ANKARA
The Anadolu Agency (AA) will launch a French language broadcast on its 94th anniversary on April 6 as part of its vision to rank among the world's five most influential news agencies.
AA aims to broadcast news in 11 languages by its 100th anniversary.
The inclusion of French will bring AA's broadcasting languages to seven - Turkish, English, Arabic, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BCS), Russian and Kurdish.
The French-language office will initially be based in Tunisia and serve Francophone countries, especially Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, France and Belgium.
A further office is planned for Dakar.
Through AA's regional offices, developments in the countries will reach international media in Turkish, Arabic, English, Russian, Kurdish and Bosnian languages under the headings of politics, economics, sports, tourism, lifestyle, and arts and culture.
They will frequently be accompanied by photos and videos.
AA’s French service aims to closely cover investment opportunities in Africa, regional political developments, Turkey’s economic and political activities and investments by Turkish businessmen.
The broadcast will also employ the services of reporters and freelance journalists in Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Central African Republic, Mali, Gabon, Madagascar and the Comoros Islands.
Personnel were carefully selected for the French News Service from almost 300 applicants who applied to AA’s Tunisia office and General Directorate in Ankara.
After being trained by academics and experienced journalists at AA’s News Academy, the crew will be prepared for the new service to begin publishing April 6.
The service's news, photograph and video formats will be available to clients through a French language option on the Anadolu Agency website.
Although initially provided for free on the AA News Transmission System, it will later only be available via subscription .
The service will enhance AA's capacity to accurately and objectively transmit economic and political developments in Turkey and across the world to Francophone countries, while also informing the Turkish public of events in Africa.
With its principles of being “Reliable, impartial, ethical and fast,” AA aims to supply a breath of fresh air to African media through its French publications.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
