August 3: Middle East Broadcasting Networks' New Direction
Please join the Public Diplomacy Council of America (PDCA) on Monday, August 3, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at the George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs for Middle East Broadcasting Networks' New Direction, a conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Gedmin, President and CEO of Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN).In this discussion, Dr. Gedmin will examine MBN's evolving mission, the changing media and information environment in the Middle East, and the role of U.S.-funded international broadcasting in advancing independent journalism and public diplomacy amid today's geopolitical challenges. The conversation will explore how MBN is adapting to a rapidly changing information landscape while strengthening connections between the Middle East and the United States.
MBN has pivoted to on-demand media including social media platforms, podcasts, video shows, and newsletters. "Linear television" programming has been eliminated due to budget cuts.
Iran of course is on the front burner, as MBN provides Arabic language journalism to the entire region – including Iran (where VOA provides Persian language programming). Because of significant interest in U.S. policy, MBN provides extensive coverage of Washington DC and American Mideast policy.
Target audiences are key decision makers in capital cities including government officials, media influencers, and educated professionals; they also create programming accessible to younger audiences. MBN cultural programming includes coverage of America’s 250th anniversary and of the U.S. soft power triumph with foreign visitors to the World Cup games held around the U.S.
MBN is also launching a new Great Power Competition Index to track American, Chinese, and other influences in the Middle East.
Following the public program, PDCA will host a 30-minute off-the-record discussion exclusively for in-person attendees, providing an opportunity for a candid exchange on the future of international broadcasting, public diplomacy, and the evolving media environment in the Middle East.
The event will take place at noon at GWU's Lindner Family Commons at the Elliott School (1957 E Street, NW, Room 602, Washington, D.C. 20052). For those who RSVP and arrive before 11:40 a.m., a light lunch will be provided. The event is co-sponsored the GWU Elliott School of International Affairs, the GW Institute for Public Diplomacy & Global Communication, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, the USC Center on Public Diplomacy, and the USC Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership & Policy.
To register to attend in-person, click here.
To register for the Forum via Zoom, click here.
Dr. Jeffrey Gedmin is President and CEO of Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN), a U.S.-funded nonprofit multimedia organization delivering independent news and analysis that connects the Middle East and the United States. He previously served on the International Broadcasting Advisory Board and as Interim President of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in 2023. Gedmin co-founded and served as editor-in-chief of American Purpose and previously led the Legatum Institute in London, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and the Aspen Institute Berlin. Earlier in his career, he was a Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and Executive Director of the New Atlantic Initiative. He serves on several advisory boards and is affiliated with Georgetown University, the National Endowment for Democracy, and other policy organizations.