Latest news with #Pact
Daily News Egypt
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Standing Between Conflict and Hope: Time to Equip UN Peacekeepers for Tomorrow's Challenges
As the United Nations (UN) marks its 80th anniversary, the legacy of UN peacekeeping stands as one of the clearest and most enduring expressions of multilateral cooperation. For nearly eight decades, the service and sacrifice of Blue Helmets have saved and changed lives—helping countries navigate the difficult path from war to peace. From Cyprus to Lebanon, and from the Central African Republic to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, more than 76,000 civilian, military, and police personnel currently serve in 11 missions around the world. These men and women offer a lifeline to millions living in some of the world's most fragile political and security environments. In light of these growing pressures, it is essential to rethink the role of peacekeeping within the broader international peace and security architecture. As President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has rightly asserted 'peacekeeping—while a vital tool of the international community—should not be viewed as the sole means of maintaining peace'. H.E further emphasized that 'it cannot substitute preventive diplomacy, mediation, peacebuilding, or the political, economic, and social measures necessary to address root causes and mend societal fractures', underscoring that 'peacekeeping must not become the default or immediate response to every crisis'. This year's International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed under the theme 'The Future of Peacekeeping'—a theme that could not be more timely or relevant. Peacekeeping today faces mounting and unprecedented challenges. Conflicts are growing longer, deadlier, and more complex. They increasingly spill across borders and are exacerbated by terrorism, organized crime, cyber warfare, disinformation, and the weaponization of technology. Climate change, meanwhile, deepens instability in already-vulnerable regions. And divergent views within the UN Security Council have made consensus more elusive — slowing the pace of action, precisely when urgency is most needed. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres bluntly put it: 'Trust is in short supply among—and within—countries and regions… This is a grim diagnosis, but we must face facts.' Among the most urgent issues is the growing and persistent mismatch between what peacekeeping missions are asked to achieve and the resources that are not available to do so. This undermines effectiveness and places peacekeepers in situations 'where there is little or no peace to keep'. The Pact for the Future, adopted at the 2024 Summit of the Future, offers a moment of reckoning—and opportunity. It affirms that peace operations can only succeed when backed by political will and accompanied by inclusive strategies that address the root causes of conflict. It rightly emphasizes the need for peacekeeping missions to be supported by predictable, adequate, and sustained financing. The Pact also mandates a comprehensive review of UN peace operations—a chance to rethink and reform the peacekeeping model. Today's high-risk environments demand that missions be equipped with the right tools, partnerships, and strategies to protect civilians and support peacebuilding effectively. Egypt, through its 65 years of active participation in United Nations peacekeeping has long demonstrated a strong, sustained and unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. Since it first deployed troops to the UN Operation in the Congo in 1960, Egypt has contributed over 30,000 of its sons and daughters to 37 missions across 24 countries and has consistently remained one of the top contributors of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping. Egypt currently has 1205 peacekeepers, including women, serving across five missions in Africa Egypt's longstanding record of service and sacrifice in peacekeeping is globally recognized. This is reflected in its re-election as Rapporteur of the UN Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, its recent election to the UN Peacebuilding Commission, and its appointment as co-facilitator for the upcoming 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review in both the General Assembly and the Security Council. Egypt's leadership in peacekeeping is not limited to troop contributions. It plays an active role in shaping strategic thinking around reform. Through the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA)—an African Union Center of Excellence. Egypt has championed context-sensitive, innovative, and inclusive peace operations. The CCCPA emphasizes prevention, civilian protection, and regional partnerships while strengthening the participation of women in peacekeeping, in line with the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Through the CCCPA annual Aswan Forum, Egypt further promotes African-led solutions and stronger peacekeeping–peacebuilding synergies. This work, carried out in close cooperation with the UN in Egypt, is a prime example of effective South-South cooperation and the value of locally driven solutions. Egypt also actively contributes to training African and international uniformed peacekeepers through specialized facilities operated by the Ministry of Interior via the Egyptian Center for Peacekeeping Operations, and by the Ministry of Defense through its Liaison Agency with International Organizations (LAWIO). Egypt is also a staunch supporter of the UN Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative. In 2018, Egypt convened a landmark high-level international conference aimed at improving peacekeeping effectiveness. The event led to the 'Cairo Roadmap for Peacekeeping Operations,' a concrete framework of shared commitments that was later endorsed by the African Union in 2020. This year, as we remember the 4,430 peacekeepers who have given their lives in the pursuit of peace, we must go beyond commemoration by upholding the principles for which they paid the ultimate sacrifice. Over 60 Egyptian peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives while serving as part of UN operations across the globe. Their sacrifice is a sobering reminder of the growing risks peacekeepers face, and our collective duty to ensure they are provided with the necessary means to fulfill their mandates. At the recently concluded 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin this May, Egypt reaffirmed its strong commitment to advancing UN peacekeeping through planned deployments, the preparation of well-trained officers, and expanded training efforts. It pledged to provide specialized capabilities, deploy qualified personnel to UN missions, and enhance training in coordination with international partners. Egypt also highlighted the importance of integrating technology, drawing on lessons from regional transitions, and promoting gender parity—underscoring its intention to surpass the UN's targets for women's participation in uniformed roles. As the United Nations continues to face significant challenges and in the context of a region affected by multiple conflicts, Egypt has stood firm as a staunch and reliable partner to global peace and security. Furthermore, Egypt has expressed its readiness to provide all necessary support for the UN80 initiative this year in order to help make it a success to achieve effectiveness and rationalization to help meet the acute financial challenges faced by the United Nations and peacekeeping. In that regard, Egypt's readiness and preparedness to host United Nations' agencies, programs and offices that might be up for relocation as per the UN80 initiative is to be highly commended. Egypt's strategic location—at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East—positions it as a natural hub for connectivity and cooperation. Its central time zone and proximity to key regions make it an ideal and cost-effective location, reducing travel time and facilitating seamless coordination. With direct access to both the Red Sea and the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal – a vital artery of global trade – Egypt offers unmatched maritime connectivity. It's highly connected international airports and geographical proximity to conflict zones further enhances its relevance as a center for diplomacy, crisis response and peacekeeping efforts. Egypt's vast experience with peacekeeping and related provision of humanitarian assistance are certainly also worth highlighting as advantageous. As host to multiple international and regional organizations and offices including the seat of the League of Arab States and with over 140 represented embassies in Cairo, Egypt remains a geo-political hub with an already strong United Nations' presence, a modern infrastructure, and well-recognized levels of safety. As the Secretary-General has said: 'Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations—and the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today's realities and tomorrow's challenges.' Peacekeeping missions are under strain. However, with renewed multilateral resolve, adequate resourcing, and bold reforms, we can empower UN peacekeepers to remain a vital force for peace, stability, and hope in a troubled world, and Egypt, in cooperation with the United Nations remains at the forefront of nations providing such support. Joint Op-ed by Ambassador Khaled El Bakly, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs for Multilateral & International Security Affairs Elena Panova, UN Egypt Resident Coordinator
See - Sada Elbalad
29-05-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Standing Between Conflict and Hope: Time to Equip UN Peacekeepers for Tomorrow's Challenges
Joint Op-ed by Ambassador Khaled El Bakly & Elena Panova As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, the legacy of UN peacekeeping stands as one of the clearest and most enduring expressions of multilateral cooperation. For nearly eight decades, the service and sacrifice of Blue Helmets have saved and changed lives—helping countries navigate the difficult path from war to peace. From Cyprus to Lebanon, and from the Central African Republic to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, more than 76,000 civilian, military, and police personnel currently serve in 11 missions around the world. These men and women offer a lifeline to millions living in some of the world's most fragile political and security environments. In light of these growing pressures, it is essential to rethink the role of peacekeeping within the broader international peace and security architecture. As President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has rightly asserted 'peacekeeping—while a vital tool of the international community—should not be viewed as the sole means of maintaining peace'. H.E further emphasized that 'it cannot substitute preventive diplomacy, mediation, peacebuilding, or the political, economic, and social measures necessary to address root causes and mend societal fractures', underscoring that 'peacekeeping must not become the default or immediate response to every crisis'. This year's International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed under the theme 'The Future of Peacekeeping'—a theme that could not be more timely or relevant. Peacekeeping today faces mounting and unprecedented challenges. Conflicts are growing longer, deadlier, and more complex. They increasingly spill across borders and are exacerbated by terrorism, organized crime, cyber warfare, disinformation, and the weaponization of technology. Climate change, meanwhile, deepens instability in already-vulnerable regions. And divergent views within the UN Security Council have made consensus more elusive — slowing the pace of action, precisely when urgency is most needed. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres bluntly put it: 'Trust is in short supply among—and within—countries and regions… This is a grim diagnosis, but we must face facts.' Among the most urgent issues is the growing and persistent mismatch between what peacekeeping missions are asked to achieve and the resources that are not available to do so. This undermines effectiveness and places peacekeepers in situations 'where there is little or no peace to keep'. The Pact for the Future, adopted at the 2024 Summit of the Future, offers a moment of reckoning—and opportunity. It affirms that peace operations can only succeed when backed by political will and accompanied by inclusive strategies that address the root causes of conflict. It rightly emphasizes the need for peacekeeping missions to be supported by predictable, adequate, and sustained financing. The Pact also mandates a comprehensive review of UN peace operations—a chance to rethink and reform the peacekeeping model. Today's high-risk environments demand that missions be equipped with the right tools, partnerships, and strategies to protect civilians and support peacebuilding effectively. Egypt, through its 65 years of active participation in United Nations peacekeeping has long demonstrated a strong, sustained and unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. Since it first deployed troops to the UN Operation in the Congo in 1960, Egypt has contributed over 30,000 of its sons and daughters to 37 missions across 24 countries and has consistently remained one of the top contributors of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping. Egypt currently has 1205 peacekeepers, including women, serving across five missions in Africa Egypt's longstanding record of service and sacrifice in peacekeeping is globally recognized. This is reflected in its re-election as Rapporteur of the UN Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, its recent election to the UN Peacebuilding Commission, and its appointment as co-facilitator for the upcoming 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review in both the General Assembly and the Security Council. Egypt's leadership in peacekeeping is not limited to troop contributions. It plays an active role in shaping strategic thinking around reform. Through the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA)—an African Union Center of Excellence. Egypt has championed context-sensitive, innovative, and inclusive peace operations. The CCCPA emphasizes prevention, civilian protection, and regional partnerships while strengthening the participation of women in peacekeeping, in line with the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Through the CCCPA annual Aswan Forum, Egypt further promotes African-led solutions and stronger peacekeeping–peacebuilding synergies. This work, carried out in close cooperation with the UN in Egypt, is a prime example of effective South-South cooperation and the value of locally driven solutions. Egypt also actively contributes to training African and international uniformed peacekeepers through specialized facilities operated by the Ministry of Interior via the Egyptian Center for Peacekeeping Operations, and by the Ministry of Defense through its Liaison Agency with International Organizations (LAWIO). Egypt is also a staunch supporter of the UN Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative. In 2018, Egypt convened a landmark high-level international conference aimed at improving peacekeeping effectiveness. The event led to the 'Cairo Roadmap for Peacekeeping Operations,' a concrete framework of shared commitments that was later endorsed by the African Union in 2020. This year, as we remember the 4,430 peacekeepers who have given their lives in the pursuit of peace, we must go beyond commemoration by upholding the principles for which they paid the ultimate sacrifice. Over 60 Egyptian peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives while serving as part of UN operations across the globe. Their sacrifice is a sobering reminder of the growing risks peacekeepers face, and our collective duty to ensure they are provided with the necessary means to fulfill their mandates. At the recently concluded 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin this May, Egypt reaffirmed its strong commitment to advancing UN peacekeeping through planned deployments, the preparation of well-trained officers, and expanded training efforts. It pledged to provide specialized capabilities, deploy qualified personnel to UN missions, and enhance training in coordination with international partners. Egypt also highlighted the importance of integrating technology, drawing on lessons from regional transitions, and promoting gender parity—underscoring its intention to surpass the UN's targets for women's participation in uniformed roles. As the United Nations continues to face significant challenges and in the context of a region affected by multiple conflicts, Egypt has stood firm as a staunch and reliable partner to global peace and security. Furthermore, Egypt has expressed its readiness to provide all necessary support for the UN80 initiative this year in order to help make it a success to achieve effectiveness and rationalization to help meet the acute financial challenges faced by the United Nations and peacekeeping. In that regard, Egypt's readiness and preparedness to host United Nations' agencies, programs and offices that might be up for relocation as per the UN80 initiative is to be highly commended. Egypt's strategic location—at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East—positions it as a natural hub for connectivity and cooperation. Its central time zone and proximity to key regions make it an ideal and cost-effective location, reducing travel time and facilitating seamless coordination. With direct access to both the Red Sea and the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal - a vital artery of global trade - Egypt offers unmatched maritime connectivity. It's highly connected international airports and geographical proximity to conflict zones further enhances its relevance as a center for diplomacy, crisis response and peacekeeping efforts. Egypt's vast experience with peacekeeping and related provision of humanitarian assistance are certainly also worth highlighting as advantageous. As host to multiple international and regional organizations and offices including the seat of the League of Arab States and with over 140 represented embassies in Cairo, Egypt remains a geo-political hub with an already strong United Nations' presence, a modern infrastructure, and well-recognized levels of safety. As the Secretary-General has said: 'Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations—and the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today's realities and tomorrow's challenges.' Peacekeeping missions are under strain. However, with renewed multilateral resolve, adequate resourcing, and bold reforms, we can empower UN peacekeepers to remain a vital force for peace, stability, and hope in a troubled world, and Egypt, in cooperation with the United Nations remains at the forefront of nations providing such support. read more Analysis- Turkey Has 0 Regional Allies... Why? Analysis: Russia, Turkey... Libya in Return For Syria? Analysis: Who Will Gain Trump's Peace Plan Fruits? Analysis: Will Turkey's Erdogan Resort to Snap Election? Analysis: What Are Turkey's Aspirations in Iraq? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Mercenaries In Libya... Who Should Be Blamed? Opinion & Analysis Analysis- How 'Libya Nightmare' Takes Erdogan to Algiers Opinion & Analysis Analysis: What Happens After Brexit? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Strategic Significance of Libya's Sirte, Jufra! News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
See - Sada Elbalad
26-05-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
UN Chief Calls for Reparatory Justice, Greater Global Inclusion on Africa Day 2025
Ahmed Emam On the occasion of Africa Day, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a powerful message recognizing Africa's dynamic potential while urging the international community to confront historic injustices and support inclusive, sustainable development across the continent. 'Africa is rich in heritage, vibrant in diversity, and remarkable in its contributions to our global community,' Guterres said in his statement. He highlighted the continent's rapidly growing youth population and its emergence as a leader in renewable energy and technological innovation. Yet, he cautioned, Africa continues to endure the enduring consequences of slavery, colonialism, apartheid, and systemic racism. These legacies, the Secretary-General said, have left deep scars and perpetuated inequality for Africans and people of African descent worldwide. The 2025 Africa Day theme calls for confronting these shameful legacies. In response, Guterres renewed his call for 'reparatory justice that is grounded in accountability, reconciliation, and equity.' He also drew attention to the "Pact for the Future", adopted in September 2024, as a framework for global reform that includes enhanced African representation in global decision-making bodies such as the UN Security Council and a restructured international financial system that prioritizes debt relief and sustainable financing for African nations. The Pact also includes the "Global Digital Compact", a major initiative to bridge the digital divide and promote the ethical use of artificial intelligence—measures the Secretary-General emphasized as vital for Africa's equitable integration into the global economy. Praising Africa's leadership in regional cooperation, Guterres pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a transformative opportunity for economic integration and growth. 'At a time when barriers are being erected, Africa leads by example,' he said. He called for continued global support in Africa's clean energy transition, emphasizing that the continent must be the primary beneficiary of its own critical mineral resources—essential to the global shift toward renewable energy. Reaffirming the UN's commitment to peace and security in Africa, Guterres pledged to continue supporting efforts to 'silence the guns, tackle terrorism, and safeguard human rights for all.' 'On this Africa Day, let us recommit to not only addressing past wrongs, but also to building a sustainable future for the people of Africa grounded in peace, dignity, and opportunity for all,' the Secretary-General concluded. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Telegraph
24-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
The painful death of daytime TV
When ITV announced it was overhauling its daytime schedule at a hastily assembled meeting this week, it was the latest in a string of demoralising blows for staff. The shake-up, which will lead to more than 220 job losses and sweeping scheduling changes for shows including Good Morning Britain, comes amid broader cutbacks at the channel as it grapples with an uncertain future. But it also forms part of a wider trend that has seen under-pressure broadcasters wielding the axe on trusty daytime stalwarts as they shift focus instead to streaming-friendly hits. For industry executives, it's an inevitable shift as traditional TV channels are forced to maintain their broadcast schedules while also fending off the competition from deep-pocketed streaming rivals. For others, though, it raises concerns about the demise of a popular genre of programming that will hurt the industry and viewers alike. 'I think it's a bit of a canary in the coalmine, what's happened,' says John McVay, the chief executive of Pact, which represents production companies. 'You're going to see a lot of those daytime genres get decimated over the next few years.' ITV's programming shake-up will see it transfer production of breakfast show Good Morning Britain from its in-house studios to ITN, the production business that also makes news programmes for Channel 4 and Channel 5. GMB will be extended by half an hour. Meanwhile, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women will all now air just 30 weeks of the year. More than 200 jobs slashed It is the latest in a series of cuts at the public service broadcaster (PSB), which has already slashed more than 200 jobs and this year lifted its cost-saving target by a further £30m. But ITV is not alone in wielding the axe. Channel 4 has found itself at loggerheads with Britain's production sector over budget cutbacks in recent years. The broadcaster this week revealed it cut spending on programming to £643m last year – among the lowest content budgets in its history, when adjusted for inflation. SAS: Who Dares Wins, Steph's Packed Lunch and The Big Narstie Show are among a string of Channel 4 shows to have been cancelled in recent years. The BBC has also come under fire for its decision to axe daytime medical drama Doctors after 23 years. Screenwriter Philip Ralph branded the move a 'disastrous decision'. Underpinning these cancellations is a step change in audience habits as TV viewing increasingly moves away from broadcast – known in the industry as 'linear' – to online. The latest Ofcom figures show the average number of minutes of broadcast TV watched per day has tumbled by a quarter since 2018. While the switch-off is most acute among Gen Z, the research shows older viewers are increasingly turning to streaming as well. As Britons change how they watch TV, they are also changing what they watch. While breakfast TV was once the epicentre of ratings wars, helping to pull in significant sums of advertising, it is simply no longer in vogue. GMB pulled in an average audience of more than 1m prior to Piers Morgan's acrimonious departure in 2021. That figure now stands at closer to 700,000. Similarly, the rest of the daytime schedule is under pressure in a world of on-demand viewing and instant gratification. So commissioning editors are shifting their focus as audiences – and therefore advertising – decline. Big-ticket entertainment shows such as Britain's Got Talent or I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here still succeed in attracting large audiences on a Saturday night. In a fragmented market, this remains one of the few preserves of mass live viewing, alongside major sporting events. At the same time, reality TV and high-end dramas such as Mr Bates vs The Post Office drive viewers to a broadcaster's streaming service. This helps them wrestle back viewers from the likes of Netflix and win online advertising revenues. 'We have to adapt to the reality of the market' Yet daytime TV falls somewhere between the cracks. It does not pull in huge linear audiences, nor are viewers likely to seek it out on a streaming platform. Alex Mahon, the outgoing chief executive of Channel 4, says: 'What you want in the day is normally comforting programming that's not too demanding, and there's lots of other options that you can stream now of those kind of shows. So we have to adapt to the reality of that market.' Scott Bryan, a television critic, says: 'The shows we watch on streaming have always been different from the shows we watch on live TV. 'I think it's clear that for ITV to compete with streaming services, it has to continue to bump up its drama offering and its streaming offering. So, of course, that comes at the expense of daytime.' ITV insists daytime remains an important part of its schedule, adding that the changes will allow the channel to expand its news output. However, the channel also acknowledges that it will re-invest the cost savings in drama and sports. A report from Pact earlier this year showed broadcasters are moving their spending to higher-budget genres and peak-time entertainment at the expense of factual programmes and daytime TV. Ian Katz, the chief content officer at Channel 4, says: 'What you've seen over the last year or two, across the board, is a focus on the kind of shows that people love to stream – which tend to be reality shows, drama, glossier premium factual shows – and a push towards cheaper programming that is popular on linear that perhaps doesn't stream.' British TV ecosystem at risk The need to redirect budgets away from the 'middle' area of programming occupied by daytime TV comes as broadcasters warn of a funding crisis. Channel 4 is increasingly diverting its resources elsewhere. The youth-focused broadcaster this week struck a deal to air video clips on Spotify. It follows similar deals with TikTok and Snap, as well as a partnership with YouTube. For the production sector, it's a worrying trend. 'All the public service broadcasters are going for bigger, better, fewer,' says McVay. 'The change in commissioning is going to basically squeeze that [middle] part of production to the point where it barely exists.' Industry observers point out that daytime TV is a key training ground for staff such as producers and camera operators – who then go on to work on prime-time shows. If this pipeline of talent is scratched out, the whole British TV ecosystem could be at risk. 'If you tear up daytime too quickly or too recklessly then that can have a real negative consequence for the TV industry, at already quite a perilous time,' says Bryan. Katz acknowledges the problem. 'There is an important issue of how the industry transitions to a world where there's more of these kinds of shows and fewer of the shows in the middle,' he says. What does this mean for viewers? With ITV cutting down its daytime schedule to a so-called 'seasonal' timetable, this will inevitably mean more repeats. It comes as the BBC has also ramped up its use of repeats to fill the gap left by its cost-cutting move, reducing programming by 100 hours. As a result, the cutbacks risk depriving linear TV audiences – predominantly older viewers – of the programmes they know and love. Worse still, the crisis is not limited to 'off-peak' programming. Analysts say the early evening slots of 7pm and 8pm – traditionally home to lifestyle and consumer affairs shows – are also coming under pressure as viewers increasingly choose to switch on a streaming service, rather than browse the programme guide, when they get home from work. Meanwhile, Ofcom has repeatedly sounded the alarm that British comedy programming – particularly sitcoms – are at risk in the streaming age. Jon Petrie, the BBC director of comedy, said this week: 'Without decisive action from broadcasters, policymakers, and industry partners, the future of this uniquely British cultural and economic asset hangs in the balance.' Broadcasters can be forgiven for feeling they are in something of a bind. They are required to maintain costly broadcast infrastructure and air public service content all while adapting to the streaming age and fending off competition from well-resourced US rivals. As a result, many in the industry feel something has to give – and daytime TV is in the crosshairs. This will only become more acute as the industry moves towards a world in which all TV is delivered over the internet. With no schedule to fill and a world of on-demand at viewers' fingertips, the terrestrial switch-off could ultimately be the final nail in the coffin for many of Britain's daytime favourites.
Ya Biladi
23-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
French city Dreux and Dakhla forge friendship pact for future twinning
The French city of Dreux and the Moroccan city of Dakhla have taken a significant step in strengthening their ties by signing a Friendship Pact this Thursday, laying the groundwork for a future twinning agreement. The pact, signed by Dreux's mayor Pierre-Frédéric Billet and Erragheb Hormattollah, president of the Communal Council of Dakhla, reflects the shared commitment of both communities to building a lasting partnership based on reciprocity and cooperation. The ceremony was attended by M'Barek Hammia, First Vice-President of the Regional Council of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, and Rajae Benchaji, Consul General of the Kingdom of Morocco in Orléans. The agreement highlights the two cities' common ambition to collaborate in various sectors, particularly economic development, culture, education, and tourism. Through this alliance, Dreux and Dakhla aim to foster knowledge exchange and launch joint initiatives that benefit their respective communities. Described as a foundation for a shared future, the Friendship Pact marks the first step toward formal twinning and reinforces a dynamic of decentralized cooperation between the north and south of the Mediterranean. The signing ceremony took place as part of the «Salon du Maroc» in Dreux, held from May 21 to 25. Inaugurated on Wednesday in a festive atmosphere, the event showcases the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region through a rich program featuring local crafts, gastronomy, music, and Moroccan traditions, offering visitors a true cultural and sensory experience.
