Sharjah Media Corporation Forges Collaborative Agreements with Leading Media Outlets in Istanbul

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi Briefs Turkish Media on Sharjah’s Cultural and Media Priorities

Sharjah-UAE: 09 June, 2012 – A high-ranking delegation from Sharjah Media Corporation, the umbrella organization of Sharjah Media Centre, has established collaborative partnerships with a number of media organizations in Turkey.

The synergy will facilitate the exchange of information and news updates, and promote the effectiveness of media communication among stakeholders within the two countries.

Led by His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Corporation, the delegation comprised His Excellency Dr. Khalid Al Madfa, Director of Sharjah Radio and Television, Osama Samra, Director of Sharjah Media Centre, His Excellency Mohamed Khalaf, Director of Sharjah Radio, and His Excellency Rashid Alaubd, Director of Sharjah Sports Channel.

As part of the delegation’s visit to Istanbul, officials from Sharjah Media Corporation met with over 20 media groups. During the tour, the delegation briefed the Turkish media entities about Sharjah’s achievements in the media sector, the vision and objectives of the Sharjah Media Corporation, role of Sharjah Media Centre and the multi-pronged objectives of the Government Communication Forum that was launched earlier this year as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region.

On their part, representatives from media houses in Istanbul briefed the delegation on developments in Turkey’s media sector. The future goals of the media landscape were also outlined. The two parties discussed ways to benefit from that experience in accordance with the intellectual and cultural priorities of the emirate of Sharjah.

During a visit to Samanyolu Publishing Group, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi and the delegation met with Akin Emery, Brand Director, Fateh Gok, Producer and Coordinator, International Sales and Acquisitions, and Omar Dag, International Sales Officer. The discussions focused on the way forward for creating collaborative ventures in production.

Samanyolu Publishing Group is a leading media group in Turkey. Established in 1993 with 15 employees, today it comprises 700 employees and 13 television channels that offer global news coverage, as well as cultural and specialized programmes.

The Sharjah media delegation’s tour also included a visit to Cihan News Agency, which is the largest of its kind in Turkey. The delegation was received by Abdülhamit Bilici, General Manager, Hakan Cidal, International News Productions Manager, and Erdal Ince, Local News Production Manager.

During their visit, the delegation was briefed on the experience of the Turkish newspaper Zaman that distributes a million copies daily, and the weekly magazine Axion, which commands a circulation of 50,000 copies per week.

The Sharjah Media Corporation delegation also visited TRT Haber station that includes Channel One, News Channel and an Arabic-speaking Turkish channel. Meryem Ozkurt, Director of TRT Haber Station, Salih Boztas, News Coordinator, and A. Ahmit Boken, Editor in Chief, TRT Haber News Channel, received the delegation. TRT produces documentaries, drama and different programmes, and employs over 8,000 people including 700 reporters in Turkey and worldwide. The talks concluded with agreements for cooperation on the exchange of information, news and various media resources.

During a visit to Burç School, the delegation was received by Ali Aslan, General Manager of Burç School, and informed about the institution’s experience in offering communication courses for ninth graders and above. The school also provides other media-specific courses to equip students with the skills needed for the workplace. In addition, the Burç School is particularly recognized for awarding the prestigious Annual Communication Prize to key media figures in Turkey.

During the visits to major Turkish media organizations, Sharjah media delegation presented the English versions of the book “Taking the Reins”, which is authored by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Latest editions of Sharjah Media Centre’s “50 Must Know Facts about Sharjah”, in addition to commemorative trophies from Sharjah Radio and TV were also handed over to the host organisations in Istanbul.

About Sharjah Media Centre
The Centre represents the main link between the Government of Sharjah and the media on a local, regional and international level. It provides journalists, broadcasters or any other media professionals the opportunity to join as members and benefit from a unique position which allows them a direct and active dialogue with Sharjah’s People and Government officials.
Sharjah Media Centre was established by the Amiri Decree No. 5, 2011, issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The Centre’s role can be summarized by saying that it is the voice with which the Emirate of Sharjah addresses the world.