Members and participants of the World Broadcasting Unions concluded a successful one-day WBU Conference in Bali, Indonesia on Wednesday.
The WBU is the coordinating body for broadcasting unions who represent broadcaster networks across the globe. It was established in 1992 as a coordinating body at the international broadcasting level. Since then, the WBU has provided global solutions on key issues for its member unions.
The Conference was hosted by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) and the Indonesian public broadcasting service Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI).
The theme for the one-day event was ‘Beyond Public Service: Public Service Media in the Digital Age’.
It featured a broad and timely agenda that touched on themes important to global broadcasters operating in an increasingly interconnected and precarious world.
Major topics which were discussed included:
Responsible Practices – including content production (news and entertainment) media ethics, editorial independence, financial autonomy, and public accountability.
Breaking the Cycle of Violence: Media for Peace and Tolerance – by understandingu the role of media in conflict prevention and resolution, strengthening human rights and democracy.
Sports Coverage in the Digital Age – new opportunities but old challenges of rights fees and outdated regulations and laws.
Low Cost Technologies for Radio & TV Broadcasting Services – bringing the digital age to the developing world.
Saving Lives: Media on the Frontline of Climate Change and Disaster Prevention – the challenge for humanity in the 21st Century
“The WBU is proud to have held an event that could unite us all in furthering our industry’s goals of better serving our listeners and viewers. Marshall McLuhan once quipped “the human family now exists under conditions of a global village.” The WBU shares this view and remains committed to enhancing the coordination of national, regional and international efforts in establishing the best professional practices of our media services. This includes enlightening and informing our audiences in their local communities, but also in context of their region, country and the global world around them,” said Michael McEwen, Head, WBU.