AIB-Shure Masterclass to bring together journalists and factual programme makers in London

29 September 2026

AIB-Shure Masterclass to bring together journalists and factual programme makers in London

The Association for International Broadcasting will stage a special AIBs Masterclass in London on Thursday 29 October, bringing together journalists, producers, editors and programme makers to explore the craft, challenges and changing realities of journalism and factual production.

The event will take place at the Rose Shure Experience Centre in King William Street, London, in association with Shure, Exclusive Event Partner of the AIBs 2026.

The highly interactive afternoon will draw on the experience of practitioners from across the industry, including contributors whose work has been recognised through the AIBs. The aim is to create a practical forum for sharing knowledge, experience and best practice among colleagues working in the UK and internationally.

Sessions will examine some of the most important issues facing factual programme makers today, including:

how compelling factual stories are researched, shaped and produced;
reporting under pressure, verification, trust and editorial judgement;
the impact that covering traumatic stories can have on journalists, researchers, producers and editors;
the importance of sound in bringing stories to life across television, radio, podcasts and digital platforms;
practical production challenges, including an interactive “meet the kit” session with Shure specialists;
how programme makers can share knowledge and experience across borders, platforms and production environments.

The Masterclass will also explore the relationship between editorial ambition and production technology, looking at how the right equipment and workflows can help journalists and producers capture stories more effectively in a wide range of situations.

The AIB has staged Masterclasses over a number of years, bringing together leading practitioners to exchange ideas and practical experience in an informal setting. The October event will continue that approach, with an emphasis on participation and discussion rather than formal presentations.

A full programme and details of contributors will be announced shortly.

Register now

Places are limited and advance registration is required.

Book your place at the AIB-Shure Masterclass on Thursday 29 October 2026:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/RkB1wvg31g

AIBs 2026 shortlist showcases outstanding work from 22 countries

16 September 2026

AIBs 2026 shortlist showcases outstanding work from 22 countries

The Association for International Broadcasting has announced the shortlist for the AIBs 2026, its 22nd annual international awards celebrating excellence in journalism and factual production.

This year’s shortlist brings together outstanding work from more than 70 broadcasters and production companies in 22 countries. It reflects the remarkable range of journalism and factual storytelling being produced around the world – from major investigations, breaking news and international affairs to arts, culture, health, and sustainability as well as innovative formats.

The shortlisted entries span video, audio and digital platforms and include work from established international broadcasters, national media organisations, independent production companies and emerging creative teams.

The work will now be considered by an independent international panel of more than 60 judges drawn from across the media industry. The judges will determine the winner and, where appropriate, highly commended entry in each category.

Simon Spanswick, chief executive of the Association for International Broadcasting, said:

“The 2026 shortlist demonstrates the extraordinary quality, range and ambition of journalism and factual production that is being created around the world, at a time when clear, unbiased information is needed more than ever by audiences globally.

“Securing a place on the shortlist is a significant achievement. The standard of entries was exceptionally high, and the work represented here reflects the determination of programme-makers and journalists to inform, investigate and tell important stories – often in extremely challenging circumstances.

“We congratulate every broadcaster, production company and individual represented in this year’s shortlist.”

The AIBs Gala

The winners will be announced at the AIBs Gala on Friday 20 November 2026 at the Park Hyatt London River Thames.

Hosted by Maria Ramos of TRT World, the gala will bring together shortlisted teams, judges and colleagues from broadcasters, production companies and media organisations around the world.

As well as celebrating the year’s outstanding journalism and factual productions, the gala is a remarkable opportunity to meet and exchange views with programme-makers, editors, producers and media executives from across the globe. The reception, dinner and post-awards gathering provide extensive opportunities to renew existing relationships, make new connections and begin conversations that can lead to future collaborations and co-productions.

Shure is the Exclusive Event Partner for the AIBs 2026, supporting the awards and their role in recognising excellence and sharing knowledge and best practice across the international media industry.

Radio Taiwan International – Rti – is the Broadcast Partner for the AIBs 2026, continuing its valued association with the awards and their global community.

View the complete AIBs 2026 shortlist and book individual places or tables for the gala at www.theaibs.tv.

Places are limited, and early booking is recommended.

Shure Named Exclusive Event Partner for the AIBs 2026

4 August 2026

Shure Named Exclusive Event Partner for the AIBs 2026

Partnership reflects a shared commitment to empowering media voices and advancing exceptional storytelling

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) is delighted to announce that Shure has become the Exclusive Event Partner for the AIBs 2026, the 22nd annual international awards for journalism and factual productions.

The partnership brings together one of the world’s most respected audio technology companies with one of the media industry’s most prestigious international competitions, reinforcing the vital role that audio plays in compelling storytelling across television, radio, podcasting and digital platforms.

The AIBs recognise excellence in journalism and factual production from around the world, with entries welcomed in all languages and from organisations of every size. Judged by an international panel of senior editors, producers, commissioners and media executives, the AIBs have become recognised as the global barometer of journalism and factual storytelling.

As the Exclusive Event Partner, Shure will work closely with the AIB throughout the year to support initiatives that bring together journalists, programme makers and production professionals from around the world. A key element of the partnership will be the AIB-Shure Masterclasses designed to share knowledge, expertise and best practices among content creators working across multiple platforms and genres.

This partnership reflects two organisations collaborating and strengthening connections between programme makers, journalists and the technology providers that enable high-quality storytelling.

Simon Spanswick, chief executive of the AIB, said:

“Shure is a company whose reputation for excellence is recognised throughout the global media industry. Sound is fundamental to effective storytelling, whether in radio, podcasts, television, documentary filmmaking or digital content. We are therefore delighted to welcome Shure as Event Partner for the AIBs 2026.

“Beyond supporting the awards themselves, this partnership will create valuable opportunities for journalists and programme makers to learn from one another, exchange ideas and develop new skills through a programme of masterclasses and collaborative activities. We look forward to working closely with the Shure team over the coming months.”

Peter James, Vice President Global Business Development, Shure, said:

“At Shure, we believe that great journalism and factual storytelling help people betterconnect with the world around them. The AIBs celebrate the very best work being produced across the globe, making them a natural fit for Shure’s commitment to supporting broadcasters, content creators and media professionals.”

“Audio is at the heart of every great story. Whether audiences are listening to a podcast, watching a documentary or following breaking news coverage, high-quality sound plays a critical role in creating engagement, understanding and trust. Through this partnership, we look forward to highlighting the importance of audio excellence and supporting the next generation of storytellers.”

The winners of the AIBs 2026 will be announced at a gala awards ceremony in London on 20 November 2026, bringing together journalists, producers, commissioners, editors and media executives from around the world.

Further information can be found at the AIBs website, www.theaibs.tv.

AIB responds to UNESCO consultation on fair compensation for news

31 July 2026

AIB responds to UNESCO consultation on fair compensation for news

The Association for International Broadcasting has submitted a response to UNESCO’s consultation on fair compensation for news, arguing that independent journalism must not become unpaid raw material for digital platforms and AI systems.

The Association for International Broadcasting has submitted a response to UNESCO’s consultation on Fair Compensation for News, setting out the interests and concerns of AIB members in a fast-developing area of media policy.

UNESCO’s consultation examines how news organisations should be compensated when their journalism is used by digital platforms, search engines, aggregators and artificial-intelligence systems. AIB’s response was submitted on behalf of members and has been acknowledged by UNESCO.

AIB argues that fair compensation for news must be seen as a question of media sustainability, freedom of expression and democratic accountability – not simply as a commercial negotiation between publishers and technology companies.

Independent journalism requires sustained investment in reporters, editors, producers, fact-checkers, correspondents, legal review, safety, technical infrastructure and editorial governance. AIB’s submission stresses that this work enables journalism to hold power to account, counter disinformation and provide trusted information to audiences around the world.

The response highlights the growing challenges faced by broadcasters and other media organisations whose journalism is being indexed, summarised, repurposed or used to train and support AI systems without adequate payment, transparency or attribution.

AIB’s submission calls for UNESCO’s final guidance to recognise the full range of journalistic output produced by modern media organisations, including television, radio, podcasts, video, audio, scripts, transcripts, subtitles, images, metadata, archives and multilingual services.

It also argues that digital platforms and AI actors should provide meaningful transparency about how news content is used. This includes whether content has been retrieved by bots or crawlers, used to ground AI-generated answers, cited as a source, displayed to users, and whether users have then engaged with the originating news organisation.

AIB’s response makes clear that publicly funded journalism should not be treated as free raw material for commercial technology products. Public-service, publicly funded, commercial and mixed-model media organisations all require sustainable economic foundations if they are to continue producing trusted, independent journalism.

Simon Spanswick, Chief Executive of AIB, said:

“This is a critical issue for every organisation that invests in original journalism and factual content. Search engines, digital platforms and AI systems derive significant value from professional news output, but the organisations that create that journalism are too often left without fair payment, meaningful attribution or proper data about how their work has been used.

“AIB’s role is to ensure that the voice of international broadcasters and media organisations is heard in these global policy discussions. Journalism that holds power to account can only exist if it is properly and sustainably funded.”

AIB’s submission also supports the need for granular consent, so that media organisations can permit conventional search indexing while refusing AI training, AI-generated summaries or other forms of reuse. It calls for enforceable safeguards, rather than reliance on voluntary technical systems alone.

The response further emphasises the need for accuracy, context and editorial integrity. AI-generated answers and search summaries can misstate facts, strip journalism of essential context or oversimplify complex reporting, potentially damaging trust in both the originating news organisation and journalism more broadly.

AIB will continue to work with members on the implications of AI, platform power, content licensing, attribution and fair value exchange for journalism.

AIB members can request a copy of the submission from the Secretariat. Organisations interested in joining AIB and contributing to this work can contact the Association at contactaib@aib.org.uk

Rti renews broadcast partnership with the AIBs 2026

31 July 2026

Rti renews broadcast partnership with the AIBs 2026

Renewed collaboration strengthens ties between Rti and the Association for International Broadcasting and brings the world’s leading journalism awards to international audiences

Radio Taiwan International (Rti) has renewed its partnership with the Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) and will serve as the official Broadcast Partner of the AIBs 2026, the 22nd annual international awards for journalism and factual productions.

The renewed agreement continues a successful collaboration between the AIB and Rti and reflects the two organisations’ shared commitment to independent journalism, international dialogue and media freedom.

As Broadcast Partner, Rti will make coverage of the AIBs 2026 awards available through its platforms, bringing the work of outstanding journalists, producers, presenters and programme-makers to audiences in Taiwan and around the world.

Rti will also sponsor the News Coverage – Audio award, recognising exceptional radio and podcast journalism that delivers authoritative, timely and compelling reporting on major events.

The partnership builds on renewed ties between the AIB and Rti and their growing cooperation across international broadcasting, journalism and public service media. It also highlights the increasingly important role played by Taiwan’s international media in connecting the country with global audiences.

Cheryl Lai, Chairperson of Radio Taiwan International (pictured), said:

“Radio Taiwan International is proud to renew its partnership with the AIB and to serve once again as Broadcast Partner of the AIBs. At a time when reliable information and independent journalism are more important than ever, the AIBs provide an essential international platform for recognising the journalists and programme-makers who help audiences understand an increasingly complex world.

“Rti connects Taiwan with audiences around the globe through journalism rooted in public service, editorial integrity and international understanding. This partnership enables us to support those same values while bringing exceptional work from across the international media industry to audiences in Taiwan and beyond.”

Simon Spanswick, Chief Executive of the Association for International Broadcasting, said:

“We are delighted to renew and strengthen the AIB’s relationship with Radio Taiwan International. Rti is a highly valued partner whose international outlook and commitment to trusted journalism closely match the principles that have underpinned the AIBs for more than two decades.

“Through this partnership, Rti will help us showcase outstanding journalism and factual storytelling from every continent. It will also enable audiences around the world to discover work that informs, investigates, challenges and inspires.

“The renewed collaboration is an important part of the wider relationship between the AIB and Rti, and we look forward to developing further opportunities to work together in support of international broadcasting and media freedom.”

The AIBs are one of the world’s longest-established international competitions for journalism and factual productions. Entries are accepted in all languages and are judged by an independent panel of more than 60 senior media professionals drawn from every continent.

The 2026 competition has attracted entries from broadcasters, production companies and independent journalists around the world, reinforcing the AIBs’ position as a global barometer of excellence in journalism and factual storytelling.

The winners will be announced at the AIBs 2026 gala awards evening at the Park Hyatt London River Thames on Friday 20 November 2026. The event will bring together leading journalists, editors, producers, executives and commissioners from across the international media industry.

Further information about the AIBs is available at www.theaibs.tv.

TRT WORLD’s Maria Ramos to host the AIBs 2026

30 July 2026

TRT WORLD’s Maria Ramos to host the AIBs 2026

London-based presenter of international news channel will guide the AIBs 2026 gala evening in November

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) is delighted to announce that Maria Ramos, journalist and anchor with TRT World, will host the AIBs 2026, the 22nd annual international awards for journalism and factual productions.

The AIBs bring together journalists, producers, editors, commissioners and media leaders from around the world to celebrate excellence in factual storytelling and journalism across television, radio and digital platforms.

Maria Ramos is one of the leading faces of international news broadcasting, presenting flagship news and current affairs programmes for TRT World. Her experience covering major global events and engaging audiences across continents makes her an ideal host for one of the media industry’s most respected international awards programmes.

The AIBs 2026 gala awards evening will take place in London on Friday 20 November 2026.

Simon Spanswick, Chief Executive of the AIB, said: “We are delighted that Maria Ramos will be hosting the AIBs 2026. Maria is a highly accomplished multilingual journalist and presenter with extensive international experience particularly across the Middle East and Türkiye. On the global stage, she moderates for NATO summits and the United Nations. Her professionalism, warmth and understanding of the importance of quality journalism make her an excellent choice to guide our audience through an evening that celebrates some of the finest journalism and factual productions created anywhere in the world.”

Maria Ramos said: “I’m honoured to be hosting the AIBs 2026 and celebrating the extraordinary work being produced by journalists and storytellers around the world. It’s exciting to see the range and depth of work submitted by colleagues to this year’s competition that sets the standard of reporting and factual productions globally.”

The AIBs are recognised as a global benchmark for journalism and factual productions. Entries are accepted in all languages and are judged by an international panel of experts drawn from across the media industry.

The 2026 competition has attracted entries from over 25 countries in multiple languages across 22 categories. The entries are now being shortlisted before the international panel of over 60 judges sets to work evaluating the submissions.

.For more information about the AIBs 2026 visit www.theaibs.tv