3monkeys open first overseas office

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UAE-based creative agency, 3monkeys, has announced the opening of its first overseas branch, 3monkeys Inc, in San Francisco, California, USA. Operations commence on September 1, 2013, with CEO Marc Mikulla, one of the three founders of 3monkeys, heading up the team. Located in the heart of the Mission district, 3monkeys expanded due to international demand for their unique and specialised offerings.With a network of partners across the world, such as Ventuz Technologies, Mediascreen Munich and RealLifeConnect and vast experience in large scale events, primarily focusing on the automotive, IT and communications, and the financial industries, 3monkeys continue to push the boundaries of creativity and technology.

Nominate now for BBC Good Food Awards 2013

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Now in it’s fourth year, the BBC Good Food Middle East Awards 2013 nominations are open. From the finest restaurants to dining experiences and home cooking products, the awards recognise the region’s most prestigious culinary outlets. Nominations end on September 30, 2013 after which the top ten nominees in each category will be listed on their website for continued voting. You will also get another chance to vote for the winners from that list between October 15 and November 15. Winners will be revealed at the gala awards event in January 2014. More details to come.

For more information, visit www.cpievents.net/bbcgf-awards-2013

Alice Nikalls bags permanent post at Hello!

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Having joined Hello! Middle East on a temporary basis in earlier this year, Alice Nikalls has now accepted a full-time position within the publication. As Junior Writer, Alice will cover features, news and local interest stories – including launches and events.

“I joined Hello! Middle East in May 2013 and have been fortunate enough to interview some local personalities, snoop around some fabulous homes and dine in some of Dubai’s best restaurants,” says Alice. “Hello! Middle East is a small yet dynamic team and I’m excited to be a part of it for the long-term”.

Al Jazeera to sue AT&T

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It’s only been a matter of days since Al Jazeera America launched, but it has already hit rocky ground. The Qatar-based television network plans to sue American-based telecoms group, AT&T, for dropping it from the U-verse television subscription service. The blow came just one day before Al Jazeera America went live on August 20, 2013, instantly  rocking its potential viewing figures by taking its distribution down from 41 million homes to just 36 million homes. This was the second such setback for Al Jazeera America, having bought the Current TV network from former United States Vice President, Al Gore, in January this year. Within hours of the deal being signed, Time Warner announced it would no longer be carrying the channel, immediately wiping nearly 20 million homes off the 60 million reach that Current TV initially had.

It’s not all bad news however, with a number of positive reviews – mixed with the predictable cynicism – some media heavyweights are predicting it may not be long until Al Jazeera America is picked up by more networks.

 

New Hello editor announced

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Sonja Stephen has been announced as the new Editor of weekly society glossy, Hello! Middle East. Previously Deputy Editor of the international magazine brand, which falls under the Motivate Publishing umbrella, Stephen takes the reigns with immediate effect after Elle Timms stepped down earlier this month to persue freelance writing opportunities.

“I’m proud, honoured and over the moon about my promotion to Editor,” says Stephen. “I’m looking forward to driving the magazine to even greater success”.

Contact Sonja Stephen at sonja@motivate.ae

 

Al Jazeera America goes live

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Qatar-based TV news channel, Al-Jazeera has made its debut in America today. In a move that is sure to cause very divided opinion, Al Jazeera America aims to shake up broadcast journalism market in the states, AFP has reported. Al-Jazeera America will reach more than 40 million households and vastly expands the footprint of the Doha-based media group, despite questions about how it will be received by American viewers.

Elle Timms says goodbye to Hello!

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Elle Timms has announced she will step down as Hello! Middle East Editor after a successful year at the helm of the celebrity and society glossy published by Motivate Publishing, Dubai. British-born Elle became a mother for the first time this summer and is now enjoying a freelance career to be able to spend more time at home with her new daughter, Olive Tabitha.

“I have hugely enjoyed the last three years at Motivate publishing, where I started as Fashion & Beauty Editor for the Emirates Woman Group,” says Elle. “I am saddened to leave behind such a great team and colleagues, however during this equally challenging new stage of my life I need to follow my heart and plan to continue writing and editing while spending valuable time with my baby girl. I wish the team all the best and will be avidly watching to see how the the title develops in the future.”

Deputy Editor, Sonja Stephen, will continue as Acting Editor until a replacement is announced.

Contact Elle Timms for freelance projects at elletimms@me.com