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

8 April 2026

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

7 April 2026

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.

World Radio Day 2026: Radio’s Enduring Power in a Changing World

13 February 2026

World Radio Day 2026: Radio’s Enduring Power in a Changing World

13 February marks World Radio Day 2026 – a moment to celebrate the world’s oldest electronic mass medium and its extraordinary resilience.

As the AIB noted in its special publication marking World Radio Day a decade ago, radio is both a cultural force and a global industry – a medium that touches billions every day and generating tens of billions of dollars in revenue worldwide. That fundamental strength has not diminished. If anything, radio’s importance has grown.

Across continents, radio remains:

The most accessible medium – free-to-air, affordable, and available on devices from battery-powered receivers to smartphones
A lifeline in emergencies – from earthquakes and cyclones to conflict zones, where mobile networks fail but radio continues
A trusted source of news – particularly in fragile or restricted media environments
A driver of social cohesion – creating shared national conversations and community connection

Today, radio is delivered across AM, FM, DAB/DAB+, satellite and IP platforms, with streaming and on-demand audio expanding reach to new generations. Yet the core strength remains unchanged: intimacy, immediacy and human connection.

The numbers tell the story

The BBC World Service reports a weekly global audience of over 200 million across platforms, with radio continuing to account for a substantial share of its reach.
Radio France Internationale (RFI) reaches tens of millions of listeners worldwide each week, particularly across Africa where FM partnerships and digital streaming extend its footprint.
In many countries, weekly radio reach remains above 80–90% of the adult population, demonstrating sustained mass appeal.
Industry data consistently shows radio as one of the most trusted news sources globally.

AIB members: Innovating while preserving reach

AIB members continue to demonstrate radio’s adaptability:

Expanding FM networks across Africa and Asia to strengthen local access.
Deploying portable transmission systems and “radio-in-a-box” solutions in crisis environments.
Integrating IP streaming, mobile apps and social media interaction to complement terrestrial broadcasting.
Delivering educational programming, youth engagement initiatives and multilingual services for international audiences.

From global broadcasters to regional and community stations, AIB members ensure that radio remains both technologically modern and socially essential.

Radio’s second century

As we move further into radio’s second century, its hybrid future is clear: terrestrial broadcasting and IP distribution will coexist, reinforcing resilience, reach and relevance.

On World Radio Day 2026, the AIB salutes presenters, producers, engineers, editors, correspondents, technologists, regulators and listeners everywhere.

Radio remains innovative. Radio remains trusted. Radio remains indispensable.

AIB publishes new member briefing on social media, disinformation and trust in news

15 January 2026

AIB publishes new member briefing on social media, disinformation and trust in news

The Association for International Broadcasting has published a new member-only briefing, Social Danger?, examining the implications of the continuing shift towards social media as a primary source of news and information.

The briefing has been produced in response to growing concern across the international media community about the scale, sophistication and impact of disinformation, fake social media accounts and coordinated influence operations — and the challenges these pose for trusted news organisations.

Rather than focusing on individual incidents or claims, the briefing provides strategic context and operational insight into how social media environments shape audience behaviour, how false narratives are embedded and amplified, and why professional journalism faces a structural disadvantage inside algorithmically driven feeds.

What the briefing covers

Without revealing specific findings, the briefing explores:

How changes in news consumption behaviour are affecting audience trust and scrutiny
Why social platforms can unintentionally favour misinformation and emotional content
The growing role of coordinated fake accounts and influence operations in exploiting social media dynamics
The implications for international broadcasters, public service media and funders

Importantly, the briefing is designed as a working reference document, not a one-off read. It includes:

A paired risk–mitigation matrix, helping organisations assess editorial, strategic, geopolitical and reputational risks and map them to practical responses
A directory of investigative organisations and reference points, enabling members to track and verify future developments in this area

Why this matters

For broadcasters, the issues addressed in Social Danger? go well beyond social media strategy. They affect:

Editorial integrity and brand trust
Strategic planning and risk management
Engagement with regulators, funders and policymakers
The long-term sustainability of public-interest journalism

Accessing the briefing

Social Danger? is available exclusively to AIB members as part of the Association’s programme of practical briefings and industry support.

Non-members who would like to learn more about the briefing, or about AIB membership and its benefits, are invited to contact the AIB Secretariat at contactaib@aib.org.uk.

The AIBs 2025 celebrate outstanding journalism and factual storytelling from around the world

17 November 2025

The AIBs 2025 celebrate outstanding journalism and factual storytelling from around the world

CNN’s Jomana Karadsheh named Journalist of the Year; GMA Network’s Vicky Morales honoured as Presenter of the Year; Carlson Huang receives AIB Lifetime Achievement Award.

London, 14 November 2025 – The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) has announced the winners of the AIBs 2025, its annual International Media Excellence Awards, celebrating the best in journalism and factual productions across television, radio, podcasting, and digital platforms worldwide.

Now in its 21st year, the AIBs brought together journalists, editors, producers and media executives from more than 20 countries at a gala ceremony hosted by Ayanda Charlie at the Park Hyatt London River Thames.

This year’s competition saw entries from every continent, showcasing the courage, craft and commitment of journalists working in the most challenging conditions to bring audiences the truth.

“In a year marked by conflict and uncertainty, the AIBs highlight the vital role that journalists play in helping global audiences understand their world,” said Simon Spanswick, Chief Executive of the AIB. “The winners exemplify integrity, innovation and humanity in storytelling.”

Highlights of the AIBs 2025

Journalist of the Year – Jomana Karadsheh, CNN International
For two decades, Jomana Karadsheh has reported across the Middle East and North Africa. In 2024–25 she covered the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the Israel–Hezbollah war and led CNN’s exclusive reporting from Syria in the final days before the regime’s fall. Judges praised her “outstanding access and reporting, ability to capture the human angle, credibility and sensitivity.”
Presenter of the Year – Vicky Morales, GMA Network, Philippines
One of the Philippines’ most trusted broadcasters, Morales was recognised for her authority, empathy, and range across news and public service programming. Judges called her “a seasoned professional full of authority and charisma — a TV natural.”
Radio or Podcast Presenter – Weimin Tseng, Radio Taiwan International
Honoured for his multilingual storytelling and work that bridges cultures, Tseng’s Taiwan Yes programme was commended for its transformative impact and celebration of underrepresented voices.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Carlson Huang Chia-Shan, Radio Taiwan International
The AIB presented its highest honour to Carlson Huang, recognising his lifelong contribution to international broadcasting and his leadership in advancing cross-cultural understanding and professional training through the RTI Academy.

Other Major Winners

Breaking News – CNN for First on the Ground in Syria During Rebel Takeover
Continuing News – Al Jazeera English for Syria after Assad
Investigative – Video – Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty for Street of Death: Unmasking Russian Soldiers Behind Bucha Killings
Investigative – Audio – BBC Long Form Audio for Grenfell: Building a Disaster
Innovative Factual – Frontline in Focus XR for Under the Same Sky / Gaza 360°
Sustainability – Video – Radio-Canada for Maritimes: L’élevage en mer des saumons menacé
Sustainability – Audio – ABC for Pacific Scientific – One Atoll’s Fight
International Affairs – Video – VRT NWS for From Ghent to Damascus
Health and Social – Video – BBC World Service for The Midwife’s Confession

A full list of winners and highly commended entries is available at www.theaibs.tv.

Read the Winners book at https://theaibs.tv/AIBs-2025/AIBs-2025-Winners-book-small.pdf

AIB launches student internships at its international media awards

12 November 2025

AIB launches student internships at its international media awards

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) is pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative at this year’s AIBs International Media Excellence Awards: the AIB Student Internships programme.

This new opportunity is designed to give students of journalism and media direct access to some of the world’s most accomplished journalists, editors, and producers — helping to inspire the next generation of media professionals.

From more than twenty applicants, two students from the Media School at London College of Communication (University of the Arts London) have been selected to join the AIB team for the 2025 Awards Gala: Olivia Petty and Shana Simatupang.

The pair will work as part of the AIB’s communications and production team at the Park Hyatt London River Thames on 14 November, creating behind-the-scenes content for social media, conducting red-carpet interviews with guests, and capturing the atmosphere of one of international media’s most prestigious events.

“We believe that it’s vital that aspiring journalists and producers have opportunities to meet and learn from those at the top of their profession,” said Simon Spanswick, Chief Executive of the AIB. “By opening up the AIBs to students, we are able to give them a first-hand look at what excellence in international journalism looks like – and to encourage them to pursue that same spirit of integrity and creativity in their own careers.”

The AIB plans to expand its Student Internships scheme in future years to involve more students from journalism and media schools across the world.

“This initiative reflects our long-standing mission to support and nurture the global media community,” added Spanswick. “Tomorrow’s journalists will define how societies understand themselves and they deserve every chance to learn from the best.”

Guests – from over 20 countries – attending the AIBs 2025 are encouraged to meet Olivia and Shana on the night and share their insights into the world of international broadcasting and storytelling.

Full information about the AIBs 2025, and the previous 20 editions of he AIBs, is available online a http://www.theaibs.tv.

The AIBs 2025 will be available to view on Friday 14 November. Part One starts at 1825 GMT/UTC – https://vimeo.com/event/5513030.

Part Two will start at 2120GMT/UTC: https://vimeo.com/event/5513034