AIB Honours Sir Michael Palin with Lifetime Achievement Award

AIB Honours Sir Michael Palin with Lifetime Achievement Award

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 20th 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

Israel must open access to Gaza, say global news organisations

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

  1. ABC News, United States
  2. Agence France-Presse, France
  3. Alternative Press Syndicate, Lebanon
  4. Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism
  5. Asian American Journalists Association, United States
  6. Associated Press, United States
  7. Association for International Broadcasting, United Kingdom
  8. Association of Foreign Press Correspondents, United States
  9. Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media, Bangladesh
  10. BBC News, United Kingdom
  11. Bianet, Turkey
  12. Bloomberg News, United States
  13. CBS News, United States
  14. CNN Worldwide, United States
  15. Community Media Forum Europe, Belgium
  16. CTV News, Canada
  17. Daily Maverick, South Africa
  18. Daraj, Lebanon
  19. Denik Referendum, Czech Republic
  20. European Broadcasting Union, Switzerland
  21. European Federation of Journalists
  22. Financial Times, United Kingdom
  23. Forbidden Stories, France
  24. fotosintesi.info, Italy
  25. Free Press Unlimited, The Netherlands
  26. Global Investigative Journalism Network
  27. Global Reporting Centre, Canada
  28. International Association of Women in Radio and Television
  29. International Center for Journalists, United States
  30. International Fund for Public Interest Media
  31. International News Safety Institute, United Kingdom
  32. ITN, United Kingdom
  33. Le Mauricien, Mauritius
  34. McLatchy, United States
  35. Media Development Center, Tunisia
  36. Media Diversity Institute, United Kingdom
  37. National Association of Hispanic Journalists, United States
  38. National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, The Philippines
  39. NBC News, United States
  40. Nieman Foundation for Journalism, Harvard University, United States
  41. NPR, United States
  42. Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project
  43. Premium Times, Nigeria
  44. Prospect Magazine, United Kingdom
  45. Public Media Alliance
  46. Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, United States
  47. Rory Peck Trust, United Kingdom
  48. RTÉ News & Current Affairs, Ireland
  49. Rural Media Network, Pakistan
  50. Sky News, United Kingdom
  51. SMN24Media, Sri Lanka
  52. Somali Media Women Association, Somalia
  53. Sveriges Radio, Sweden
  54. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, United Kingdom
  55. The Guardian, United Kingdom
  56. The Irish Times, Ireland
  57. The New York Times, United States
  58. The Washington Post, United States
  59. Twala, Algeria
  60. Vocento, Spain
  61. VRT News, Belgium
  62. Wattan Media Network, Palestine
  63. World Association for Christian Communication
  64. World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), Germany
  65. Yle News and Current Affairs, Finland

 

Image generated by AI

AIB submits evidence on BBC World Service funding

AIB submits evidence on BBC World Service funding

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.

Radio Taiwan International partners with the 20th annual AIBs

Radio Taiwan International partners with the 20th annual AIBs

Radio Taiwan International partners with the 20th annual AIBs

Global awards for journalism and factual productions highlight the ever-increasing need for unbiased reporting and holding power to account

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) is proud to announce Radio Taiwan International (Rti) as the event partner and sponsor of the Sustainability – Audio award for the AIBs 2024, the landmark 20th annual competition celebrating the best in journalism and factual productions across video, audio, and digital platforms.

This important partnership underscores a shared commitment to promoting media freedom and supporting unbiased, factual journalism and reporting across the globe. Rti’s collaboration with the AIBs enhances the scope and impact of the awards, bringing together diverse voices and fostering a more inclusive media landscape.

At the signing of the event partnership agreement in Berlin during a series of Rti-organised events, Cheryl Lai, Chairperson of Radio Taiwan International, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership: “At Rti, we believe in the power of free press and the critical role it plays in informing and educating societies. Supporting the AIBs aligns with our mission to advocate for media freedom and provide a platform for unbiased, factual journalism. We are thrilled to be part of this initiative that celebrates and encourages excellence in media worldwide.”

Simon Spanswick, CEO of the Association for International Broadcasting, expressed his gratitude for Rti’s continued support, especially in this milestone year: “We are immensely pleased that Rti is joining us once again as an event partner and category sponsor for the AIBs. Their unwavering support over the years has been vital in enhancing the global reach and stature of our awards. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the AIBs, Rti’s involvement is more significant than ever, reinforcing our shared goals of championing high-quality, ethical journalism.”

The AIBs 2024 feature 20 categories spanning video and audio disciplines, showcasing and rewarding outstanding contributions to the media industry. The competition invites entries from all over the world, reflecting its international scope and the diverse nature of today’s media landscape.

The winners will be announced at the annual awards gala in London on November 22, 2024, an event set to be more impactful with Rti’s partnership.

April 2024 AIB global media briefing published

April 2024 AIB global media briefing published

April 2024 AIB global media briefing published

The AIB has published its latest global media briefing.

In this edition:
CNA heads to UK screens | UN USG calls on media companies to collaborate | Rti Forum heads to German capital | AIB Sustainability group shares knowledge and experience | People | The AIBs 2024 open for entry
 
Read the full briefing online here: https://conta.cc/44ha7Xa and sign up to receive this regular briefing to you inbox at https://aib.org.uk/sign-up-to-the-aib-industry-briefing/.
UN Under-Secretary-General calls on global media companies to collaborate

UN Under-Secretary-General calls on global media companies to collaborate

UN Under-Secretary-General calls on global media companies to collaborate

Melissa Fleming recognises importance of the media industry in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Opening a global webinar on media and sustainability organised by the Association for International Broadcasting, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Melissa Fleming, called on all media companies to “join forces to be true changemakers”.

Addressing the audience of media leaders and sustainability experts, Melissa Fleming said: “today, I urge all of you to continue these kinds of collaborations to scale up your sustainable development initiatives to innovate on screen and off for the SDGs and to create content that engages your audiences with urgent global efforts to achieve them.”

The AIB is leading the development of the Global Media Sustainability Initiative (GMSI), a ground-breaking effort supported by the United Nations through the UN SDG Media Compact to leverage the global media industry in promoting and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During a pivotal webinar hosted by the AIB on 11 April 2024, United Nations officials, along with media industry leaders, highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping a sustainable future.

The GMSI serves as a unique platform where media companies worldwide can collaborate, share innovative practices, and create impactful content that addresses urgent global issues such as climate change, gender equality, and health. The initiative, as part of the United Nations SDG Media Compact, has already attracted media organisations globally, ranging from broadcasters in Africa to publishers in Europe and multimedia companies across the Americas.

Simon Spanswick, CEO of the AIB, remarked on the initiative’s importance, “Today, we stand at a crucial juncture where the power of media to inform and motivate the public is more critical than ever. The GMSI not only aims to unite media companies in a shared mission but also to inspire action that contributes directly to a sustainable future.”

The webinar detailed the initiative’s structure, which will focus on four core areas: increasing public awareness of the SDGs, combating misinformation, training storytellers, commissioners and journalists, and making media companies more sustainable themselves. Notable contributions from media veterans and development experts, such as Georgia Arnold, co-founder and until recently Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and Victor Olvera, Senior Economist at the World Bank, underscored the effectiveness of media in driving societal change and influencing policy at both local and international levels.

Chris Jackson, SVP US Public Affairs at global research company Ipsos, demonstrated public perception of the SDGs in multiple markets, and how citizens in different countries rank the importance of the 17 SDGs personally. The conclusion is that there is much work to be done to achieve awareness of the SDGs, let alone effect societal change on the issues the SDGs seek to address.

Melissa Fleming emphasised the importance of the media’s involvement: “Media organisations are essential partners in the fight against global challenges. Through the SDG Media Compact, we aim to catalyse actions within the industry, helping to drive advocacy, action, and progress towards the SDGs.”

The AIB invites media companies and professionals to become part of the GMSI and participate in forthcoming events, including a significant gathering at the UN General Assembly in September 2024.

For more information on how to engage with the Global Media Sustainability Initiative and make a difference through media, please visit https://aib.org.uk/GMSI/AIB-GSMI-intro-2024-01-15.pdf.

Watch the April 11 webinar at https://player.vimeo.com/progressive_redirect/playback/933311138/rendition/1080p/file.mp4?loc=external&log_user=0&signature=989eea1c21e433609364b80fbe9de92ac7aba1083cccd50741fbd00de61c6472.