The 16th Asia Media Summit for 2019 was recently held in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. The conference was a critical dialogue platform discussing key issues affecting the media and broadcasting industry. The summit was organized by the Cambodian Ministry of Information in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD).
About the 16th Asia Media Summit
The central theme for this year’s session was “Media Digitalization Focusing on Developing Markets”. A critical agenda at the summit was addressing the challenges brought about by digital media, which are requiring relevant authorities to create regulations to counter cybercrimes, fake news, and further training people to raise awareness and enhance their media profession.
Asia Media Summit Overview
The yearly Asia Media Summit is handled by the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) working closely with its partners and international organizations. It drags attendees from diverse fields such as decision-makers, media professionals, scholars, and stakeholders of news and programming from regions including Asia, Pacific, Africa, Europe, Middle East, and North America. The primary objective of the Asia Media Summit is creating a unique opportunity for broadcasters in the region to discuss Broadcasting and Information matters. The summit enjoys the support of all regional and International Broadcasting Unions and Associations.
About The Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)
AIBD started operations in 1977 under UNESCO’s auspices. It is a unique inter-governmental organization that focuses on servicing countries of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) in the field of electronic media development. Its secretariat operates from Kuala Lumpur and is hosted by the Government of Malaysia.
| Objectives | Founding Members | Full Membership |
|---|---|---|
| Vibrant and cohesive electronic media environment in the Asia-Pacific region through policy and resource development. | The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU). | Broadcasters from 26 countries in the Asia Pacific region including India. |
AIBD Leadership
The AIBD has an elected leadership with India currently holding the presidency for a two-year term starting in 2018. This is indicative of the commitment by the member countries in ensuring that the organization’s mandate is achieved.