AIB supports Members with major work programme on Big Tech

2 June 2021

AIB supports Members with major work programme on Big Tech

Broadcasters and other media companies are constantly increasing their use of social media platforms to reach audiences globally. This brings with it a range of new challenges as audiences move their attention online to major social media platforms and linear broadcasting’s share of audience time diminishes.

Key among the questions facing Members of the Association for International Broadcasting – and other media companies across the world – is how to engage with the increasing number of platforms that they need to use to reach audiences and the range of new, challenging issues that arise.

To address these challenges, the AIB is establishing a Big Tech Intelligence Group. This will gather data from AIB Members on how effective their engagement is with social platforms they use to distribute content, and whether engagement is at the right level of seniority within social platforms to enable problems to be resolved.

“Broadcasters face a different set of problems with social platforms compared to traditional distribution,” comments Simon Spanswick, chief executive of the AIB. “Broadcasters using social platforms face significant issues over editorial control, data sharing and copyright among other subject areas. This new Intelligence Group will help all AIB Members – who collectively have weekly audiences of well over one billion people globally – in developing new ways to enhance relationships with social platform companies. The Group will also seek to demonstrate and remind social platforms of the very important role that AIB Members’ content has in driving platform take-up and usage that drives revenue growth for the platforms.”

AIB Members are currently completing a survey that will help to inform the work of the new Intelligence Group and its first meeting will be held in the coming weeks to map out the roadmap of the Group’s work.

AIB Members receive latest media intelligence briefing

20 May 2021

AIB Members receive latest media intelligence briefing

The AIB has published its latest Media Intelligence briefing for Members, covering:

the explosion in subscription media services, now including radio;
the pandemic and its impact on journalism;
cyber security, with reflections from the CyberUK 2021 conference held this month;
the media’s coverage of media freedom;
procurement, tenders and contracts.
This is part of the AIB’s regular package of services to its Members, helping them to keep up-to-date on developments that may impact their businesses. If your company is not yet a Member, talk to us about the whole range of benefits.

#intelligence #subscriptioneconomy #cybersecurity #tenders #CyberUK21 #briefing #mediafreedom

AIB condemns attacks on building housing media outlets in Gaza

15 May 2021

AIB condemns attacks on building housing media outlets in Gaza

The Association for International Broadcasting condemns the attacks by the Israeli military on the building housing Al Jazeera Media Network – one of its Members – and Associated Press in Gaza.

The destruction of the building with an hour’s notice appears to have been undertaken to restrict reporting by international media organisations in Gaza as the conflict in the region intensifies.

“It is appalling that a building housing international media is targeted by the Israeli military, whether during a conflict or at any other time,” says Simon Spanswick, chief executive of the Association for International Broadcasting. “It appears that this is a concerted effort to restrict the flow of impartial news and information from Gaza during the conflict. The attack on this building – irrespective of the warning that was apparently issued by the IDF – is contrary to all norms and contravenes the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki tweeted: “We have communicated directly to the Israelis that ensuring the safety and security of journalists and independent media is a paramount responsibility.” The AIB welcomes this important intervention.

Covering conflicts has always been challenging and dangerous for journalists and media organisations and this latest case demonstrates that governments continue to target media outlets during times of crisis and conflict. In view of the gravity of this specific case, the AIB will be referring the matter to the Consultative Network of the inter-governmental Media Freedom Coalition as a matter of urgency.

AIB launches search for outstanding coverage of media freedom

6 May 2021

AIB launches search for outstanding coverage of media freedom

New award category for the best media freedom coverage added to the AIBs

The Association for International Broadcasting has launched a new award category for its 17^th annual competition for journalism and factual productions, the AIBs. The AIB Media Freedom Award complements the Association’s media freedom initiatives that supports its members around the world.

The ground-breaking award will recognise the TV or radio broadcaster or digital media house that has actively covered, promoted and protected media freedom. The prize may go to the organisation that has developed a special strand of programming around media freedom, or it could be awarded to a company that has stood up to attacks against it through intimidation of staff or by means of illegal “judicial dragnets”, for example.

“This Media Freedom Award is an important development in the work of the Association for International Broadcasting in this vital subject,” says Tom Wragg who represents the AIB on the consultative network to the inter-governmental Media Freedom Coalition. “The AIB is committed to helping its members, as well as all journalists at risk, raise awareness of issues around media freedom. The AIB supports them in engaging audiences and helping them to understand the vital need for media freedom in all parts of the world. This award will celebrate the organisation that’s making a substantial mark in this area and encouraging others to add to their coverage of media freedom issues.”

The constant and growing number of attacks on news organisations that seek to hold power to account are designed to have a chilling effect on journalism. This new award provides a focus on those telling stories about upholding media freedom across the world.

The AIB Media Freedom Award is one of 21 categories in the AIBs 2021 that reward journalism and factual productions across TV, radio and digital platforms. The AIBs are open to work in any language and produced anywhere in the world. The judging panel is made up of experts from across the media industry worldwide, from Oceania, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

Past winners of the AIBs include ABS-CBN, CNN, Al Jazeera, RTHK, BBC World Service, VoA, RFA, RFE/RL, ABC, DW, STV, CBC, Mediacorp, eTV and many other broadcasters and production companies. Full information about the AIBs 2021 is online at www.theaibs.tv. The winners of all the AIBs 2021 will be announced in November.

#JusticeforAnton Campaign to launch on 1 April 2021

29 March 2021

#JusticeforAnton Campaign to launch on 1 April 2021

Photojournalist Anton Hammerl was killed by Gaddafi loyalists on 5 April 2011 while covering the conflict in Libya. Anton’s remains have never been located and there has been no investigation into the circumstances of his death or the aftermath, when, for over six weeks, his family was falsely led to believe by the Libyan authorities that he was alive and well. As the ten-year anniversary of his death approaches, a decade with no action, no answers and no accountability, Anton’s widow, Penny Sukhraj-Hammerl has instructed a legal team from Doughty Street Chambers (CaoilfhionnGallagher QC, Tatyana Eatwell and Catherine Meredith).

Hear from Penny Sukhraj-Hammerl about why she has chosen to renew her fight for justice for Anton ten years on, and from legal counsel, Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC, about what this will entail.

They will be joined by Rebecca Vincent, Director of International Campaigns, Reporters Without Borders, and Diane Foley, mother of deceased journalist, James Foley, who was working with Anton on the day he died, and was an eyewitness to his killing. She is the President and Founder of the James W Foley Legacy Foundation. Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Director of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute and a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, will chair the event.

Programme

• 13.00 – 14.00 hrs (BST, UK time), Thursday 1 April 2021

• 14.00 – 15.00 hrs (SAST, South Africa time), Thursday 1 April 2021

• 08.00 – 09.00 hrs (EDT, New York and Washington DC, USA time), Thursday 1 April 2021

Chair: Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Doughty Street Chambers and Director, International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute

Speakers will include:

• Penny Sukhraj-Hammerl, widow of Anton Hammerl and journalist

• Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC, Doughty Street Chambers, counsel for Penny Sukhraj-Hammerl

• Diane Foley, President and founder, James W Foley Legacy Foundation

• Rebecca Vincent, Director of International Campaigns, Reporters Without Borders

Attendance Details

This briefing will take place on Zoom. Please note that this is an on-record briefing for journalists, supporters and all those interested in learning more about the campaign – preregistration is essential.

For media enquiries or further information regarding the content of the briefing please contact Bronwyn Friedlander, Justice for Anton campaign, on +44 (0) 7939 320 759 or bronwyn.friedlander@gmail.com.

For any technical queries regarding the webinar/ briefing event on 1st April, please email events@doughtystreet.co.uk.

Register your place here.

AIB PMA Media Freedom Symposium | 19 April 2021

15 March 2021

AIB PMA Media Freedom Symposium | 19 April 2021

The rapid decline in media freedom around the world is perilous for citizens everywhere. Despite the increased need for accurate, quality news and information during the COVID-19 pandemic, journalists and news organisations worldwide face an alarming level of harassment, threats and direct attacks for simply doing their jobs.

From media capture in Hungary and Poland to political interference in Hong Kong, these challenges are more globally affecting than at any time in recent history. Yet despite this escalating situation, there is often a lack of in-depth or effective coverage by news and media organisations even though they are among the primary victims.

While governments are regularly the perpetrators of increased restrictions on media freedom, there are fears that a lack of significant coverage is not only detrimental in holding power to account, but also impacts public understanding regarding the impact of media freedom issues on society.

The reasons for a lack of coverage are diverse and often a consequence of political pressure. Yet since 2019, there have been a number of events that have been significant in the way they have brought together news media and governments in an attempt to foster greater dialogue and understanding. However, talking and reviewing geopolitics and themes is insufficient. Concerted action is required by the two groups to better raise public awareness and inspire positive change.

Reviewing this situation and the increasing number of attacks on media organisations and media workers, the Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) and the Public Media Alliance (PMA) – supported by Al Jazeera Media Network (AJMN) – are partnering to produce two events with clear practical outcomes that will help influence key players within the media freedom field to not only address the appalling level of abuses, but also identify ways to improve coverage of media freedom abuses worldwide.

Outcomes

The participants of this first Symposium (19 April) will be news organisations and journalists These participants have a strong voice and can influence governments and society by working more closely together.

In order to have an effect and not be just another well intentioned “discussion only” event, we believe that the Symposium should explore ways to effect real change in terms of shining a media spotlight on the issues worldwide. Additional tangible outcomes could include a joint declaration by attendees or a coordinated campaign across multiple media outlets.

A second symposium will be held later in 2021 involving media groups and government representatives from around the world.

Read the Symposium brochure here.

To request participation in the April 2021 Symposium, use this form.