Journalism and factual programmes from 18 countries shortlisted in the AIBs 2020

Work from 49 broadcasters and production companies selected to be judged by international panel of experts in 21 countries

London | 24 September 2020

The Association for International Broadcasting has announced the shortlist for its annual competition that celebrates journalism and factual productions on television, radio and digital platforms. Each year since 2005, the work of journalists and producers around the world has been recognised in this global competition and in 2020, the AIBs have attracted as wide a range of entries as ever.

“We thought long and hard about whether it was appropriate to hold our 16^th annual competition in 2020,” says Simon Spanswick, AIB chief executive. “The conclusion we reached, and one that is shared by the international broadcasting and production community, is that it’s even more important that the work of those bringing the most important stories into our homes, to our radios or to our mobile devices is recognised this year. Understandably, there were many submissions focusing on coronavirus. But many other subjects were covered as well, demonstrating the outstanding range of work that is produced every day to keep the public informed wherever they are in the world.”

The stories entered in this year’s AIBs are diverse, from coverage of the Australian bush fires to the celebration of Beethoven’s ninth symphony, corruption in Africa’s university system to the Hong Kong pro-democracy demonstrations, talk shows in Syrian refugee camps to the real price of your cup of coffee.

There are 20 categories in the AIBs 2020, including:

TV and video categories

• Arts and culture
• Human interest
• Natural world
• Science and technology
• Domestic affairs documentary
• International affairs documentary
• Investigative documentary
• Politics and business
• Short documentary
• Single news report
• Continuing news reporting

Radio and audio categories

• Arts and culture
• Human interest
• Investigative documentary
• News reporting
• Factual podcast

Specialist categories

• Channel of the year
• News agency of the year
• Young journalist
• Impact

“We are honoured that so many broadcasters and production companies have chosen to showcase their output in the AIBs in this difficult year,” continues Simon Spanswick.  “Our judges now have the extremely hard job of selecting which of the shortlisted work is the very best in each category and my colleagues and I wish the judging panel good luck as they evaluate the entries. Of course, I also wish all the nominees the very best of luck in this final stage of the competition.”

The results of the AIBs 2020 will be announced in a two-part programme that will be released on 13  and 16  November. The Association for International Broadcasting is currently working with event partner Al Jazeera Media Network to devise our virtual awards show that will maintain the depth and breadth of our traditional live event, and that showcases all the shortlisted entries. As usual, the absolute secrecy that surrounds who has won will be maintained until the special awards programme is released.

“Like everyone, the AIBs have had to adapt to cope with the very different environment we find ourselves in,” says Simon Spanswick. “We fervently hope that in 2021, we will return to our time-honoured live event that draws together the international media industry for an evening of celebration. Until then, we’re working to deliver the very best virtual awards for all our entrants and observers.”

The complete shortlist is available online at https://theaibs.tv/AIBs-2020/shortlist-2020/AIBs-Shortlist-2020-3.pdf and a copy appears from page 4 of this release. Highlights of the AIBs 2019 can be seen at https://vimeo.com/383583268/c425f5b9fe.