ABC champions Southeast Asian emerging media leaders with new Future Voices programme

7 March 2026

ABC champions Southeast Asian emerging media leaders with new Future Voices programme

ABC International’s media development unit, ABC International Development (ABCID), has launched an innovative three-year programme called Future Voices, offering hands-on leadership and digital journalism training to Southeast Asia’s next generation of media leaders.

The programme’s launch coincides with Australia hosting the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup and some participants are spending two-weeks in Brisbane and the Gold Coast where they will receive on-the-ground mentoring and mobile journalism training at matches and earn a micro-credential in Leadership and Sports Diplomacy at Griffith University.

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said, “We are proud to launch this significant new programme, leveraging the ABC’s expertise in building and managing independent, ethical and inclusive newsrooms and sharing these skills with our colleagues across the region. Future Voices will strengthen Australian connections with Asia, building meaningful relationships with and between the region’s media organisations and this year, championing female participation in news and sports media.”

ABCID Manager Jo Elsom said the new programme will equip young media professionals with a suite of practical reporting skills, strengthening their capacity to elevate coverage of cultural and sporting events in their own countries.

“Programme graduates will have the unique opportunity to practice commentary, interviews, and match-day reporting in real time at a major international women’s sporting event, developing high-quality, multi-platform sport content in a fast-paced environment. Combined with their course at Griffith University, they will return to their media organisations with important new leadership and management skills.”

“It’s critical that we continue enhancing the capability of our media leaders across our region, to encourage diverse and independent reporting – Future Voices gives journalists from across our region such a wonderful opportunity to build connections and deepen their skills.”

Head of the ASEAN-Australia Centre, Fiona Hoggart, said the Centre is dedicated to championing initiatives like Future Voices that build capability and deepen Australia’s connections with Southeast Asia.

“The ASEAN-Australia Centre is proud to support such a valuable programme,” Ms Hoggart said. “Future Voices not only strengthens our partnerships in Southeast Asia, it gives young journalists the chance to build practical skills and supports quality reporting across our region as Australia hosts the Women’s Asian Cup.

“Participants will form relationships with colleagues from across Australia and Southeast Asia that will last for years to come.”

Griffith University Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Caitlin Byrne AM said, “Griffith University is committed to supporting a strong and vibrant media landscape across the Asia–Pacific. We are delighted to partner with the ABC to equip sports journalists from the region with the skills and confidence to lead informed, meaningful public discourse within a rapidly evolving media environment.”

Future Voices aims to deepen Australia’s regional connections and foster a peaceful, prosperous Southeast Asia, with a new cohort entering the program each year, and is supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s ASEAN-Australia Centre.

ABC and the Broadcasting Corporation of Niue join forces on Alofi building upgrade

26 September 2025

ABC and the Broadcasting Corporation of Niue join forces on Alofi building upgrade

The Prime Minister of Niue Hon. Dalton Tagelagi has officially reopened the Broadcasting Corporation of Niue’s (BCN) Alofi headquarters after a major refurbishment undertaken in partnership with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

Over 18 months, ABC International Development (ABCID) has worked with BCN, the Australian and Niue Governments and contractors from Niue, New Zealand and Australia to deliver the $2 million project, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

ABCID Manager Jo Elsom said the project ensures BCN’s ongoing capacity to provide critical information to the people of Niue and demonstrates the value of the long-standing collaboration between Niue, Australia and their national broadcasters.

According to Elsom, “As the national and emergency broadcaster, BCN plays a critical role in Niue. We are pleased to have worked to restore BCN’s operations, ensuring its delivery of media services to the community. The refurbishment not only rebuilds vital infrastructure but also supports quality, independent broadcasting in Niue and the region.”

BCN General Manager Trevor Tiakia said the completion of the refurbishment gives the Corporation a renewed focus.

“The building is the pride and joy of the community, a source of entertainment and reliable information. It has created a more conducive working environment for our staff and has significantly enhanced the quality of service we are able to deliver to the community.”

To represent the friendship between Niue and Australia, ABC and BCN commissioned a large mural covering one side of the new building, designed and painted in collaboration between Niuean artist Jica Vakaafi and Torres Strait Islander artist Tori-Jay Mordey.

ABC celebrates Papua New Guinea’s 50 years of independence

13 September 2025

ABC celebrates Papua New Guinea’s 50 years of independence

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is programming a rich slate of commemorative content across its screen, audio and news channels for Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) 50 years of independence on 16 September.

ABC teams have worked for more than 18 months, to produce the range of content which explores Australia’s colonial legacy in PNG, and PNG’s first 50 years as a unified, independent nation.

Content highlights of the ABC’s coverage in Australia and across the Indo-Pacific include;

A 60-minute screen and audio documentary Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years, examines the history, spirit and diverse traditions of PNG’s people, deeply connected to their roots and confidently looking to the future. The film was produced by ABC International Services in conjunction with PNG’s National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) and supported under the DFAT-funded Media Development Initiative, with ABC Backroads’ Kathy McLeish as Executive Producer and NBC’s Maureen Orea hosting.
A 60-minute screen documentary PNG: Road to Independence tells the gripping story of the PNG-born leaders who united culturally and linguistically diverse tribes in a peaceful transition from Australian colonial rule to give birth to their new nation. The film is an ABC co-production from WildBear Entertainment, written and directed by PNG-born journalist, filmmaker and former ABCNEWS Director Max Uechtritz.
An 11-part series of audio and screen mini-documentaries titled Pasin Wantok, produced in collaboration with NBC, explores first-hand PNG’s diverse cultures and traditions, which remain strong in a rapidly modernising nation.
A 30-minute special edition of ABC Australia’s The Pacific, reflects on 50 years of nationhood — the successes and the challenges — and what’s next for PNG.
ABC Radio Australia’s flagship daily current affairs program Pacific Beat will broadcast live from PNG’s capital Port Moresby, covering the action all week from Monday 15 to Friday 19 September meanwhile weekday morning program Nesia Daily will also broadcast live from Brisbane’s popular PNG 50th Independence Celebration on Saturday 13 September.
ABC Pacific’s homepage, Facebook and Instagram are carrying highlights from Pasin Wantok, Voices of Independence, Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years, PNG: Road to Independence as well as a curation of materials from the ABC Archives.
ABC NEWS’ Port Moresby bureau will deliver in-country independence coverage for ABC NEWS channels alongside dedicated segments for flagship current affairs program, 7.30.
ABC Education will release an educational “digibook” for Australian and PNG students to learn about the period, featuring key moments from PNG: Road to Independence with accompanying questions.
60-minute special edition of ABC Australia’s That Pacific Sports Show, filmed in Port Moresby, with host Sam Wykes and special guest co-hosts Nesia Daily’s Michael Chow and award-winning PNG-based sports journalist Jamie Haro. The episode explores how sport unites the people of PNG and celebrates PNG’s sporting prowess today and into the future.

ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks said: “The ABC stands with PNG in celebrating its rich history, culture and journey to independence. We are delighted to be offering a broad spectrum of content across our channels, underscoring the historic moment’s importance for Papua New Guinea and Australia.”

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said: “We are incredibly proud of the ABC’s commemorative content slate, much of it produced in collaboration with PNG’s public broadcaster, the NBC. It is creative, poignant and most importantly centres the voices of PNG in its storytelling.”

ABC’s PNG’s independence anniversary content and coverage will be available in Australia on ABCTV, ABC NEWS Channel, iview and ABC listen and internationally on ABC Australia, ABC Radio Australia and ABC Pacific.

Australian audiences can access PNG 50 Years content here;

ABC TV

PNG: Road to Independence – 1 x 60-minute documentary
Tuesday 16 September at 21:00 AEST
Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years – 1 x 60-minute documentary
Wednesday 17 September at 11:00 AEST
7.30: Journey to Sovereignty – 1 x package
Tuesday 16 September at 19:30 AEST

iview

PNG: Road to Independence – 1 x 60-minute documentary
Tuesday 16 September from 07:00 AEST
Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years – 1 x 60-minute documentary
Tuesday 16 September from 14:00 AEST
That Pacific Sports Show: PNG Independence 50th Anniversary – 1 x 60-minute special
Wednesday 17 September at 18:30 AEST
The Pacific: PNG Anniversary Special – 1 x 30-minute episode
Thursday 18 September at 18:30 AEST
Pasin Wantok – 11 x mini-documentaries
Sunday 14 September at 12:00 AEST
Voices of Independence – 10 x short-form episodes
Sunday 14 September at 12:00 AEST

ABC RADIO NATIONAL

Late Night Live, Saturday Extra, Sunday Extra and Law Report will carry special coverage of PNG 50 Years of Independence commemorations on ABC RN.
Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years – 1 x 60-minute documentary
Monday 15 September from 14:00 AEST on History Showcase

ABC NEWS

7.30, The World, ABC News Breakfast and ABC NEWS Channel will carry special coverage of PNG’s 50 Years commemorations.

ABC PACIFIC

For ongoing PNG 50 Years coverage and content, go to ABC Pacific’s homepage, Facebook and Instagram which will carry highlights from Pasin Wantok, Voices of Independence, Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years, PNG: Road to Independence and an ABC-NBC coproduced social media video, as well as material from the ABC Archives.

ABC EDUCATION

PNG: Road to Independence “digibook” available here from Tuesday 16 September.

International audiences can access PNG 5o Years content here;

ABC AUSTRALIA

Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years – 1 x 60-minute documentary
Tuesday 16 September at 14:00 AEST and repeated at 20:00 AEST
PNG: Road to Independence – 1 x 60-minute documentary
Monday 15 September at 14:00 AEST and repeated at 20:00 AEST
Pasin Wantok – 11 x short-form videos
From Tuesday 2 September
Voices of Independence – 10 x short-form videos
From Thursday 11 September
That Pacific Sports Show: PNG Independence 50th Anniversary – 1 x 60-minute special
Wednesday 17 September at 18:30 AEST
The Pacific: PNG Anniversary Special – 1 x 30-minute episode
Thursday 18 September at 18:30 AEST

ABC RADIO AUSTRALIA

Nesia Daily – Independence Day Special Live from PNG 50 Years of Independence Festival
Saturday 13 September at 10:00 AEST
Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years – 1 x 60-minute documentary
Tuesday 16 September at 13:00 AEST and repeated at 18:00 AEST
Pasin Wantok – 11 x 10-minute mini documentaries
From Monday 1 to Tuesday 16 September, at 7.40am AEST
Voices of Independence – 2 x 30-minute episodes
Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 September at 16:00 AEST
Pacific Beat: PNG Independence Coverage
Monday 15 September to Friday 19 September from 06:00 AEST

ABC PACIFIC

For ongoing PNG 50 Years coverage, go to ABC Pacific’s homepage, Facebook and Instagramwhich will carry highlights from Pasin Wantok, Voices of Independence, Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years, PNG: Road to Independence and an ABC-NBC coproduced social media video, as well as material from the ABC Archives.

ABCID launches international media networking platform

13 August 2025

ABCID launches international media networking platform

The Indo-Pacific Media Network launches this week (11 August 2025), linking “alumni” from ABC International Development (ABCID) programs and creating a dynamic way for journalists and media professionals in Asia and the Pacific to exchange ideas, build relationships and identify career development opportunities.

The Network will operate via a newly created private Facebook Group and is open to anyone who has participated in ABCID programs.

ABCID Manager Jo Elsom said, “We are building a cross-border community to harness the unlimited potential of approximately 6,000 media professionals across 23 countries in the Indo-Pacific region who have been part of ABCID programs since 2020.

“This will be a dedicated space for ongoing learning and professional development, where media professionals who are passionate about serving their communities and the public interest can lean on each other to navigate industry challenges such as information integrity, skills development, business sustainability, artificial intelligence and mis- and disinformation.”

ABCID will manage the network, developed in consultation with media from 10 countries in Asia and the Pacific. ABCID supports leaders, journalists, content makers, broadcast technicians and media organisations working in news, sport, content production, behaviour change communications and media sector development.

Learn more about how to join the Indo-Pacific Media Network here.

ABC Radio Australia’s Marshall Islands launch completes historic Pacific expansion

17 June 2025

ABC Radio Australia’s Marshall Islands launch completes historic Pacific expansion

ABC Radio Australia’s ambitious two-year FM expansion project in the Pacific has concluded with the recent launch in the Marshall Islands of a new FM transmitter. Residents of Majuro atoll are the latest listeners to join the network, which has doubled and now extends to 25 locations across the region.

The expansion project was funded by the Australian Federal Government’s Indo Pacific Broadcasting Strategy and began in 2023, when ABC Radio Australia established an FM service in Gizo, Solomon Islands. Since then, the ABC has partnered with broadcasters and transmission providers across the region, to develop and launch services in Federated States of Micronesia (Pohnpei), Palau (Koror), Nauru, Kiribati (Tarawa), Tuvalu (Funafuti), Cook Islands (Rarotonga), Auki in the Solomon Islands and three additional Papua New Guinea locations, in East New Britain (Kokopo), Manus Island (Lorengau) and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (Buka).

Alongside its investment in broadcast and delivery infrastructure, ABC Radio Australia has also tripled its Pacific content offering, launching new news, music, sport and cultural programming to better entertain and inform its growing audiences.

ABC Radio Australia celebrated the milestone by co-hosting an event with the Australian Ambassador to the Marshall Islands, Paul Wilson, at his residence in Majuro. The event was attended by representatives of the Marshall Islands Government.

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said: “The completion of the ABC Radio Australia FM transmission expansion project has been a landmark success – allowing the network to significantly grow its reach and listenership across the Pacific. In the 85 years since ABC Radio Australia first broadcast across the region, the network has undergone significant changes with this latest expansion in transmission sites. This represents the next chapter for ABC Radio Australia, providing new audiences with our slate of trusted news and Pacific-focused radio programming.”

ABC Radio Australia Manager Justine Kelly said: “Across the past two years, our ABC Radio Australia teams have been working incredibly hard to deliver this remarkable project. We are proud to be available across even more locations throughout the Pacific as our talented team of presenters and comprehensive suite of shows, share the incredible stories and voices from across the region. We deliver the latest in breaking news, sports coverage, new music and conversations about culture, the environment, health, faith and science.”

WAYS TO LISTEN: Audiences in Majuro can now tune into ABC Radio Australia on 106.7FM. There are multiple ways to listen to ABC Radio Australia across the Pacific – live via internet streaming, through 24-hour FM stations in your area, or by catching up with full episodes on ABC Pacific online.

For all media enquiries, contact: Annalise Ramponi, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, ABC International Ramponi.annalise@abc.net.au

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.

About ABC International Services For 85 years, the ABC has been broadcasting internationally. ABC Australia television has a monthly viewership across the Asia-Pacific of at least 10.5 million* and is available internationally via more than 100 rebroadcast partners. ABC Radio Australia’s FM radio service has a monthly urban listenership of at least 355,500** in the Pacific and Timor-Leste. ABC Pacific, the digital home for bespoke and curated content for Pacific audiences, has approximately 487,500*** followers on ABC Pacific Facebook.

ABC Asia, the digital home for bespoke and curated content for audiences across Asia, has over 5.7 million***followers on ABC Asia Facebook.

*Viewership in Asia measured by Ipsos Affluent Asia data, estimations and extrapolations (May 24), in the Pacific viewership measured by Tebbutt data, estimations and extrapolations (Nov 23). Total audience number is approximate and has not been de-duped. **Based on ABC-commissioned Tebbutt ‘Media Usage in the Pacific Survey’ (Nov 2023) noting listenership figure is estimated based on urban populations of six Pacific countries with the Timor-Leste audience figure extrapolated.

**Figures taken from Khoros Analytics (Sept 24).