Finalists Announced  for the 17th TRT International Documentary Awards

Finalists Announced for the 17th TRT International Documentary Awards

Finalists Announced for the 17th TRT International Documentary Awards

Finalists for this year’s 17th TRT International Documentary Awards have been officially announced. A total of 40 projects have advanced to the finals across four categories: International, National Professional, National Student Films, and Project Support. The complete lists of finalists are now available at: www.trtbelgesel.com.

 

The finalists have been announced for the 17th TRT International Documentary Awards, organized by TRT to support amateur and professional documentary filmmakers, contribute to the growth and reach of the documentary genre, and bring documentary films from diverse countries to audiences. Following a rigorous evaluation by the pre-selection committee, the 40 selected finalists are now available at www.trtbelgesel.com.

 

Driven by the belief that every documentary conveying humanity’s deepest sorrows and the world’s striking narratives leaves a lasting mark on the future,  the event will take place under the theme “Be Bold, Leave a Mark”, connecting audiences with stories of people, nature, life, and history from various geographies and cultures around the globe.

 

Finalists to compete for awards

Having received 1409 submissions from 109 countries, the 17th TRT International Documentary Awards will feature 40 finalists to compete for awards across a total of 4 categories: International, National Professional, National Student Films, and Project Support. A total of 12 awards will be presented across these 4 categories throughout the competition.

 

Award Ceremony set for June 7

The finalist films that passed the pre-selection will be evaluated by the jury between June 4 and 7.  The winners will receive their awards at the ceremony on June 7. During the festival, screenings of finalist documentary films and special selections will be presented to the audience, enriching the documentary landscape in Türkiye and globally while supporting professional and amateur documentary filmmakers.

 

International Category Finalists;

– 32 Meters / Morteza Atabaki

– Gaza’s Twins, Come Back To Me / Mohammed Sawwaf

– High Land / Johana Martínez Ramírez, Giovanny Rendón Castañeda

– Homesick / Taekyung Tanja In Wol Sørensen

– Iron Winter / Kasimir Burgess

– Life After Siham / Namir Abdel Messeeh

– Past Future Continuous / Morteza Ahmadvand, Firouzeh Khosrovani

– Replica / Chouwa Liang

– The Last Khorumi / Ani Jgenti

– The Track / Ryan Sidhoo

 

National Professional Category Finalists;

– I Am 12,000 Years Old / Batuhan Karadağoğlu

– Notes from an Exile: Misina / Mert Güncüer

– Filos / Orhan Tekeoğlu, Nurdan Tümbek Tekeoğlu

– In the Shadow of the Poplar / Kenan Diler

– The Tar / Ali Rıza Avcı

– The Last Fire of the Lime Kilns / Serkan Uslu

– Seasons of Parchment / Eren Aybars Arpacık

– Sednaya / Mehmet Ali Poyraz

– Dreams Made of Salt / Musa Ak

– Echo Chambers: The Lost Democracy of the Internet / Barış Kaya

 

National Student Films Category Finalists;

– Ahraz: An Unspoken Kinship / Abdülsamet Mavi, Muhammed Ağar, Ege Döngel

– The Grebe’s Awakening / Berkay Kaan Özcan

– Upside Down / Cemal Karaaslan

– Time in Büyükorhan / Mehmet Can Türk

– The Timeless Bond / Hüseyin Yolu

– Blindfold / Yağmur Kaya

– Attendance: Three / Onur Sürek

– The Yellow Canary / Melike Kaya

– Visal: The Divine Union of Fire and Earth / Hilal Kabadaş

– In Search of A Stolen Time / Kayra Yılmaz

 

Project Support Category Finalists;

– Ali Rıza Bey / Ahmet Alan

– An Gorta – The Star and the Crescent / Hayriye Savaşçıoğlu

– Balat: Whose Streets? / Tolga Teke

– Stand-by / Furkan Yavuz

– Eber: A Requiem for Water / Tuğçe Özdemir

– Format / Hazar Uyar

– To the Homeland Unseen / Erkan Yaşar

– The Last Snow / Yahya Işıl

– Warpoly / Batıkan Köse

– The Radiant Dark / Ayşenur Yavaş

BBC Studios unveils BBC Belgium

BBC Studios unveils BBC Belgium

BBC Studios unveils BBC Belgium

From 5 May 2026, premium drama channel BBC First will be rebranded to BBC Belgium, enhancing the most popular international channel in Flanders with a fresh new identity.

Audiences will continue to have access to a packed lineup of world class dramas and compelling light crime series’ in a new-look home, all of which have been especially curated for Flemish audiences and fully localised with Dutch subtitles.

Bram Husken, SVP and General Manager Benelux and Nordics at BBC Studios, said: “Rebranding the channel to BBC Belgium allows us to better reflect our loyal Belgian audience and our commitment to bringing exceptional British stories to the region. For over a decade, our handpicked stories having been starting conversations, and changing perspectives. Our new identity will help to deepen our growing connection with fans of the best British content.”

New series’ premiering from launch on BBC Belgium include:

Wild Cherry – 6 May
Created and written by BAFTA-award winning Nicôle Lecky, Wild Cherry is set in a private enclave in the Home Counties. The six-part series is a provocative and deliciously honest look at mother/daughter relationships in a haze of social media, hidden apps and peer pressure that asks: how far will we go to protect our children? And just how much do teenage girls know about the women raising them? If the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, then who is leading these girls astray?

The Marlow Murder Club S3 – 5 May
Now an established part of newly promoted DI Tanika Malik’s crime solving team, retired archaeologist Judith Potts, dog walker Suzie Harris and vicar’s wife Becks Starling are back and bringing their unconventional methods to a string of high-profile murders. But it soon becomes clear to the amateur sleuths that this time their investigations may hit closer to home than ever before. From the sudden death of the kindest man in Marlow, the town’s beloved Mayor, to a celebrity chef found dead at the launch of his cookbook with half the town in attendance, the team will be working under the watchful eye of the Marlow community. They’ll also be called to an eerie manor house in the middle of nowhere where they’ll face a case intrinsically linked to Becks’ past that could threaten the future of their roles as civilian advisors. Judith, Suzie and Becks will have to pull closer together than ever to catch these killers. Starring Samantha Bond, Jo Martin, Cara Horgan and Natalie Dew.

Call The Midwife S15 – 7 May
When senior members of the Nonnatus House staff head to Hong Kong on a mercy mission, the younger midwives are left to cope alone. As the Christmas action shifts between the sun-drenched Far East and a snowy East End, Sister Julienne suddenly finds herself excited about the Order’s future. After years of battling change, she decides to embrace it, work with it, and see what love can do. This change of energy reverberates throughout series 15. The new series kicks off in 1971 with several of the ladies embracing Women’s Lib and burning their bras outside Nonnatus House. As the year unfolds, we see the team handle cases including premature birth, placenta previa, kidney cancer, tuberculosis and slavery.

Lynley – 8 May
Leo Suter and Sofia Barclay star as the unconventional detective duo DI Tommy Lynley and DS Barbara Havers in a modern reimagining on the popular original series. Tommy Lynley is a brilliant police detective but an outsider in the force – simply by virtue of his aristocratic upbringing. He is paired with Barbara Havers, a sergeant with a maverick attitude and a working-class background. With seemingly nothing in common and against all odds, the mismatched duo of Lynley and Havers become a formidable team, bonded by their desire to see justice done.

Foyle’s War S6 – 16 May
The sixth series of Foyle’s War unfolds in the uneasy months following Victory in Europe, as Britain struggles to transition from conflict to recovery. Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle, played by Michael Kitchen, increasingly disillusioned with the political constraints placed upon his work, finds himself navigating a new landscape where wartime loyalties shift, old secrets resurface, and the boundaries between justice and national interest blur.

Series 6 begins in June 1945 when Foyle, tracking an escaped Russian POW at the behest of British intelligence, becomes involved in a murder investigation conducted by his former subordinate, DI Paul Milner. The situation threatens not only their already strained relationship, but also Foyle’s life. Meanwhile, Sam Stewart (Honeysuckle Weeks), struggling to adjust to civilian life, once again becomes indispensable as she and Foyle uncover the truth behind a wave of nighttime robberies and the suspicious death of a man charged with treason.

Miss Scarlet S6 – 25 May
When we last saw Eliza Scarlet, her life seemed out of balance. A new Detective Inspector had taken charge at Scotland Yard; one with no intention of enlisting her services. But true to form, Eliza didn’t back down. Through grit and brilliance, she earned the DI’s respect. And Eliza’s maternal housekeeper decided to marry coroner Barnabus Potts as Season 5 wrapped—what will that mean for the household? Now as a new chapter begins, we wonder: Will Eliza continue to pour everything into the job, or will she attend to her personal life?

BBC Belgium will officially launch on 5 May 2026.

Encompass expands key facility in Latvia

Encompass expands key facility in Latvia

Encompass expands key facility in Latvia

State-of-the-art MCR Supports Large-Scale Playout, Live Delivery, and AI-Enabled Content Services for Broadcasters Worldwide

Encompass Digital Media has announced the expansion of its Master Control Room (MCR) facility in Riga, Latvia, establishing it as one of the most advanced and efficient operations in the global media and broadcast industry.

Serving customers across Europe, the United States and Asia, the facility now handles over 1,500 hours of live sports content per month and manages 277 channels for 22 customers worldwide, supported by a highly skilled team and state-of-the-art technology. These include leading broadcasters and content providers such as TV3 in the Baltics, where the Encompass Riga facility recently supported the simultaneous delivery of all 18 UEFA Champions League matches on a single match day, generating approximately 43,000 hours of live streaming activity.

The expanded Riga facility now supports a wide range of broadcast operations, from high-volume live coverage of major international sports competitions to dynamic channel playout. It is purpose-built to manage complex, concurrent workflows, including the ingest, processing and distribution of multiple feeds in real time. Alongside live operations, the facility also delivers reactive channel services and highly automated playout capabilities, giving customers the flexibility to match operational models to different content types and audience demands.

It also delivers large-scale content operations for customers, including quality control and compliance, handling thousands of assets each month for broadcast and OTT platforms. With AI-enabled services such as subtitling now also available, Encompass integrates automated processing with operational oversight to deliver consistent, broadcast-grade output.

“Investing in our Riga facility reflects the role it now plays in our global operations,” said Marc Bruce, Encompass CEO. “It has developed into a highly efficient delivery hub supporting customers across multiple regions and is now key to maintaining the consistency and reliability our customers expect. As demand grows, Riga will remain central to how we scale our services globally.”

AIB confirms Executive Committee for 2026–2028 under new staggered election system

AIB confirms Executive Committee for 2026–2028 under new staggered election system

AIB confirms Executive Committee for 2026–2028 under new staggered election system

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) has confirmed the composition of its Executive Committee (ExCo) for the 2026–2028 term, marking the first implementation of the organisation’s new staggered election system.

Approved by AIB members earlier this year, the revised structure is designed to strengthen continuity, maintain institutional knowledge, and support long-term strategic oversight. Under the system, three Executive Committee members are elected each year to serve two-year terms, ensuring that experienced members remain in place as new representatives join.

New Executive Committee members (2026–2028)

Following the close of nominations, three candidates were put forward for the three available places. As the positions were uncontested, all nominees are appointed to the Executive Committee for the 2026–2028 term:

  • Ahmet Görmez, TRT
  • Chris Loweth, BBC News
  • Chris Liu, Radio Taiwan International (Rti)

Continuing members (to March 2027)

These members join the three other Executive Committee members whose terms continue until March 2027:

  • Nesryn Bouziane, ABC
  • Craig Dale, Mediacorp
  • Serge Schick, France Médias Monde

Strengthening governance and continuity

The introduction of staggered elections represents an important evolution in AIB governance. By avoiding a full turnover of the Executive Committee in any single year, the organisation ensures greater stability, preserves expertise, and enables more effective strategic planning.

The Executive Committee plays a central role in guiding AIB’s activities, supporting its mission to serve the international broadcasting community, and ensuring that the organisation continues to deliver value to its global membership.

AIB Chief Executive Simon Spanswick said:
“The move to a staggered election system strengthens the AIB’s governance by ensuring continuity and retaining experience at Executive Committee level. I am looking forward to working with the full Committee as we continue to develop the AIB’s activities and support our members worldwide.”

The AIB extends its thanks to all members of the Executive Committee past and present for their commitment and contribution to the work of the Association.

 
 
AIBs 2026 open: a global barometer of journalism in a complex world

AIBs 2026 open: a global barometer of journalism in a complex world

AIBs 2026 open: a global barometer of journalism in a complex world

Entries are now open for the AIBs 2026 — the 22nd annual international awards recognising excellence in journalism and factual storytelling across video, audio and digital platforms.

Presented by the Association for International Broadcasting, the AIBs bring together work from across the world, creating a unique, cross-border view of how journalism is being produced, delivered and received in an increasingly complex and uncertain environment.

A global barometer of journalism

Each year, the AIBs reveal more than a list of outstanding programmes. They provide a snapshot of the global media landscape — highlighting the stories being told, the challenges being faced, and the ways in which journalists and producers are adapting to rapid change.

From investigations that hold power to account, to documentaries that illuminate social and environmental realities, to innovative storytelling across digital platforms, the AIBs showcase the breadth and depth of contemporary factual production.

In this way, the awards act as a global barometer of journalism — reflecting both the pressures on the sector and the resilience of those working within it.

Journalism under pressure — and responding

Across many regions, journalism is operating under increasing strain. Political pressure, economic constraints and the evolving dynamics of digital distribution are reshaping how news and factual content is produced and consumed.

And yet, the work continues.

Entries to the AIBs consistently demonstrate the determination of journalists to ask difficult questions, provide clarity in complex situations, and deliver reporting that serves the public interest. Whether produced for local audiences or global platforms, this work remains essential to informed societies.

Open to all, across all platforms

The AIBs are open to entries in any language, reflecting the truly international nature of the competition. Work created for local, national or global audiences is equally welcome.

The awards cover a wide range of categories spanning:

  • Video — including news, investigative, documentary and factual storytelling
  • Audio — from radio to podcasts and innovative formats
  • Digital — reflecting the growing importance of on-demand and platform-native journalism

This broad scope ensures that the AIBs reflect the full diversity of modern media.

A platform for recognition

To be shortlisted for an AIB award is to stand alongside some of the most compelling journalism produced anywhere in the world. Entries are assessed by an independent international panel of jurors, ensuring rigorous and fair evaluation across all categories.

The awards provide an opportunity for journalists, producers, editors and organisations to showcase their work on a respected global stage — and to contribute to a wider understanding of how journalism continues to evolve.

Enter the AIBs 2026

If you are producing journalism or factual content that informs, challenges and connects audiences, we invite you to submit your work.

Entries are open now and will close on 3 July 2026.

Full details of categories, entry criteria and submission guidelines are available at:
https://theaibs.tv

Join us in recognising the work that helps audiences make sense of the world — and in shaping the global barometer of journalism.

 
 

NHK WORLD-JAPAN programme focus for April: Japan’s Factory-Made Wonders

NHK WORLD-JAPAN programme focus for April: Japan’s Factory-Made Wonders

NHK WORLD-JAPAN programme focus for April: Japan’s Factory-Made Wonders

Manufacturing Magic

The Factory Wonders

Mondays
0:30/5:30/10:30/15:30 (UTC)

Comedians Reiji and Tsuyoshi of the duo Nakagawake and Suchiko explore the many wonders of Japanese manufacturing. They learn about the latest technology and even try their hand at expert skills.
(This program was originally broadcast in Japan as Tanken Factory.)

Silenced Witness:
Nagasaki in the eyes of a US combat artist

April 12 Sun.
0:00/18:00 (UTC)

Postwar Nagasaki transformed an American artist. His photos show survivors amid the devastation. For the rest of his life, Ted Gilien spoke of the inhumanity of the atomic bomb.

Japan Railway Journal

Thursdays
14:30/20:30/3:30/9:30 (UTC)

Go behind the scenes of Japan’s amazing railways. Interesting facts, new technologies, expert tips, plus where to go, how to get there and more!