In a recent historical achievement, India has been elected as the president of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) General Conference (GC) for a third consecutive term. This auspicious landing marks the country’s first time accomplishing such a feat in AIBD’s history. This milestone is seen as an acknowledgment from international broadcasting organizations of India’s capability to lead and innovate within the broadcasting industry.
A Look into the Asia-Pacific Institute of Broadcasting Development (AIBD)
Founded in 1977 under the umbrella of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the AIBD is a one-of-a-kind regional intergovernmental organization. It serves countries within the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP), specifically providing assistance in the electronic media development sector. The organization’s secretariat is based in Kuala Lumpur and is maintained by the Malaysian Government.
The AIBD aims to foster a vibrant and unified electronic media environment in the Asia-Pacific region through the advancement of policies and resource development.
Founders and Members of AIBD
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNESCO, and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) are the founding bodies of the AIBD. However, as initiators of the Institute, they are non-voting members of the General Conference.
Currently, the AIBD consists of 92 member organizations spreading across 44 countries. This includes 26 government members represented by 48 broadcasting authorities and broadcasters, and 44 affiliates hailing from 28 countries and regions in Asia, the Pacific, Europe, Africa, Arab States, and North America.
Asia Media Summit
Hosted annually by the AIBD in conjunction with its partners and other international organizations, the Asia Media Summit attracts a wide array of attendees. The guest list comprises decision-makers, media professionals, scholars, and stakeholders of news and programming from various parts of the world, such as Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
India’s Connection with AIBD
India is among the founding members of the AIBD. Its representative body in the AIBD is Prasar Bharati, the country’s public service broadcaster. In India, Prasar Bharati serves as the representative of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
About Prasar Bharti
Established under the Prasar Bharati Act in 1997, Prasar Bharati is a statutory autonomous entity. As the country’s Public Service Broadcaster, the corporation’s main goal is to provide autonomy to Doordarshan and Akashvani with a mandate to “educate and entertain the public.”
