Editorial
Contents
Published by The Association for International Broadcasting
a non-profit making company limited by guarantee and registered in England
The Channel - ISSN 1477-8718
© The Association for International Broadcasting July 2003
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A
sia is a vibrant and exciting region of the world. It
has a multitude of cultures, politics of every shade,
and freedom in varying degrees. It’s home to more
than two billion people, many of whom have increasing
disposable income and possess a greater desire to enjoy
the lifestyles they have seen on the television or heard
about on the radio.
It is absolutely without question that the media industry in
Asia offers immense potential, provided that it can beat the
problems in the region – from piracy through to censorship
– and look to the long term gains. Who can ignore the
opportunity that countries such as China may offer in the
coming years? We’re seeing an increased level of activity
with more of the international broadcasting industry’s
suppliers moving into China. At the same time, China is
attempting to look out to the opportunities that it believes
exist for its content and services in the rest of the world.
All this is good for the business of broadcasting – provided
of course that the players in the marketplace have got
their strategies correctly defined and they understand the
markets and the risks. It could also be good for freedom
in the region. As we observe in these pages, not all the
region’s people enjoy the same level of freedom or access
to untainted, independent news that so many of us take
for granted.
The contrasts across Asia are immense, and this is what
makes it an exciting place to keep watch over and do
business in. We think that this is an opportune time for
the AIB to open its first regional office that will support its
work in Asia and the Pacific. This September will see the
inauguration of the AIB Sydney office, complementing the
Association’s head office in London, providing the
Association and its members with more regional
intelligence and representation.
4 Global Brief
A regular roundup of developments
in international broadcasting
10 At the AIB
Including details of the latest
companies joining the AIB, news
from our partners, and the order
form for AIB publications
16 Germany’s international
broadcasting reaches out at 50
A profile of Deutsche Welle as it
enters its second half-century
19 Public Diplomacy, International
Broadcasting and Images of
Countries
How do countries brand
themselves, and what role do
international broadcasters have in
this area?
20 The trauma of journalism
Journalists often face immensely
traumatic situations. How prepared
are they?
22 Technology Brief
23 AIB Conference Report
A detailed analysis of the AIB Global
Media Business Conference 2003
ASIA FOCUS
30 Asia briefing
33 The AIB Interview
John Doherty of ABC AsiaPacific
talks to Kerry Stevenson
36 China, Iran and the Internet
Alan Heil reports on the continuing
difficulties western broadcasters
have in reaching some Asian
countries
39 Still Good News in Bad Times
A view from CASBAA on media
developments in Asia
40 China - broadcasting develops
From inside the People’s Republic
comes details of the future for the
country’s broadcasting
infrastructure
42 Reporting Freedom to Asia
A profile of AIB Member Radio Free
Asia
44 By invitation
45 Asia challenges news-gatherers
It’s all about having the right kit
46 Asia-Pacific - the next media
frontier?
BT Broadcast Services looks at this
amazing region
