Bahrain’s Information Affairs Authority (IAA) has signed contracts with several key international media firms to train staff and provide programming to improve Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation (BRTC) services.

IAA president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said the French Institut National de l'Audiovisuel (INA) is an industry leader in providing training in the field of audio-visual and digital technology and its uses.

"The contract with them covers the training involved with the technical upgrade to digital television, including sound technicians, graphic editors, graphic designers and documentary editors," said Shaikh Fawaz.

He said the contract with Broadcasting Board of Governors for Voice of America (BBG/VOA) would provide content in both English and Arabic to be broadcasted on FM radio.

"The contract stipulates that content will be consistent with both their standards and practices, and the national, cultural, religious and social sensitivities of Bahrain. They will also provide an annual training seminar to participants selected by the authority."

Shaikh Fawaz also said in a statement that the contract with the BBG is in addition to one with the BBC to supply radio programming that includes concerts, pop documentaries, features, dramas, readings and comedies.

"The IAA has also renewed its contract to 2016, with SOMERA, a Paris-based broadcasting corporation for radio programming in French and Arabic." – TradeArabia News Service