and 6, the company said.

The event will feature several zones, each dedicated to Netflix’s international and Arabic series, movies and games.

For example, visitors can create a personalized scent inspired by the show “Finding Ola” or engage in games and challenges in the areas dedicated to sports doc series “Saudi Pro League: Kickoff” and Kuwaiti series “The Exchange.”

Other zones dedicated to the Middle East include one for “AlKhallat+,” the first Saudi movie to be created for Netflix; “Ras B Ras,” an action feature film from Saudi creators Abdulaziz Al-Muzaini and Malik Nejer; and “Love is Blind Habibi,” the Arab version of the international reality show “Love is Blind.”

Visitors can also walk into the Wednesday Addams’ bedroom from the show “Wednesday,” enjoy high tea at a “Bridgerton”-inspired cafe and participate in a challenge inspired by “One Piece” character Monkey D. Luffy.

The brand experience will also include photo ops, live entertainment and a meet-and-greet with actors and creators.

The free event will run from 4 p.m. to midnight.


PUBG Mobile and Qiddiya Gaming announce partnership

PUBG Mobile and Qiddiya Gaming announce partnership
Updated 05 December 2024
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PUBG Mobile and Qiddiya Gaming announce partnership

PUBG Mobile and Qiddiya Gaming announce partnership
  • Collaboration reflects ‘shared commitment to elevating the gaming ecosystem’

DUBAI: PUBG Mobile, a multiplayer mobile battle game, has teamed up with Saudi Arabia’s electronic sports and gaming district Qiddiya Gaming to provide exclusive in-game content and new e-sports experiences.

Qiddiya Gaming will also play an “integral role” in and “supercharge” the PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2024, which is scheduled to take place in London from Dec. 6-8, according to a statement.

The exclusive in-game content has been developed in collaboration with Qiddiya Gaming and will be available on PUBG Mobile in the game’s “World of Wonder” mode that offers different templates for players to build their own battleground with its own rules.

This collaboration reflects a “shared commitment to elevating the gaming ecosystem” and pushes “the boundaries of innovative gameplay,” the statement said.

More details about Qiddiya’s role in the championship and in-game content will be revealed at a later date.

Earlier this year, PUBG Mobile debuted at Saudi Arabia’s Esports World Cup. The game’s developer, Level Infinite, partnered with the Esports World Cup Foundation to collaborate on various projects over the next three years.

Located in Qiddiya City, the gaming and e-sports district will be home to several dedicated e-sports venues, including one that will be one of the three biggest in the world. The district covers more than 500,000 sq. meters of gaming space and aims to attract 10 million visits annually, with 100,000 sq. meters dedicated to retail, dining and entertainment venues.

 


Saudi Journalists Association approves draft regulations for Journalists Support Fund

Saudi Journalists Association approves draft regulations for Journalists Support Fund
Updated 05 December 2024
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Saudi Journalists Association approves draft regulations for Journalists Support Fund

Saudi Journalists Association approves draft regulations for Journalists Support Fund
  • The regulations approved at the meeting — chaired by Adhwan Al-Ahmari — aimed at providing various services and support to fellow journalists across the Kingdom

RIYADH: The board of directors of the Saudi Journalists Association approved draft regulations for the Journalists Support Fund as well as discussed other topics during its meeting on Wednesday.

The regulations approved at the meeting — chaired by Adhwan Al-Ahmari — aimed at providing various services and support to fellow journalists across the Kingdom. The board also adopted a comprehensive strategy for the SJA’s work on different levels for the next three years.

Other items discussed were the approval of the Human Capital Development Initiative, proposed by the chairman in collaboration with several entities. In the context of expanding the SJA’s activities, the board also approved the opening of a new branch in Jeddah.

Additionally, the board approved a plan to invest the association’s assets into some parts of the main building in Riyadh, and authorized the Investment and Resource Development Committee to oversee the implementation.

Members also reviewed the performance and review report of various committees’ activities during the past period and commended the efforts made, emphasizing the importance of enhancing quality programs and activities that meet current needs.

The meeting reaffirmed the association’s commitment to continuing to develop performance and enhance its role in supporting journalists, keeping up with changes in the media sector, and serving the interests of the journalistic community.