ANKARA
Anadolu Agency (AA) will launch its broadcast in French on its 94th anniversary on April 6, as part of its vision to rank among the world's five most influential news agencies. It aims to broadcast news in 11 languages by its 100th anniversary.
The inclusion of French will bring AA's broadcasting up to seven different languages including Turkish, English, Arabic, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BCS), Russian and Kurdish.
The Tunisia-based French publications are planned to serve French-speaking countries, especially Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, France and Belgium.
- Broadcasting the voice of Africa to the world
Under the headings of politics, economy, sports, tourism, lifestyle, and arts and culture, the French publications of the Middle East and Africa Regional Directorate will broadcast developments in Turkey and across the world with photos and videos. Meanwhile, significant developments in French-speaking Africa will be published in Turkish, Arabic, English, Russian, Kurdish and Bosnian.
AA’s French service will closely follow investment opportunities, political developments, and Turkey’s economic and political activities in the African region.
In addition to regional offices in Senegal's capital Dakar, Paris and Brussels, AA will also employ the services of its reporters and freelance journalists in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Central African Republic, Mali, Gabon, Madagascar and the Comoros Islands.
-Trial broadcast on February 3
By visiting and communicating with African media over a four month period, AA established an office for its Tunisia-based projects. AA's efforts to open an office in Dakar are ongoing.
The personnel selected for the French News Service out of nearly 300 applicants will be trained at AA’s News Academy by academics and experienced journalists. Upon completing the trial broadcasts beginning on February 3, the service is expected to be ready for publication on April 6.
The news, which will at first be provided for free on AA’s News Transmission System (HAS), will later be serviced to media organizations through the subscription system.
With its principles of being “Reliable, impartial, ethical and fast,” AA aims to supply a breath of fresh air to African media through its French publications.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
