47th AIBD Annual Gathering

• 21 Sep 2022

For Prelims: Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), 47^th AIBD Annual Gathering

For mains: Role of Media during Covid-19 Pandemic

Why in News?

India’s Presidency of the prestigious Asia-pacific Institute of Broadcasting Development (AIBD) has been extended for one more year.

• This was unanimously decided by the AIBD member countries at the two-day General Conference of the Institute held in New Delhi.

What is Asia-pacific Institute of Broadcasting Development (AIBD)?

• About:
  • The Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) was established in 1977 under the aegis of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
  • It is a unique regional inter-governmental organisation 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 is situated in Kuala Lumpur and is hosted by the Government of Malaysia.
• Objective:
  • The AIBD is mandated to achieve a vibrant and cohesive electronic media environment in the Asia-Pacific region through policy and resource development.
• Founding Members:
  • 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) are founding organizations of the Institute and they are non-voting members of the General Conference.
• Members:
  • Broadcasters from 26 countries in the Asia Pacific region including India are full members of the organisation.
• The 47^th AIBD Annual Gathering:
  • The 47^th AIBD Annual Gathering/20^th AIBD General Conference and Associated Meetings was held in New Delhi.
  • It witnessed a range of discussions, presentations and idea exchange sessions especially focusing on the topic of “Building a Stronger Future of Broadcasting in post pandemic era”.
  • A five-year plan for co-operative activities and exchange programmes was also finalised.
  • All the participating countries and member broadcasters pledged to work together for a sustainable broadcasting environment, latest technology know-how, finest content

How has AIBD Proved Significant in the Covid-19 Pandemic Era?

• AIBD leadership kept the member countries connected online during the Covid-19 pandemic and also maintained a constant dialogue on how media can mitigate the impact of the pandemic.
• Member countries were immensely benefitted through sharing of information on the latest developments in the medical field, positive stories of Covid warriors and more importantly in countering fake news which was spreading faster than the pandemic.
• AIBD continued its training and capacity building programmes even during lockdowns. 34 training programmes were conducted in 2021 alone and were focused on tradition as well as emerging issues like climate change, green technologies, sustainable development, faster reporting, programming for children etc.
• With increase in the use of internet in broadcasting, training of journalists in cyber security journalism has become imperative.
  • AIBD is the first set up to take this up as part of its training programmes.
• It is the media which brought the world on one platform during the difficult phase and reinforced the spirit of one global family.

Source: PIB