Banijay Labels Show Support for Ukraine

The Banijay Benelux and Banijay Nordic labels are showing their support for Ukraine with two live productions to raise money for those affected.

The Banijay Benelux label TVBV will produce a live show with ITV and NOS for Giro555’s Together in Action for Ukraine campaign. Hosted by Chantal Janzen and Rob Kemps, the show will broadcast on March 7 at 8:30 p.m. on SBS6, RTL 4 and NPO1, with the aim of raising as much money as possible.

The production is part of a larger contribution from Banijay Benelux, which is offering all employees the opportunity to donate. With each donation made to Giro555, employees will receive a symbolic Ukrainian flag, and the company will double the amount raised in donations.

“We reach millions of people every day with the content we produce within Banijay Benelux labels,” said Peter Lubbers, CEO of Banijay Benelux. “We know better than anyone what impact the stories we tell make on individuals, on groups, on an entire society. The situation that is deeply affecting and upsetting the whole world is an unimaginable reality for 44 million Ukrainians. As an organization, we see it as a duty to take action.”

Kees Zevenbergen, action chairman of Giro555, said, “As aid organizations, we are deeply moved by the enormous support expressed here in the Netherlands. A great signal of solidarity for the people of Ukraine and the many hundreds of thousands of refugees. They desperately need our support.”

Banijay Nordic’s Nordisk Film TV Denmark will produce the charity concert Together for Ukraine in City Hall Square in Copenhagen on March 12 to raise money as well. The concert will be open to everyone and, for those who do not live near Copenhagen, will be shown on big screens across Denmark’s major cities. It will also be broadcast live on DR1 and TV 2.

“There are no winners in a situation like this,” said Ulrik Jørgensen, CEO of Nordisk Film TV Denmark. “We must do everything in our power to support the people of Ukraine and show that we are there for them. I am very proud that Nordisk Film TV, in collaboration with Denmark’s two largest broadcasters, DR1 and TV 2, will produce this important event live from Copenhagen. I view it as one of the most important productions we have ever undertaken.”

Charlotte Slente, secretary-general of the Danish Refugee Council and representing all organizations involved, commented, “The humanitarian need of Ukraine and neighboring countries has increased massively in the last week. At the forefront is providing basic emergency aid and making sure people have a roof over their heads. It’s amazing to see the Danes’ determination to help. Now, through words and music, and by raising money for the organisations working around the clock, we can show our support and solidarity.”

“The Ukrainians are in a horrific situation, and they need immediate aid,” added Nikolaj Vitting Hermann, head of cross-platform content at the Danish Broadcasting Corporation. “Here in Denmark, many are deeply affected by what is happening, and we see how Danes all over the country are launching initiatives to help. In collaboration with TV 2, the aid agencies and the Danes, I am pleased that we can now contribute to making a difference for those in need.”

Dorthe Thirstrup, head of TV 2 said: “In severe situations like this, it is crucial to stand together for freedom and solidarity. Together with DR, we’d like to offer the Danes the opportunity to make a difference by uniting for peace or by financially supporting the aid agencies’ urgent work.”