In this day and age of an intelligent information society, media has become a core component that determines the quality of life when it comes to such aspects as communication, acquiring knowledge and establishing a relationship network, which is giving rise to the necessity for media education. To further this aim, the Korean Government has initiated many projects which allow content consumers to have a more hands-on experience with regards to different aspects of media. Since 2005, the Korean Government has been establishing Community Media Centers around the country. Thanks to the efforts of KCC and Community Media Foundation (CMF), all citizens can have easier access to media activities. The Community Media Center (CMC) is an on-site organisation in affiliation with the CMF, having a core infrastructure grounded for the promotion of viewer rights, working to prevent the alienation of listeners/viewers while also ensuring the enjoyment of media use.

The main aim of the CMC is to conduct media education for the proper understanding, use and production of media content while supporting the broadcasting of the actual television and radio of user-produced contents.

Objectives:

• To introduce community media activities and its contents in Korea, and
• To share experiences and promote cooperation among various stakeholders in community media activity in Asia-Pacific

Venue:

Scheduled in Hotel Shilla Stay Mapo, Seoul, Korea

Organizer:

Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development(AIBD) and Community Media Foundation (CMF), Korea

Host:

Korea Communications Commission (KCC)

The ASEAN-China-UNDP Symposium on Financing the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in ASEAN was held during 21 – 22 August 2017 in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

The ASEAN-China-UNDP Symposium on Financing the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in ASEAN brought together senior representatives from governmental agencies of ASEAN Member States and China, ASEAN sectoral bodies, prominent think tanks and representatives of civil society, the ASEAN Secretariat, UNDP, the private sector and the media.

All participants visited Doi Tung Development Project and joined Doi Tung Conversation Project which was a direct interface between participants and local villagers, migrant workers, community/village leaders, local authorities, local business/chambers etc. in Chiang Rai. The Doi Tung Conversation focuses on four topics, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ASEAN Community, Financing and Investment for Sustainable Development and Sustainability.

This Symposium provided a venue for ASEAN, China and UNDP to work together and support ASEAN Member States in effort to obtain more Integrated National Financing Frameworks for leveraging and managing finance of sustainable development as a priority task toward the Third Financing for Development.

Building on the success and momentum of the ‘Leave No One Behind’ Symposium in 2016 which would reinforce, sustain, and enhance the localization of the SDGs. It will contribute to raising awareness, support and buy-in of the people of ASEAN in realizing the SDGs and building the ASEAN Community which is a people-centerd and people-oriented. Through direct interaction with the local communities, the Symposium will also provide the opportunity for participants to hear and benefit from local villagers on what sustainability means to them and integrate these views into effective policies aimed at financing and popularizing the SDGs.

Bangladesh Ministry of Information (MOI) Secretary, Mr Martuza Ahmed highlighted AIBD and Bangladeshi media had decades long relationship as the then Director General of Bangladesh Betar (BB), Mr A K M Nesar Uddin Bhuiyan was AIBD’s past vice-president for two executive tenure from 2012 to 2016.  

Besides, the public broadcasters like Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar and the National Institute of Media Communication (NIMC) are full members of AIBD.

He also expressed his appreciation towards the efforts of AIBD with regards to capacity building of broadcasters in the Asia-Pacific Region. 

Mr Ahmed also showed interest in having more meaningful relations in terms of more in-country workshops especially related to community radio and producing programmes on human development.

He disclosed this while having a brief discussion with Director Mr Chang Jin during his visit to the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

Mr Ahmed felt that broadcasters have a social obligation to reach out to the hard core poor in order to bring them to the main stream of socio-economic development.   This is in line with the UN-inspired Sustainable Development Goal 1 – No Poverty by sensitizing the people to partake in development efforts to enhance their socio-economic well-being.  

He is happy to note that AIBD in collaboration with Bangladesh Television (BTV) are jointly organising a sub-regional SDG workshop with the theme – Ending Poverty on the 13th and 14th December in Dhaka Bangladesh.

First of its kind, the 2-day workshop has attracted some 30 participants representing the eight South-Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations including local UN organisations like FAO, UNIC and UNDP.

Esteemed speakers to share their visions in Poverty Alleviating are from the World Bank Bangladesh, UNDP, Bangladesh Planning Commission, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives besides BRAC (Building Resource Across Communities), the world’s largest NGO dedicated to development and fighting poverty by acting as a catalyst in creating opportunities for people living in extreme hardship to realise their potential.

New York, 23 September – The United Nations announced today the launch of the SDG Media Compact, an initiative marking a new drive to advance awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that were unanimously adopted by all world leaders at the United Nations in 2015. The Compact seeks to inspire media and entertainment companies around the world to leverage their resources and creative talent to advance the Goals.

Speaking at the launch at UN Headquarters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on behalf of more than 30 founding media organizations-encompassing more than 100 media and entertainment outlets-Olusola Momoh,Chairwoman, Channels Media Group-Nigeria introduced the Compact to UN Secretary-General António Guterres: “I am proud to present you the SDG Media Compact. We are an alliance of news and entertainment media and we are committing to work with the United Nations to foster public discourse and spur action on the Sustainable Development Goals. We will increase our content on the issues spelled out in the 2030 Agenda and discuss solutions. Where necessary, we will hold Governments to account for the bold promise they have made to their people and to the world.”

Collectively, the founding members of the SDG Media Compact already comprise an audience in the billions spanning over 80 countries on 4 continents and many more companies are expected to join. “Together, we commit to playing our part to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” she added.

“Achieving the Goals by 2030 will require concerted actions by everyone. By telling stories, news and entertainment media have a critical role in multiplying messages and propagating new ways of behaving,” said Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications Alison Smale at the launch event. “As major players in fostering the SDG discourse, they are also key in holding governments accountable.”

The SDG Media Compact is inclusive and aims to embrace media companies from all regions and all platforms. Participating organizations will have the opportunity to create content partnerships with the United Nations, whereby the organization will increase its efforts to source and share high-value media content and newsworthy opportunities relating to the SDGs. Regular monitoring and review meetings will gauge engagement.   

The Compact is an initiative of the United Nations, in collaboration with the UN Foundation and with the support of FleishmanHillard.

Founding Compact members

Al Jadeed TV-Lebanon, Aljoumhouria Newspaper-Lebanon, Annahar Newspaper-Lebanon, Asahi-Shimbun-Japan, Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcast Development, Association for International Broadcasting-UK, Association of Commerical TV in Europe, Athina 9.84 Radio station-Greece, Channels Media Group-Nigeria, China Media Group, Daily Star Newspaper-Lebanon, Daily Tribune-Philippines, Deutsche Welle-Germany, Discovery, Inc., Eurasia-Azerbaijan, Eurovision, Kathimerini-Greece, LBCI TV-Lebanon, Lebanon Files News, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting-India, Naharnet News-Lebanon, National Union of Tunisian Journalists-SNJT, Nippon TV, RLL Radio-Lebanon,Sounds Diplomacy, Tass-Russia, This Day-Nigeria, TVC-Communications-Nigeria, TV-BRICS-Russia, VDL Radio-Lebanon, Ziff Davis.

About the SDGs

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by world leaders at the historic Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015. Encompassing everything from health, to gender equality, and education, the Goals will mobilize efforts around the world to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

Asia Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development   (AIBD), and  Beijing International Radio, TV, Film Equipment Exhibition (BIRTV) jointly organised the Media Cooperation Exchange Programme during 22 -25 August 2018  in Beijing, China. The exchange programme included a seminar and visits to different broadcast organisations and in the  exhibitions. The twenty eight participants from 13 countries were technical staff from broadcasting organisations in Asia region.

BIRTV is one of the most influential exhibition in the industry of radio, film & TV in Asia. The exhibition witnesses the latest development and global inspiration of technical innovation. Top exhibitors and manufacturers exhibit the large number of high standard products. The huge number of professionals and visitors make this event very distinctive and unique. As the compelling market of China continues to grow, this exhibition establishes an inspiring platform for all the brightest minds with finest products in the industry to gather and interact with each other. Every year about 500 companies and over 50,000 visitors from Radio and TV stations of various levels in China, neighbouring countries and even Europe or America attend this 50,000 square-meter gala.

The Technical Exchange Project focused on digitization of TV stations. The invited broadcasting technical professionals participated in technical discussions with Chinese technical professionals and visited local broadcasters and broadcasting equipment manufacturers. As guests of BIRTV 2018, they have had a chance to navigate through booths of the latest world-class broadcasting technologies. BIRTV2018, with the core of innovation, highlighted the contents of Media Integration, IP multicast network, Multi-platform distribution of High Definition and Super Definition.

At the Technical Symposium on the first day, Mr. Liu Xinxing, Director of International Business Group,   Chengdu Sobay Digital Technology Co. Ltd. provided the understanding of broadcasting market and contribution across the world in general and China in particular. He detailed about the technology innovation the company is currently undergoing in broadcast technology arena and also detailed about the production system for linear TV production and on- line production in unified content platform.  

Dr. Yan Chengsheng, Deputy Director General, International Cooperation Department, The National Radio and Television  Administration(NRTA), PRC talked about the development of media industry of China and its international exchanges & cooperation and provided the general overview of Chinese media industry, radio, TV, film, press and publication.

Dayang Corporation gave a special report on development of Radio and TV Industry and overseas projects. Also shared UHD production and broadcasting experience and touched upon 4K producing network.

Ms Lu Xiaoli, Senior Engineer of China Central Television (CCTV) presented on Broadcast & Master Control System, News Producing & Broadcasting System, Integrated Producing System, 4K UHD Producing & Broadcasting System, Network & Media Asset System and Advanced Technology Applications. She made detailed introduction on design philosophy and technology architecture as well as equipment manufacturers’ key role in building the technology system in CCTV.

Ms. Alina of Alibaba Cloud-International Department presented about the full portfolios of cloud products practiced by Alibaba group inner digitalization cases. She also talked about mature solutions and rich experiences in various industries implementing cloud services.

During the symposium, delegates shared their experiences and concerns on broadcast developments in their respective countries and engaged with resource persons on how best to address broadcast challenges. The sessions remained highly interactive and knowledge sharing.

On second day, delegates visited BIRTV 2018 Exhibition, China’s most prestigious exhibition in the radio, film and TV industry and a key part of China International Radio, Film and Television Exposition, to get a full picture of equipment manufacturers’ products and technology. Delegates were impressed by China’s advances in digital and network transformation, digital TV production and broadcast technologies. In the exhibition hall the participants were taken to the booth of M/s Sobay and then to the booth of M/s Dayang. The representatives present in the booths explained in detail about the technologies and also showed practically the glimpses of production in virtual studio environment.

 Visiting CCTV, CRI

In the morning of third day, delegates visited CCTV complex, its studios, broadcasting control room and master control room. They learned the managerial framework and process in CCTV, and how technical equipment, especially Chinese branded technology and equipment are applied. They also exchanged views with the managerial staff of CCTV on the status of TV stations at their home countries.

In the afternoon, the participants visited China Radio International (CRI), where they learned the long history of CRI from Mr Meng Yi, Deputy Director of Overseas Promotion Department of CRI Film & TV Dubbing Services. Mr. Meng introduced CRI’s overseas existence and briefed about successful localization of CRI dubbed films and programmes. The delegates have had the opportunity to discuss several issues of their concern.

On the last day, a visit was organised for the delegates to Summer Palace in Beijing. The Summer Palace, in northwest Beijing, is said to be the best-preserved imperial garden in the world, and the largest of its kind still in existence in China. It was exciting experience for participants.

China-Maldives Friendship Bridge officially titled Sinamale Bridge is now complete and the inaugural ceremony is scheduled to be held on 30th of August 2018. The bridge will be inaugurated by the president of the republic of Maldives, Mr Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom. Additionally, the Deputy President of China Mr Wang Qishan will visit Maldives to honour this grand event that will go down in history of the Maldives. Apart from that several other senior officials from both the Maldivian and Chinese government are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony.

The Chinese-financed project was officially launched during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the Maldives in 2014. The US$200 million bridge project is also a part of the “Belt and Road Initiative of China. The 2 kilometre bridge links the Maldives’ capital city Male to the island of Hulhule, where the country’s international airport, Velana International Airport is located.

China Harbour Engineering Corporation (CHEC) is the main contractor of this mega infrastructural project. Maldives National Defense Force is in charge of maintaining security at the Sinamale’ Bridge. Currently the Maldives Ports Limited is set to introduce public bus services that will swiftly connect the three islands.

Establishment of a bridge has always been a “dream” of the Maldivian people. Followed by the “bridge dream” the people of the Maldives are hopeful to witness the massive economic prosperity and better living conditions in the country.

It is also noteworthy that the holders of the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Fireworks Display” ever recorded is going to be showcasing a world class fireworks display at the grand opening of the Sinamale Bridge.

To top it all, it is imperative to highlight the state-funded weddings that is scheduled to take place on the bridge. According to the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure, weddings on the bridge will take place on the 31st of August 2018, the day after the inauguration. For the weddings the government is sponsoring the catering, backdrop and photography costs for 50 guests at each wedding ceremony respectively. To make the event even more special, only the couples on their first wedding are allowed to have their big day on the bridge.

Meantime, Bike Maldives is preparing to hold a mass bicycle rally on the bridge on Friday morning to celebrate the inauguration of the bridge. Apart from that laser-works and other festivities will take place on the bridge.

It is also noteworthy to acknowledge that, this is one of the biggest infrastructural development the Maldives has ever seen. Hence the Public Service Media of the Maldives, PSM would like to disseminate the coverage across the globe.

Moreover, live satellite feed downlink will be available to the international media outlets that are interested to follow the event.

Satellite : Apstar 7 at 76.5 degree east

 Frequency : 3660

Polarisation : Vertical

Symbole Rate : 30000

 FEC : 3/5

 Modulation : 8PSK

 System : DVBS2 / MPEG-4 HD

Satellite service will be available from 0300hrs (GMT) onwards. The event will kickoff at 2030hrs local time.

A 4-day course to provide radio programmers an insightful knowledge in creating content and managing the whole radio production process for both live and recorded programmes began in Kuala Lumpur today.

This workshop of international-standard is aimed at enhancing the skills of creativity in radio’s content creations by learning the best theoretical and hands-on production practices. 

It is being conducted by the Managing Director at Pop Up Radio, Brisbane Australia, Mr Anthony John Frangi and has attracted 28 radio programmers from throughout Malaysia including the Islamic Religious Programme.  It will end on Friday, 27th July, 2018.

Among the Workshop Contents as follow:

• From idea to creation;
• The laws governing broadcast media (including online and social media);
• Producing for radio programming;
• Creating Content for news and the art of interviews;
• Creating content for programming and the art of interview (drama, documentary and writing for promos);
• Presenting skills and building a relationship with co-presenters;
• Promote your station using multi-social platforms;
• The art of talkback radio;
• Creating field reports and news/program packages;
• Concept of “Hot Clock” and segments’ planning; and  
• The latest digital (online) technology in the world of radio broadcasting.

AIBD is pleased to announce the final winners for the AIBD TV and Radio Awards 2018. The judging session occurred on 16 July 2018 at the AIBD office in Kuala Lumpur. The winners were awarded at the 44th Annual Gathering / 17th AIBD General Conference & Associated Meetings to be held from 2 to 4 August 2018 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The judges board included Dr Ramachandran Ponnan, Taylor’s University, Malaysia; Mr Koichi Okumura, Head of Programming, ABU; Mr Chacko Vadaketh, Voice-over artist and Actor; Mr Ravi Gopal, Media Specialist; Mr Rosli Nordin, Radio TV Malaysia.

Based on the entries received for this award, the panel assessed the entries for the different award categories based on concept and production values. The final award winners are below.

AIBD TV Award 2018 for the best TV programme on Netizens (Uplifting society through internet):

“Friday Special” from PTV World, Pakistan Television – Pakistan

AIBD TV Award 2018 for the best TV programme on Youth Mental Health:

“Facing Depression – A Student’s Perspective” from Channel News Asia, MediaCorp – Singapore

AIBD Radio Award 2018 for the best radio programme on Diversity through Sports:

“From Slum to Glory” from All India Radio – India

Reinhard Keune Memorial Award 2018 for the best radio programme on Uplifting communities through Sustainable Tourism:

“Wending, A Mistry Mountain Village” from China Radio International – China

VIdeo: Protecting Our Atmosphere for Generations to Come: 25 Years of the Montreal Protocol (17 min)