AIB Statement on US Administration’s Decision to Cut Funding and Suspend Employees of Voice of America

16 March 2025

AIB Statement on US Administration’s Decision to Cut Funding and Suspend Employees of Voice of America

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) is highly concerned by the decision on 15 March by the US administration to effectively cease funding for US international broadcasting entities and to place hundreds of employees of Voice of America (VoA) on administrative leave. These measures represent a significant setback for global media freedom and threaten the ability of millions of people worldwide to access impartial, fact-based journalism.

For more than eight decades, US international broadcasters such as VoA, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and others have served as critical sources of independent news for audiences living under censorship, state-controlled media, and information blackouts. Their reporting provides an essential counterbalance to disinformation and propaganda in some of the most restrictive media environments in the world.

The decision to cut funding and suspend operations has far-reaching and potentially irreversible consequences. It will:

Undermine media freedom: By weakening one of the world’s most respected international news providers, these actions risk emboldening authoritarian regimes that seek to suppress independent journalism.
Reduce access to credible information: Hundreds of millions of people who rely on US international broadcasters for accurate and unbiased reporting—particularly in conflict zones and countries with restricted press freedom—will find it more difficult to access reliable news.
Damage America’s global credibility: The US has long championed press freedom as a fundamental democratic principle. By dismantling key international broadcasting institutions, the US government undermines its own commitment to free and independent journalism.

At a time when disinformation and propaganda are on the rise, the need for independent, professional journalism is greater than ever. The AIB calls on the US administration to immediately reverse these damaging decisions, restore funding to US international broadcasters, and ensure that journalists can continue their vital work without political interference.

Commenting on the developments, Simon Spanswick, AIB chief executive, said: “At a time when the world is looking to the US to be a global player for peace and freedom, cutting funding for US international media – one of the main instruments underpinning this goal – seems the wrong direction to take.”

AIB launches Government Relations service for members

4 December 2024

AIB launches Government Relations service for members

The AIB has employed experienced Government and Parliamentary advisors to help you build relations with decision-makers, instead of simply following policy edicts handed down from on-high

In most countries, broadcasting has a dynamic and sometimes problematic relationship with political administrations. This occurs for many different reasons, but the result is the same: stress on broadcasters and time and money spent on conforming to regulatory frameworks that broadcasters may have had little power to influence when they were created.

That’s why the Association for International Broadcasting has launched the AIB Government Relations Division. This team is all about finding win-win solutions with politicians and other official authorities, enabling broadcasting to turbocharge its ability to seek amicable and fair self-regulatory and regulatory solutions to the challenges facing the industry in legislation and guidelines, particularly as the media marketplace changes so rapidly.

The AIB already advises a number of members in this area of activity, and we’re now formalising our service. Many of the same problems are present in different countries and often solutions based on the AIB’s vast international experience of regulatory and legal frameworks affecting broadcasting can be applied effectively in these cases.

The AIB also aspires to ensure that broadcasting is “ahead of the curve” in terms of potential legislation. We do this by offering members the opportunity to become highly proactive with relevant legislative Parliamentary authorities, ensuring that the industry’s input is made so early that often it avoids any “top-down” legislation that can harm the latitude of the industry to perform its functions.

The Government Relations Division can and will handle any project of any size affecting the sector in your country or region. We have former Parliamentarians, professional public affairs experts and legal counsel to help with any issue. Whether you’re a large firm or in the early stages of your development, we’ll be happy to help. We work on reactive cases that need a fast response, and proactive cases where the industry itself seeks reform or action from authorities.

Get in touch with the AIB Government Relations Division through the AIB Secretariat. We always start with a general conversation, and then develop a framework agenda for the project. Based on your input and feedback, we develop the programme from there, bringing in other relevant interest groups if and when required.

Governments respect us because we have no political vested interest – simply a professional interest in ensuring the success and vitality of the broadcasting sector. Get in touch and let’s see what we can do to help you have a good, honest and influential relationship with governments and its political officers.

The AIB Government Relations Division is the smart, non-confrontational way to influence policymakers, and turn political decision-makers into policymaking partners.

In memoriam: Linden Clark, former head of Radio New Zealand and originator of the AIBs

2 December 2024

In memoriam: Linden Clark, former head of Radio New Zealand and originator of the AIBs

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) mourns the passing of Linden Clark, who died peacefully at her home in Martinborough, New Zealand, on 29 November 2024, aged 62. Linden was the wife and best friend of Matthew Finn, and the twin sister of Cherry Wells, who lives in Devon, UK.

Linden Clark was instrumental in the creation of the AIBs, the Association’s annual International Media Excellence Awards. Established in 2005, the AIBs have become a prestigious event recognising excellence in journalism and factual productions across television, radio, and digital platforms. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the AIBs, a testament to Linden’s enduring vision and commitment to the broadcasting industry.

The AIB extends its deepest condolences to Linden’s family and friends during this difficult time. Her contributions to international broadcasting have left an indelible mark, and she will be remembered with profound respect and gratitude.

Image: Linden Clark at the AIB Global Media Business Conference in Prague, 2004, where the idea of establishing was first suggested by Linden

AIB Honours Sir Michael Palin with Lifetime Achievement Award

27 November 2024

AIB Honours Sir Michael Palin with Lifetime Achievement Award

Association for International Broadcasting rewards six decades of remarkable contribution to television

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) is delighted to announce that Sir Michael Palin has been awarded the AIB Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary contributions to broadcasting.

The accolade, presented during the 20^th annual AIBs ceremony in London, celebrates Sir Michael’s remarkable career spanning six decades, which has left an indelible mark on both documentary filmmaking and the world of comedy.

Sir Michael Palin first came to prominence as a gifted comedy writer and performer, gaining recognition through his work on The Frost Report on the BBC in the 1960s and as a founding member of the legendary Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The Pythons’ groundbreaking approach to comedy revolutionised television, and Sir Michael’s talents as a writer, actor, and comedian have made him a beloved figure worldwide.

In the years following his comedy success, Sir Michael started his celebrated career as a documentarian and travel presenter, showcasing a unique ability to connect with people and places. From his landmark series Around the World in 80 Days to Pole to Pole, Himalaya, and Sahara, Sir Michael’s documentaries combined warmth, wit, and insightful storytelling, bringing the wonders of the world into millions of homes.

“Sir Michael Palin is a true icon in broadcasting,” said Simon Spanswick, Chief Executive of the AIB. “His work has inspired audiences globally, blending humour, humanity, and curiosity in a way that few can achieve. Whether through his role in shaping modern comedy or his groundbreaking travel documentaries, Sir Michael has continuously set new standards of excellence. We are thrilled to honour his outstanding contributions to the industry with the AIB Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Over the course of his career, Sir Michael has received numerous accolades, including a knighthood for his services to travel, culture, and geography. His ability to transcend genres and connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds has cemented his status as one of the most versatile and influential figures in broadcasting history.

The AIB Lifetime Achievement Award recognises individuals whose work has made a significant and lasting impact on international broadcasting. The award underscores the global admiration that exists for his unparalleled achievements.

Israel must open access to Gaza, say global news organisations

11 July 2024

Israel must open access to Gaza, say global news organisations

The Association for International Broadcasting has joined more than 60 media and civil society organisations who have signed an open letter urging Israel to give journalists independent access to Gaza.

The organisations—which include the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, BBC, CNN, The Guardian, The New York Times, The Washington Post—point out that no independent media access to Gaza has been permitted since the start of the war, increasing the pressure on domestic journalists, and creating a space for mis- and disinformation to flourish.

“More than 100 journalists have been killed since the start of the war and those who remain are working in conditions of extreme deprivation. The result is that information from Gaza is becoming harder and harder to obtain and that the reporting which does get through is subject to repeated questions over its veracity,” the organisations say in the letter, which was coordinated by the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The letter comes ahead of a planned visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the United States, where he is set to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden and address the U.S. Congress on July 24.

CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg noted: “President Netanyahu describes Israel as a democracy. His actions with regard to the media tell a different story. International, Israeli, and Palestinian journalists from outside Gaza should be given independent access to Gaza so they can judge for themselves what is happening in this war—rather than being spoon-fed with a handful of organised tours by the Israeli military.”

In addition to news outlets, the signatories—who span more than 26 countries—include professional groups and organisations dedicated to defending press freedom.

Read the full letter:

We, the undersigned, request that Israeli authorities end immediately the restrictions on foreign media entering Gaza and grant independent access to international news organisations seeking to access the territory.

Nine months into the war, international reporters are still being denied access to Gaza except for rare and escorted trips arranged by the Israeli military. This effective ban on foreign reporting has placed an impossible and unreasonable burden on local reporters to document a war through which they are living. More than 100 journalists have been killed since the start of the war and those who remain are working in conditions of extreme deprivation. The result is that information from Gaza is becoming harder and harder to obtain and that the reporting which does get through is subject to repeated questions over its veracity.

We fully understand the inherent risks in reporting from war zones. These are risks that many of our organisations have taken over decades in order to investigate, document developments as they occur, and understand the impacts of wars the world over.

A free and independent press is the cornerstone of democracy. We ask that Israel uphold its commitments to press freedom by providing foreign media with immediate, independent access to Gaza, and that Israel abides by its international obligations to protect journalists as civilians.

Signatories

ABC News, United States
Agence France-Presse, France
Alternative Press Syndicate, Lebanon
Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism
Asian American Journalists Association, United States
Associated Press, United States
Association for International Broadcasting, United Kingdom
Association of Foreign Press Correspondents, United States
Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media, Bangladesh
BBC News, United Kingdom
Bianet, Turkey
Bloomberg News, United States
CBS News, United States
CNN Worldwide, United States
Community Media Forum Europe, Belgium
CTV News, Canada
Daily Maverick, South Africa
Daraj, Lebanon
Denik Referendum, Czech Republic
European Broadcasting Union, Switzerland
European Federation of Journalists
Financial Times, United Kingdom
Forbidden Stories, France
fotosintesi.info, Italy
Free Press Unlimited, The Netherlands
Global Investigative Journalism Network
Global Reporting Centre, Canada
International Association of Women in Radio and Television
International Center for Journalists, United States
International Fund for Public Interest Media
International News Safety Institute, United Kingdom
ITN, United Kingdom
Le Mauricien, Mauritius
McLatchy, United States
Media Development Center, Tunisia
Media Diversity Institute, United Kingdom
National Association of Hispanic Journalists, United States
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, The Philippines
NBC News, United States
Nieman Foundation for Journalism, Harvard University, United States
NPR, United States
Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project
Premium Times, Nigeria
Prospect Magazine, United Kingdom
Public Media Alliance
Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, United States
Rory Peck Trust, United Kingdom
RTÉ News & Current Affairs, Ireland
Rural Media Network, Pakistan
Sky News, United Kingdom
SMN24Media, Sri Lanka
Somali Media Women Association, Somalia
Sveriges Radio, Sweden
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, United Kingdom
The Guardian, United Kingdom
The Irish Times, Ireland
The New York Times, United States
The Washington Post, United States
Twala, Algeria
Vocento, Spain
VRT News, Belgium
Wattan Media Network, Palestine
World Association for Christian Communication
World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), Germany
Yle News and Current Affairs, Finland

Image generated by AI

AIB submits evidence on BBC World Service funding

29 May 2024

AIB submits evidence on BBC World Service funding

Shortly before the UK General Election was called, the AIB Secretariat was approached to make a submission to the UK Parliament’s Commons Select Committee – International Development Committee Inquiry into future funding of BBC World Service.

We prepared a submission over a very short time frame in order to meet the Inquiry’s deadline for written evidence. You can read the AIB submission at: https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/130501/pdf/. Other evidence submitted can be accessed at: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/8391/future-funding-of-the-bbc-world-service/publications/written-evidence/.

The Inquiry is now suspended until the International Development Committee is reconvened following the UK election and it may be that the AIB will be invited to provide additional oral evidence to the Inquiry.

This type of submission to support members is something that the AIB Secretariat has done many times over the past three decades and we stand ready to support all members with evidence to key stakeholders when the occasion demands. The Secretariat can also assist in live events in parliamentary inquiries or other stakeholder events.

To explore how AIB membership can benefit your organisation, contact the AIB Secretariat.