A group of 16 broadcasters from around the South East Asian region came to Kuala Lumpur for a three day Smartphone workshop from March 13-15.
Participants learnt how to shoot video, frame shots and compose pictures, choose good lighting, and use their phone apps to best advantage. They also learnt about social media usage and how to file smartphone reports to many social media platforms.
During a practical exercise, course participants were sent out to gather reports for a news broadcast, using only their smartphones to capture, edit and file their stories.
Aiza, from RTM described the process:
A group of 16 broadcasters from around the South East Asian region came to Kuala Lumpur for a three day Smartphone workshop from March 13-15.
Participants learnt how to shoot video, frame shots and compose pictures, choose good lighting, and use their phone apps to best advantage. They also learnt about social media usage and how to file smartphone reports to many social media platforms.
During a practical exercise, course participants were sent out to gather reports for a news broadcast, using only their smartphones to capture, edit and file their stories.
Aiza, from RTM described the process:
“On the first day we took three videos, 5 still photos and 2 audio recordings. We then evaluated them to discover how to take good photos using smartphones.
“We also learnt about the rule of thirds for composition, how to get good lighting and how to edit footage for our reports in the phone…
“We used our work to produce a news bulletin with seven items, live crosses and live hosting.”
Comments from Course Participants included:
Mazliha Hamzah from RTM Malaysia says: “So exciting… a great course. If we do not use smartphones and social media in media workplaces it can lead to hundreds of thousands of hours in lost productivity per year. Thank you so much Mr Steve.”
Faisal Jamal from RTM Malaysia said this workshop “is very informative and useful for journalists, especially at the uncomfortable situation like disaster/war/demonstration.”
Phanu Matchimafrom Thailand : “Great! We can do broadcasting by smartphone, thanks for Steve Ahern and all the classmates who took me high.”
Sukma Azurafrom Malaysia : “I really enjoy this course. Got new knowledge, experience on smart phone and new friends also.
Mohd Syukri Abu Bakarfrom Malaysia : “Steve Ahern, thumbs up!”
Zairul Eizam: “I learnt, don’t think about quality, think about content (Steve Ahern, 2017)”
Pyae Phyo Hlaing from Myanmar: “This workshop is very good but, I am felling three days is too little.”
Vu Hai Dang from Vietnam : “This is an interesting class for how to make a report, new for TV by smartphone. Combining social networking and more apps helps me get information the quickest and most effective way.”
Kamal from RTM Malaysia: “3 things that I learn from this Smartphone Course; One: I learn how to produce simple news, Two: I can play with new apps and explore it through this course AND Three: I see how important to use lights technique in shooting visuals.”
Some examples of the smartphone compiled and edited reports are at these links. They are raw files with some weaknesses, but they show how much can be done with smartphones.
Drama producers of the National Television and Radio Company (Uzbekistan MTRK) are advised to learn more about the rich culture of the People’s Republic of China.
Deputy Director General, International Cooperation Department of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film & Television (SAPPRFT) Mr Yan Chengsheng believes with better understanding of the diverse culture of China, it would further strengthen the existing cordial bilateral relationships between the peoples of both countries.
Drama producers of the National Television and Radio Company (Uzbekistan MTRK) are advised to learn more about the rich culture of the People’s Republic of China.
Deputy Director General, International Cooperation Department of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film & Television (SAPPRFT) Mr Yan Chengsheng believes with better understanding of the diverse culture of China, it would further strengthen the existing cordial bilateral relationships between the peoples of both countries.
He was speaking at a welcoming luncheon in Beijing for the three drama producers of Uzbekistan MTRK who are attending an In-Country Drama Practical production training. The drama producers are Hurshid Hasanov, Khusan Abdullaev and Anvarkhon Arifkhanov.
Organised by the Research and Training Institute (RTI) of SAPPRFT, the 22-day on-site training with Chinese TV Drama Production Company, Fanstroy Works in Shanghai started on 3rdMarch 2017 and will end on 24thMarch 2017.
Mr Yan also hoped that the training would further enhance their knowledge on the techniques of Television and film productions and would help them produce more quality programmes for media exchange in the near future.
]]>By Andy McElroy
KUALA LUMPUR, 16 November 2016 – Asia’s most prolific disaster risk reduction journalist has urged media colleagues from 12 other countries to move beyond simply describing events and instead help their audiences better protect themselves from various hazards.
By Andy McElroy, Communications and Government Relations, UNISDR, Thailand
KUALA LUMPUR, 16 November 2016 – Asia’s most prolific disaster risk reduction journalist has urged media colleagues from 12 other countries to move beyond simply describing events and instead help their audiences better protect themselves from various hazards.
Thai PBS’s news editor for disaster and weather reporting, Ms. Darin Klong Ugkara, said “it cannot be business as usual for journalists” if they want to do more to help save lives and protect livelihoods.
“It is time for the Asian media to take action on DRR communication,” Ms. Klong Ugkara said. “If they only report as they used to do we cannot help people adapt to cope with the severe weather and the disasters that will happen more and more throughout our lifetime.”
“Journalists should try to report on the causes and issues of disaster risk before and after a disaster event as it will help people to learn to adapt and be more resilient to disaster,” she said.
Ms. Klong Ugkara was addressing 21 senior television and radio journalists working for state broadcasters in a dozen countries – Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Fiji, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Viet Nam – at a three-day Disaster Risk Reduction for Journalists training event.
The Thai PBS anchor presents a weekly ‘DRR Show’, which is watched by millions. She is affectionately known as ‘Madam Disaster’ by taxi drivers, street vendors and people across Thailand. The hit show was launched in the wake of the devastating floods in Thailand in 2011.
The Programme Director of the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters of Nepal, Mr. Sirjan Adhikari, said that Ms. Klong Ugkara had inspired him to revamp his daily ‘Lifeline’ programme, which commands a nationwide audience.
“We started broadcasting Lifeline a week after last year’s earthquake (April 2015) and it developed into a daily slot at 7:30 a.m. every day that has provided advice on a host of issues and areas in terms of recovering from the disaster,” Mr. Adhikari said.
“One part that I think we have missed is covering how government planning and policies relate to the community level. This is something that we will take up much more when I return.”
The Lifeline programme is carried by 200 of Nepal’s 293 community radio stations and has developed a loyal following across the country.
Mr. Adhikari and the other 20 journalists shared examples of their past work on reporting disasters for critique from their peers, before drawing up disaster risk reduction media plans, with packages of documentary ideas for future airing.
The media plans explored some of the many opportunities of reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction – a 15-year agreement adopted by the international community in 2015, and the world’s most ambitious plan to date to substantially reduce disaster risk and losses – in their respective countries and localities.
These included the provision of simple preparedness advice to protect property and food supplies as well as strengthening links with established local and national early warning systems.
The media in Asia is increasingly active on disaster risk reduction. In May this year, the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) committed its 280 member broadcasters in 57 countries – with a combined audience reach of three billion – to play their part in building a culture of climate and disaster resilience.
Two weeks ago at the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in New Delhi, India, the media disaster risk reduction group issued a voluntary action statement as part of the formal outcome of the conference that outlined their “key role and moral and ethical responsibility” to strengthen communication to reduce, prevent and manage disaster risk.
The Director of the Asia Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), Mr Chang Jin, opened the workshop. AIBD was established in 1977 as an inter-governmental organization, hosted by the Government of Malaysia. Its membership comprises 26 states plus 22 more that are associates as well as over 100 media organizations.
The AIBD organized the training event with support from the Hoso-Bunka Foundation (HBF), and with supporting partnership from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC).
]]>By Mr Steve Ahern CEO International Media & Broadcasting Academy (IMBA), Australia
“I now know how to use smartphones in my work,” said a participant from Voice of Vietnam, describing the Shooting Video with Smart Phones workshop in Kuala Lumpur organised by the Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (IPPTAR) and AIBD from 19 to 21 September 2016.
Workshop participants from seven Asian countries learnt about the new tools of reporting and gained skills for shooting video with smart phones.
The workshop aimed to impart participants with skills in shooting, editing and filing video using smart phone and tablet technology, plus appropriate native and third party apps.
“This is the proof that we can use smart phones to make live newsroom content,” commented a reporter from RTM Malaysia, after completing the final exercise, where the team shot, edited and filed all their content for a live program via their smart phones.
“This is something great that I have learnt. This technology is replacing the conventional broadcast technology for location reporting… this is the best technology to use,”said an experienced cameraman who participated in the workshop.
“I’m not very friendly with IT, but this is the first time I have been able to edit in smart phones… I want to give this course five stars,”said a workshop participant from Malaysia.
At the end of the workshop the participants understood the latest developments in new and social media and applied their understanding to gathering and sharing location video using smart mobile devices.
Because of changing audience consumption habits it is more important than ever for reporters to be equipped with tools that allow them to file from any situation quickly and to as many output channels as possible, including social media. The course equipped them with those skills.
Participants were taught a range of mobile smart device video tools, including mobile apps, social media interfaces and social media monitoring tools, learnt the methods of filing their video reports using the latest mobile technology.
Workshop leader Steve Ahern said the participants learnt quickly because, “we use many of these skills in our personal lives for posting pictures and videos of our kids and our cats on Facebook. It is just a matter of teaching participants how to transfer those amateur skills to their professional work.”
“Once you experiment with free apps and find the best ones, you should invest in the ones that are most effective… it was much more difficult than I thought,”said Malaysian participants in the final live report from the workshop
Footage created by participants can be seen on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-Og6mbS_NU
]]>Participants to the recent 15th AIBD General Conference have agreed to the proposed theme of the 15th Asia Media Summit titled “Media in a New Era for Global Development,” which will be held in Qingdao, China in May 2017.
The theme will focus on the role of media in setting the development agenda and in dealing with global changes affecting the economic, political, social and technological dimensions of global society, driven by accelerating technologies that impact how we live, learn and communicate in the world.
During the AIBD Strategic Plan Team Meeting in Tehran on 25 August 2016, some AIBD members suggested to include specific topics dealing with terrorism and human trafficking, which are major issues in many countries in Asia Pacific. Others recommended to give focus to media and information literacy especially for the youth so that they can better access, analyze, evaluate and use various media texts. Examining media’s role in promoting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals was another subject that should also be included.
At the closing of the 42nd Annual Gathering/15th AIBD General Conference in Tehran, Iran on 26 August 2016, Mr Yan Chengsheng, Deputy Director General, International Cooperation Dept, Hong kong, Macao & Taiwan Affairs Office, State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film & TV (SAPPRFT) invited participants to tap the AMS as an opportunity to expand cooperation among broadcasters in dealing with the changing media landscape.
He said that the Chinese government, including SAPPRFT and the municipal government of Qingdao, supports the Summit and invites participants to enjoy the city’s vibrant economy, unique landscape and marvelous people.
The AIBD Secretariat is set to finalise the AMS programme by October 2016.
Participant to the Summit set from 23 – 25 May 2017 will include CEOs and department heads of broadcast networks, journalists, academicians, media specialists as well development stakeholders.
A moderated debate will take place on the theme” Media Responsibility and the SDGs: Media Activism vs Neutrality?” It will examine whether media should confine its role in communicating issues on SDGs or should assume a more active responsibility of helping ensure and execute these goals.
A special CEO Roundtable is also scheduled on the last day of the Summit, focused on identifying opportunities and partnerships between media and development stakeholders in ensuring the SDGs are attained by 2030.
The Summit will also showcase the winners of the 2017 Word TV Awards, which will highlight excellence in film and documentary production in Asia Pacific.
]]>Presentation of AIBD Awards Winners at General Conference 2016 Inauguration
The announcement and presentation of the winners of the AIBD TV & Radio Awards 2016 was conducted at the Inauguration Ceremony of the AIBD General Conference in Tehran, Iran on 25 August 2016. The winners were each presented with a certificate, trophy and USD 500 as reward for their special programmes.
Award winner Mr Jae Eung Jong, Director, Educational Broadcasting System, Korea
Presentation of AIBD Awards Winners at General Conference 2016 Inauguration
The announcement and presentation of the winners of the AIBD TV & Radio Awards 2016 was conducted at the Inauguration Ceremony of the AIBD General Conference in Tehran, Iran on 25 August 2016. The winners were each presented with a certificate, trophy and USD 500 as reward for their special programmes.
Award winner Mr Jae Eung Jong, Director, Educational Broadcasting System, Korea
AIBD TV AWARD 2016 on “Best TV programme on Reviving Lost Cultural Heritage”
“BAGAN: BEYOND THE GREAT KINGDOM” – Educational Broadcasting System, Korea
In this programme, they recreate the ancient kingdom of Bagan in Myanmar and connect the audience to its interesting historical heritage.
Award Winner Mr Bijan Zamanpira, Producer, Press TV, IRIB, Iran
AIBD TV AWARD 2016 on “Best TV programme on Ending Conflict, Promoting Peace”
“SHINGAL’S CHILDREN” – Press TV, IRIB, Iran
This programme explores the plight of those affected by ISIS and forced to relocate in refugee camps.
Mr Yan Chengsheng, Deputy-Director General, SAPPRFT, received both awards and trophies on behalf of winners Mr Guan Jin, Director, China National Radio and China National Radio team
AIBD RADIO AWARD 2016 on “Best radio programme on Escape from Poverty”
“CONNECTING TONGGUAN VILLAGE WITH THE WORLD” – China National Radio, China
This programme highlighted a terrific initiative which seeks to link rural and urban sectors to decrease poverty.
REINHARD KEUNE’S MEMORIAL AWARD 2016 on “Best radio programme on Emergency Broadcasting”
“SPECIAL BROADCAST OF THE 8.12 EXPLSION AT THE PORT OF TIANJIN” – China National Radio, China
This programme followed a live broadcast during an emergency scenario and the response of the local authorities to save lives.
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The In-Country Workshop on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management was held in Yangon, Myanmar from 26 to 27 July 2016. Our host and partner for this event was Forever Group and the event was held at the Myanmar Media Development Center (MMDC). The Bangkok office of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) both provided resource persons to make this workshop possible. The workshop was attended by 27 producers, scriptwriter, technicians, journalists and media officers from different departments in Forever Group and MRTV4.
For the beginning of Day One, UNISDR Communication Specialist Mr Andy McElroy led the way. He gave a brief introduction into the concept of disaster risk reduction with relevant examples, such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Then he explained how both disaster scenarios and disaster risk can be tackled differently when developing a news story. He split the participants into groups who separately developed story concepts on covering disasters and major events in the field, and what important facts must be reflected to the audience. He was followed by a presentation from Mr Min Khin Aung of BBC Media Action Myanmar. His presentation focused on 'lifelines' and the necessity of developing media coverage that caters to those communities affected by disasters rather than simply providing information.
On Day Two, the ADPC team (Program Mananger Atiq Ahmed and Communication Specialist Don Tartaglione) assisting in different sessions revolving around climate change. The opening sessions went into the basic science on climate change to provide the groundwork for the participants on the issue. The participants were then given insight on the different jargon and scientific terms around climate change and how it can be effectively communicated. Their final exercise was to construct a programme concept based on the concepts presented.
The overall workshop went smoothly and was well-received. The participants were engaged throughout and the MMDC support staff were very cooperative and helpful. Many of the participants spoke of how they will directly apply the lessons learned in their coverage of disasters and related environmental issues.
]]>AIBD is pleased to announce its new initiative — the Golden Bridge Awards on Intercultural Understanding. The Golden Bridge Awards will focus on high-quality radio/TV/online programmes and films from across the world looking at the topic of intercultural understanding. The word 'Bridge' signifies the overcoming of differences, richness of cross-cultural interactions and building of connections across cultures and borders.
AIBD hereby officially opens the Golden Bridge Awards to potential hosts from across the world.
More background information on the Awards and expectations of the hosting parties can be found in the link here. Those organisations interested to host the AIBD Golden Bridge Awards can send their queries and proposals to Saqib Sheikh, Programme Manager, AIBD (saqib@aibd.org.my).
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The In-Country Workshop on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management was held in Bangkok from 30 to 31 March 2016. Our host and partner for this event was the Public Relations Department (PRD) of the Government of Thailand and the event was held at their headquarters. The Bangkok office of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) both provided resource persons to make this workshop possible. The workshop was attended by 28 producers, journalists and media officers from different departments in PRD.
The In-Country Workshop on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management was held in Bangkok from 30 to 31 March 2016. Our host and partner for this event was the Public Relations Department (PRD) of the Government of Thailand and the event was held at their headquarters. The Bangkok office of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) both provided resource persons to make this workshop possible. The workshop was attended by 28 producers, journalists and media officers from different departments in PRD.
On Day One, following the opening ceremony, the workshop began with an opening statement by Dr Bhichit Rattakul, Special Advisor for ADPC and former governor of Bangkok province. He stressed the urgent need for broadcasters to fulfill their role as the bridge between the scientists and technicians working on issues of disasters and climate change, and the larger public. Following this, AIBD Programme Manager Saqib Sheikh made a short presentation on the background for the workshop and the new initiative by AIBD to pursue the agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals for media practitioners.
For the rest of Day One, UNISDR Communication Specialist Mr Andy McElroy led the way. He gave a brief introduction into the concept of disaster risk reduction with relevant examples, such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Then he explained how both disaster scenarios and disaster risk can be tackled differently when developing a news story. He split the participants into groups who separately developed story concepts on covering disasters and major events in the field, and what important facts must be reflected to the audience.
On Day Two, the ADPC team took over with five different experts assisting in different sessions revolving around climate change. The opening sessions went into the basic science on climate change to provide the groundwork for the participants on the issue. A further presentation took on the issue of how drought occur which is relevant to the current situation in Thailand. The participants were engaged into two different group sessions, the first on explaining the map of a disaster zone to the viewing audience, and the second on creating a more in-depth programme based on two fact sheets for floods and droughts. The participants presented their concepts in a lively way to the experts for their feedback on the accuracy of data presented.
The overall workshop went smoothly and was well-received. The participants were engaged throughout and the PRD support staff were very cooperative and helpful. Many of the participants spoke of how they will directly apply the lessons learned in their coverage of disasters and related environmental issues.
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