ABC International kicks off 2026 Rugby League World Cup coverage

7 October 2026

ABC International kicks off 2026 Rugby League World Cup coverage

Rugby league fans across the Pacific can enjoy every match of the men’s and women’s 2026 Rugby League World Cup with the ABC’s multi-platform coverage.

From kick off on Thursday 15 October, ABC Radio Australia will broadcast each game live on its FM network in the Pacific and Timor-Leste and on DAB+ digital radio in Australian capital cities.

ABC Australia’s flagship Pacific sports programme That Pacific Sports Show will also deliver a special six-part World Cup series from Wednesday 14 October.

Presenters Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona will break down the biggest matches, rivalries and stories alongside current and former players and coaches, including a special episode filmed at Santos Stadium in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG). The PNG-focused episode will air on 28 October, capturing all the excitement as the country prepares to launch its own NRL team in 2028.

ABC Radio Australia’s sporting programmes Nesian Footy and Fresh Off The Field will also deliver a special series of episodes, including one also recorded in PNG, to bring listeners closer to some of the biggest matches and names in the tournament.

Meanwhile, ABC Pacific is the digital home of World Cup content, capturing pre-tournament excitement, exclusive player interviews, fan days, team preparations and the latest game results as the competition plays out.

Host of That Pacific Sports Show, Nesian Footy and Fresh Off The Field, Sam Wykes, said: “We’re only days away from the biggest showcase of international rugby league and I’m thrilled to see the talent and passion of the teams. It feels like the most competitive tournament in recent memory, with the rise of Pacific’s national teams and the changes to eligibility for them across the men’s and women’s comps. The atmosphere in PNG will no doubt be incredible, so I can’t wait to be there and bring audiences along for all the action on and off the field.”

The General Manager of ABC International Claire M. Gorman said, “The ABC is proud to deliver comprehensive, multi-platform coverage of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup on free and accessible platforms for Pacific audiences. We believe in the power of sport to connect geographically diverse audiences and have developed a full suite of content, covering every aspect of the tournament.”

NHK WORLD-JAPAN programme focus in October: Anime Manga Explosion

2 October 2026

NHK WORLD-JAPAN programme focus in October: Anime Manga Explosion

Anime Manga Explosion

THE ANIME STUDIO: TOEI ANIMATION October 10 Sat. 1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC) This episode spotlights TOEI ANIMATION, an anime studio marking its 70th anniversary. We trace the studio’s history, beginning with the story behind THE WHITE SNAKE ENCHANTRESS, Japan’s first full-color feature-length animated film. We then follow Mazinger Z, which helped create a new business model for Japanese anime, and Dragon Ball, which carried Japanese anime around the world. Finally, we step inside production on the studio’s current series, ONE PIECE, to see the craft behind the animation.
America’s Startup Arms Race October 11 Sun. 0:00/6:10/12:10/18:00 (UTC) A wave of young entrepreneurs is surging into America’s defense industry.Fueled by massive investment, they are redefining the future of weapons development.We explore this new trend.
Journeys in Japan Tuesdays 0:30 /5:30/15:30 /21:30 (UTC) Mondays 9:30 (UTC) Explore a different side of Japan. Meet the locals and discover traditions and cultures not usually found in guidebooks!

AIB-Shure Masterclass to bring together journalists and factual programme makers in London

29 September 2026

AIB-Shure Masterclass to bring together journalists and factual programme makers in London

The Association for International Broadcasting will stage a special AIBs Masterclass in London on Thursday 29 October, bringing together journalists, producers, editors and programme makers to explore the craft, challenges and changing realities of journalism and factual production.

The event will take place at the Rose Shure Experience Centre in King William Street, London, in association with Shure, Exclusive Event Partner of the AIBs 2026.

The highly interactive afternoon will draw on the experience of practitioners from across the industry, including contributors whose work has been recognised through the AIBs. The aim is to create a practical forum for sharing knowledge, experience and best practice among colleagues working in the UK and internationally.

Sessions will examine some of the most important issues facing factual programme makers today, including:

how compelling factual stories are researched, shaped and produced;
reporting under pressure, verification, trust and editorial judgement;
the impact that covering traumatic stories can have on journalists, researchers, producers and editors;
the importance of sound in bringing stories to life across television, radio, podcasts and digital platforms;
practical production challenges, including an interactive “meet the kit” session with Shure specialists;
how programme makers can share knowledge and experience across borders, platforms and production environments.

The Masterclass will also explore the relationship between editorial ambition and production technology, looking at how the right equipment and workflows can help journalists and producers capture stories more effectively in a wide range of situations.

The AIB has staged Masterclasses over a number of years, bringing together leading practitioners to exchange ideas and practical experience in an informal setting. The October event will continue that approach, with an emphasis on participation and discussion rather than formal presentations.

A full programme and details of contributors will be announced shortly.

Register now

Places are limited and advance registration is required.

Book your place at the AIB-Shure Masterclass on Thursday 29 October 2026:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/RkB1wvg31g

ABC’s Pacific news coverage recognised by Lowy Institute

21 September 2026

ABC’s Pacific news coverage recognised by Lowy Institute

The ABC’s leading role in reporting on Pacific and international affairs has been recognised by the Lowy Institute. Stephen Dziedzic, from ABC NEWS’ International and Indigenous team, won the top prize, the 2026 Lowy Institute Media Award, for his in-depth coverage of global affairs and the Australian Government’s policy and deal making with Pacific Island nations.

Groundbreaking ABC two-part investigation Foreign Correspondent: Cartel Paradise was also shortlisted as a finalist for this year’s award. It was reported by Senior Reporter Stephanie March and Pacific Local Journalism Network (PLJN) correspondents Lice Movono (Fiji), Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong (Solomon Islands) and Marian Kupu (Tonga), from the ABC’s Asia Pacific Newsroom.

Dziedzic said: “It’s great to see the Lowy Institute recognise the ABC’s commitment to the Pacific and the work we do every day bringing stories from the region to people in Australia and beyond.

“I was delighted that my Pacific colleagues were also nominated for their groundbreaking work on Cartel Paradise, which has had an enormous impact across the Pacific. I also owe much of the credit for this award to them.

“Most of the stories the ABC has broken about Australian statecraft in the Pacific over the last year have been collaborative, drawing in our network of reporters across the region. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve lent on their expertise and contacts to help bring these stories to light.”

Since 2013, the Lowy Institute Media Award has celebrated Australian journalists for exceptional reporting on international affairs, underscoring their important role in delivering world news to domestic audiences.

Director ABC NEWS Simon Robinson said: “This award from the Lowy Institute recognises the amazing work that the ABC is doing in covering the Pacific, a story we are well placed to tell.”

“My congratulations to Stephen and to Stephanie, Lice, Chrisnrita and Marian for their nomination and tremendous work in championing Pacific storytelling. The ABC is committed to these opportunities for cross-team collaboration that deliver high-quality journalism.”

Image: The Lowy Institute

HEC Montréal International Center for Media and Society Launches Global Media Peace Awards 2026

21 September 2026

HEC Montréal International Center for Media and Society Launches Global Media Peace Awards 2026

At a time when conflicts around the world are increasingly complex, interconnected, and prolonged, there is a growing need for media content that deepens public understanding, provides context, and examines pathways toward prevention and resolution. Only through such coverage can the intensity and horror of conflicts lead to improved understanding and meaningful change.

In response, HEC Montréal, in partnership with global organisations, presents the 3rd Global Media Peace Awards on Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution. The Awards recognise and celebrate media content that explains the causes, differing perspectives, consequences and solutions – contributing to improved understanding, greater empathy and agency among audiences.

The organisers invite broadcasters and producders to join this peace movement. Submit your news stories and programs, spark dialogue, and help build a more just and harmonious world.

Registration here.

MBC GROUP Celebrates 35 Years in Shaping the Arab Media and Entertainment Landscape

18 September 2026

MBC GROUP Celebrates 35 Years in Shaping the Arab Media and Entertainment Landscape

On September 18, MBC GROUP celebrates its 35th anniversary, marking more than three decades of leadership in broadcasting, content creation, storytelling, and audience engagement across the MENA region and beyond.

Founded in 1991 as the region’s first private free-to-air satellite broadcaster, MBC GROUP has evolved into a global media and entertainment conglomerate. Today, it continuously advances its broadcast, digital, and interactive platforms, backed by sustainable investments designed to meet shifting global media consumption habits.

Central to this milestone is the corporate theme, “بناسها تحلى أكثر” meaning “Our Story is better with You”. The campaign highlights the true engine behind MBC’s story: its diverse talent behind and in front of the camera, strategic industry partners, and the millions of viewers who have made MBC brands a staple of daily life.

Key Institutional Milestones

MBC’s journey is defined by strategic shifts that have redefined the regional media landscape:

Headquarters Relocation to Riyadh: Moving its principal operations to Saudi Arabia’s capital established a vital hub within the Kingdom’s rapidly growing media and entertainment ecosystem.
Tadawul Listing (2024): The successful public listing on the Saudi Exchange marked a major milestone in institutional maturity, providing a strong platform for future expansion.
Global Content & Original Production: Through MBC STUDIOS, the Group develops high-value regional narratives, exporting Arabic heritage and storytelling to international audiences.
Digital Leadership via MBC SHAHID: The Group’s premium streaming platform, MBC Shahid, has become the world’s leading Arabic VOD/OTT service, offering an extensive library of original productions and exclusive programming.
Human Capital & Talent Nurturing: Established in 2020, MBC ACADEMY has upskilled and trained over 18,000 emerging Saudi and Arab media professionals, building the next generation of creative industry talent.
Gaming & Interactive Entertainment: Expanding into interactive media, MBC GAME STUDIO introduced its flagship title, 1001 Threads of Mizan, unveiled at Gamescom in Cologne Germany, taking local storytelling into the global gaming space.

Anniversary Programming Across Platforms

To mark the occasion, flagship channels and digital assets are featuring special anniversary content:

MBC1 Specials: Dedicated coverage on MBC in a Week explores the Group’s transformation since 1991, while Sabah Al Khair Ya Arab (MBC1flagship Morning Show) showcases the iconic shows and personalities that shaped its heritage.
Brand Campaign: A tailored visual identity and promo campaign centered on the “Our Story is better with You” concept will run across all channels and social media networks, with MBC1 carrying the anniversary identity through Ramadan 2027.

[Source: MBC press release]