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.

ABC signs MOU with Indonesian National Public Television Network

28 May 2024

ABC signs MOU with Indonesian National Public Television Network

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Public National Broadcaster of the Television of the Republic of Indonesia (TVRI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The shared agreement was signed in Jakarta by ABC Head International Services Claire M. Gorman and President Director of TVRI Iman Brotoseno, alongside senior leadership from ABC International Development (ABCID) and TVRI.

The MOU jointly recognises the role of the ABC and TVRI as national broadcasters in their respective countries and serves as an expression of the ABC’s commitment to collaboration and cooperation with TVRI.

Through the principles of the established agreement, the ABC and TVRI will collaborate across content exchange in news and current affairs, sports, music, culture, lifestyle and general interest stories. The MOU also supports the sharing of key learnings from each broadcaster’s audience research and feedback, in addition to technical information assistance and capacity building under international development activities.

ABC Head International Services Claire M. Gorman said: “The signing of this MOU formally recognises our ongoing relationship with TVRI. We are delighted that as national broadcasters we can work together on opportunities for content and information sharing as we look to best serve our respective audiences.”

President Director of TVRI Iman Brotoseno said: “I welcome and am grateful that the broadcasting collaboration between TVRI and ABC is being realized. We are sure that the cooperation in exchanging programs, news, and training development contained in this MOU will provide benefits for both parties. Especially for TVRI, we welcome the realization of varied and educational TV broadcast programs for viewers in Indonesia. We hope that this collaboration will bring closer relations between the two countries through showing cultural, social, and other human-interest documentaries.”

Image: TVRI complex in Jakarta [photo by Syahrir/Adobe Stock]

Media Freedom Coalition statement on the closure of Al Jazeera in Israel

25 May 2024

Media Freedom Coalition statement on the closure of Al Jazeera in Israel

The undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition are concerned with the recently adopted legislation giving temporary powers to the Israeli government to prevent foreign media networks from operating in Israel, and do not support the subsequent shut down of Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel.

A free and diverse media landscape is crucial for democracies to function, especially in times of conflict, as people rely on independent information from multiple, reliable sources to stay informed and make their decisions. This is even more important in an age of mis- and disinformation. It is essential that all journalists be given unhindered access to cover events and developments as they unfold, so that they have the possibility to report and inform transparently and factually.

It is therefore of vital importance to protect press freedom and to prevent any undue restrictions on freedom of expression and access to information.

Signed:

Australia
Belgium
Canada
Chile
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Kosovo
Lithuania
Luxembourg
New Zealand
Norway
Portugal
Republic of Korea
Slovenia
Sweden
Switzerland
the Netherlands
the United Kingdom
the United States
Spain
Costa Rica
Latvia

The AIB is a member of the Consultative Network to the Media Freedom Coalition, representing AIB members and the wider global media community.

Image: Ralf – stock.adobe.com

ABC launches ABC Radio Australia service and signs MOU in Nauru

24 May 2024

ABC launches ABC Radio Australia service and signs MOU in Nauru

The Central Pacific state of Nauru is the latest location in the expansion of ABC Radio Australia’s FM transmission service, now available for residents on 90.0FM.

In partnership with the Nauru Media Bureau (NMB), ABC Radio Australia has launched its full FM radio service, featuring a growing schedule of programs including the latest in Pacific news, music and sports, as well as conversations about culture, health, faith and science.

The ABC has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the NMB, building on a long history of engagement between the organisations, including the sharing of ABC NEWS on Nauru Radio and the transmission of ABC Australia television content on Nauru TV.

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said: “After many years of partnership with Nauru and the NMB, we’re proud to announce an MOU with NMB and the launch of a 24-hour dedicated ABC Radio Australia FM service, showcasing the comprehensive range of Pacific news and content that ABC Radio Australia has to offer.”

ABC International Services Manager Nesryn Bouziane, who co-hosted a launch and MOU signing ceremony in Nauru with the NMB, said: “We’re excited for new audiences across Nauru to hear and engage with ABC Radio Australia. The launch of the new FM service and the ABC’s MOU with NMB will lead to greater cross-cultural exchange of ideas and information, deepening connections and friendships between the people of Australia and Nauru.”

Nauru Minister for Media the Hon. Shadlog Bernicke, who co-hosted the launch and signing of the MOU, said: “I am extremely proud to announce the new MOU between Nauru Media Bureau & ABC Radio, further strengthening the longstanding relationship we share with the ABC family. We are committed to always bringing the best services and content to the people of Nauru and the launch of this new FM service is a testimony to our commitment. We are excited to share the fantastic array of content that the ABC has to offer with our beloved audience.”

The new Nauru service follows recent ABC Radio Australia launches in Palau and Pohnpei in Micronesia in the northern Pacific. Further Pacific locations will be added to ABC Radio Australia’s FM footprint in coming months including Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Cook Islands and the Marshall Islands.

Radio Taiwan International partners with the 20th annual AIBs

20 May 2024

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.

Voice of America names new Eurasia Division Director

18 May 2024

Voice of America names new Eurasia Division Director

The Voice of America has selected Alen Mlatisuma as the new director of its Eurasia Division, providing news and information to audiences across media markets in Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia and the Balkans.

A native of Montenegro, Mlatisuma has played a crucial role in shaping and guiding VOA’s digital media and audience engagement strategies within Eurasia’s sophisticated markets. With a wealth of journalistic expertise across various media platforms, Mlatisuma, as a seasoned creative producer, manager and strategist, boasts an impressive track record of fostering audience growth through compelling content creation, innovative social media marketing, cutting-edge technology integration, and dynamic SEO strategies. Spearheading the development of new initiatives, programs, content features, applications and interactive mobile products, he has instilled an audience-first newsroom mindset, ensuring VOA’s continued relevance in the ever-changing Eurasian media environment.

Mlatisuma joined VOA in 2003 as a broadcaster and news editor with the Serbian service. In 2008, he was appointed the Eurasia Division’s Internet Managing Editor. Before his tenure at VOA, Mlatisuma served as a correspondent for the Associated Press and as Managing Editor with Antena M, the first independent radio station in post-communist Montenegro. Reporting from the Balkan region for regional and international media organizations, he also served as the editor of Graffiti Magazine, one of the few satirical media outlets in the war-ravaged Balkans during the 1990s. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Montenegro.

“We look forward to see how Alen leads the Eurasia Division,” said Acting VOA Director John Lippman. “His 20-year career at VOA has prepared him well for this role.”

Mlatisuma’s appointment took effect on May 5, 2024.

Voice of America reaches a weekly global audience of more than 354 million people in 48 languages in nearly 100 countries via radio, television, web and mobile media and a network of more than 3,500 affiliates.

[Source: VOA press release]