AIB launches student internships at its international media awards

AIB launches student internships at its international media awards

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

The AIBs 2025 Masterclass – exploring the gold standard in journalism

The AIBs 2025 Masterclass – exploring the gold standard in journalism

The AIBs 2025 Masterclass – exploring the gold standard in journalism

Sharpen Your Journalism & Interviewing Skills

📅 Friday 14 November 2025    ⏰ 1000–1330    📍 Park Hyatt London River Thames, London SW8

On the morning of the AIBs 2025 Gala Awards, join an interactive masterclass with award-winning journalists, editors and producers. Learn how top reporters work the front line, how investigators get to the truth, and how to conduct incisive interviews — including a live session with Keith Prince, elected member of the Greater London Assembly.

Why attend

  • Frontline reporting insights from global correspondents
  • Interviewing & presentation skills with former MP/broadcaster Lembit Öpik
  • Investigative techniques from international teams
  • Networking light lunch with speakers and peers
  • Exceptional value — AIB is a not‑for‑profit and keeps fees as low as possible
  • Learn from global leaders
  • Build interviewing confidence
  • Expand your network
  • Outstanding value

Programme

1000 – Welcome & scene setting

1010 – Frontline reporting

  • Celia Mendoza, Voice of America | @celiax25
  • Jorge Agobian, Voice of America | @jorgeagobian
  • Narinder Kalsi, Senior Journalist Team Manager, BBC News, UK | @ narinderkalsi01

1100 – Both sides now: Effective political interviewing & presentation skills (with Lembit Öpik and guest Keith Prince)

1145 – Challenging the narrative & getting to the truth

  • Nikolai Atefie, Freelance journalist, Austria/Sweden | @NikolaiAtefie
  • Martin Jönsson, Journalist, Swedish Radio | @SRMartinJ
  • Sandra Gathmann, Al Jazeera, UK | @SandraGathmann

1230 – Freelance news: Introducing Journalist.net – easier, deeper, wider

  • Henry Peirse, Founder, Paydesk

1300–1330 – Networking light lunch

Register here

Fees

Standard: £150 + VAT | For people booked for the AIBs Gala Dinner : £80 + VAT

Places are limited. Early booking recommended.

Register here

Read the brochure here

BBC, AFP, AP and Reuters launch film calling for Gaza access

BBC, AFP, AP and Reuters launch film calling for Gaza access

BBC, AFP, AP and Reuters launch film calling for Gaza access

The BBC, in association with Agence France-Presse, the Associated Press, and Reuters, has launched a short film calling on the Israeli authorities to allow international journalists access to Gaza.

The film, narrated by veteran BBC journalist David Dimbleby, uses iconic news images to highlight the importance of independent journalism throughout key moments in recent history.

Deborah Turness, CEO of BBC News, says: “As journalists, we record the first draft of history. But in this conflict, reporting is falling solely to a small number of Palestinian journalists, who are paying a terrible cost.

“It is almost two years since October 7th when the world witnessed Hamas’ atrocities. Since then, a war has been raging in Gaza but international journalists are not allowed in. We must now be let into Gaza. To work alongside local journalists, so we can all bring the facts to the world.”

The film was premiered in New York on Wednesday 24 September at an event hosted by the Committee to Protect Journalists, to coincide with the United Nations General Assembly.

Independent international journalists are not currently allowed access to Gaza.

The AIBs 2025 shortlist announced

The AIBs 2025 shortlist announced

The AIBs 2025 shortlist announced

Global talent in journalism and factual production celebrated ahead of 21st annual awards

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) has released the shortlist for the AIBs 2025, the 21st annual competition that celebrates the best in journalism and factual productions across video, audio and digital platforms.

Entries this year came from broadcasters and producers in 33 countries, representing a remarkable spread of organisations large and small. From major international networks to independent production houses, the shortlist demonstrates the extraordinary breadth of work being carried out by journalists, editors and storytellers across every continent

Read the shortlist here: https://theaibs.tv/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AIBs-2025-shortlist-2025-09-05.pdf

The winners of the AIBs 2025 will be announced at the gala awards ceremony in London on 14 November 2025, hosted at the newly opened Park Hyatt London River Thames. South African journalist Ayanda Charlie, winner of the AIB Emerging Talent Award in 2024, will host the evening.

Simon Spanswick, Chief Executive of the AIB, said: “The range of work on this year’s shortlist is truly inspiring. We once again are honoured to have entries from some of the world’s largest news organisations alongside productions from independent teams working in challenging circumstances. Together, they reflect the dedication, courage and creativity of journalists across the globe, and highlight the continuing importance of factual storytelling in helping audiences understand our complex world.”

All the shortlisted work is now with the international panel of judges, spread from New Zealand across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and on to the Americas. This group of over 50 media experts will evaluate all the entries over the coming months and decide who the winners will be in each category.

The awards will be presented at the gala evening in London on 14 November that will bring together journalists, producers, editors and executives from across the international media community, providing an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate excellence, renew connections and forge new collaborations.

More information about the AIBs 2025, the full shortlist, and details on how to attend the awards is available at www.theaibs.tv.

South African presenter Ayanda Charlie to host the AIBs 2025

South African presenter Ayanda Charlie to host the AIBs 2025

South African presenter Ayanda Charlie to host the AIBs 2025

Ayanda Charlie to host 21st annual journalism awards in London

Winner of the AIBs 2024 Emerging Talent award will lead global celebration of journalism and factual storytelling

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) is delighted to announce that Ayanda Charlie, South Africa-based freelance multimedia producer and presenter, will host the 21st annual AIBs, the international awards celebrating journalism and factual productions across video, audio and digital platforms.

The AIBs gala will take place in London on 14 November 2025 at the Park Hyatt London River Thames, welcoming journalists, editors, producers, directors and media executives from across the globe to honour the very best in international factual storytelling.

Ayanda Charlie is best known for her work with BBC Africa Eye, including Fear And Loathing in South Africa, a powerful investigation into the xenophobic group Operation Dudula. She is the winner of the AIB Emerging Talent Award in 2024 and a 2022 Open Society Foundations Investigative Journalism Fellow, establishing her as one of the most dynamic and courageous voices in investigative journalism today.

Ayanda Charlie said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be invited to host the AIBs in 2025, especially after winning the Emerging Talent award last year. The AIBs shine a vital spotlight on the power of journalism and the importance of reporting facts with integrity – something that is urgently needed, particularly across my home continent of Africa where courageous reporting can change lives. It is also deeply meaningful to me, as a woman in journalism, to stand on this stage and celebrate the outstanding work of colleagues around the world who are holding power to account and telling the stories that matter.”

Simon Spanswick, Chief Executive of the AIB, said:
“We are thrilled that Ayanda Charlie will be hosting the AIBs 2025. Ayanda embodies the values of fearless, independent journalism that the AIBs were created to celebrate. Her work with BBC Africa Eye has highlighted critical issues with integrity and bravery, and her voice will add an inspiring and compelling presence to this year’s awards gala in London.”

The AIBs 2025 will showcase entries from across the world, recognising the creativity, determination and impact of journalists and producers who bring factual stories to audiences on television, radio, podcasts and digital platforms.

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

Radio Taiwan International announced as Broadcast Partner of the AIBs 2025

Radio Taiwan International announced as Broadcast Partner of the AIBs 2025

Radio Taiwan International announced as Broadcast Partner of the AIBs 2025

Rti joins with the 21st annual AIBs to demonstrate its commitment to global journalism and media freedom

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) is pleased to announce that Radio Taiwan International (Rti) has joined the AIBs 2025 as the official Broadcast Partner. As part of the partnership, Rti will have exclusive rights to distribute the 21st annual AIBs gala awards event, which will take place in London on 14 November 2025, across its platforms.

In addition to its broadcast partnership, Rti is also confirmed as the sponsor of the News Coverage – Audio category, one of the most competitive awards recognising outstanding journalism in radio and podcasting from around the world.

This collaboration underscores Rti’s long-standing commitment to media freedom, impartial journalism, and international collaboration. At a time when press freedom is under threat in many regions, Rti continues to provide trusted, independent news and programming in multiple languages, serving audiences across Asia and globally.

Cheryl Lai, Chairperson of Radio Taiwan International (pictured), said: “The AIBs are a vital platform to honour and amplify the work of journalists and storytellers who bring truth to light in an increasingly complex world. At Rti, we believe in the power of journalism to hold power to account, to inform the public, and to build mutual understanding across cultures. Supporting the AIBs reflects our dedication to these values and our desire to stand with fellow broadcasters and content creators who share our commitment to editorial integrity and public service.”

Simon Spanswick, Chief Executive of the Association for International Broadcasting, commented: “We are delighted to continue our close collaboration with Rti in 2025. Rti has generously supported the AIBs for a number of years, and this continuing relationship demonstrates the importance that Rti and the nation of Taiwan attaches to media freedom and impartial journalism. Through Rti’s support, we are able to celebrate the work of journalists and their colleagues in bringing the stories that matter to audiences globally.”

Established in 2005, the AIBs are the international competition that celebrates the best journalism and factual productions across video, audio, and digital platforms. With entries from broadcasters, media companies and production houses in more than 40 countries, the AIBs represent a global benchmark of excellence in factual media.

The AIBs 2025 gala on 14 November will bring together leading figures from across the international media industry, recognising work that informs, educates and inspires audiences worldwide. This year, the gala dinner will take place at the Park Hyatt London River Thames, moments from Westminster and the Houses of Parliament.

For more information about the AIBs and this year’s categories, visit www.theaibs.tv