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The Future of Media: Impact, Innovation, and Inclusion

The Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) is proud to announce the launch of the AIBD International Award 2026. This year, we celebrate the power of media in addressing our region’s most pressing challenges—from demographic shifts to the climate emergency.

The award is open to all AIBD member organisations (Full and Affiliates), recognising excellence in programmes produced between January 2025 and March 2026.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Best TV Programme Recognising outstanding television content that demonstrates exceptional storytelling and production quality aligned with our strategic themes.
Entry form: TV Entry Form_2026

Best Radio Programme Honouring excellence in radio broadcasting that engages audiences through insightful reporting and creative audio production.
Entry form: Radio Entry Form_2026
Two Special Commendations and one Special Award for Media Excellence will also be conferred by the jury.

Criteria and Regulations

Kindly click the link for Criteria and Regulations_AIBD-Awards-2026 for more details.

AIBD INTERNATIONAL AWARD 2026

1. INTRODUCTION

The AIBD International Award 2026 is the premier platform for recognising excellence in broadcasting across the Asia-Pacific region. To be held during the 21st Asia Media Summit (AMS) in the Maldives, this year’s award focuses on how media can effectively respond to demographic shifts, climate action, and the evolution of AI while fostering deeper connections with global audiences and honouring those who have significantly contributed to the industry’s growth.

2. PARTICIPATION MANDATE

To ensure a diverse and representative showcase of regional excellence, AIBD strongly encourages every member organisation to submit at least one entry. This is a prestigious opportunity for members to showcase their national media’s innovation and impact on the global stage.

CATEGORY & AWARD STRUCTURE (5 AWARDS IN TOTAL)

The 2026 Awards consist of three distinct categories with a total of five awards to be conferred.

Category	Description	Awards Conferred
TV Programme	Professional TV content based on the 3 Strategic Themes.	• Best TV Programme (1) • Special Commendation (1)
Radio Programme	Professional Radio content based on the 3 Strategic Themes.	• Best Radio Programme (1) • Special Commendation (1)
Special Award	Recognising an organisation or individual with significant contributions to Asia-Pacific broadcasting.	• Special Award for Media Excellence (1)

THE 3 STRATEGIC THEMES (For TV & Radio Programmes)

Broadcasters must select one of these themes for their TV or Radio entries:

4.1. Sustainable Tourism: Addressing Resource Disparity and Balanced Growth

Sustainable tourism must go beyond basic conservation to address the deepening imbalance of tourism resources. This theme celebrates programmes that explore the stark disparity between “over-tourism” in famous hotspots—where rising costs and environmental decay disrupt local lives—and the quiet decline of regions lacking tourism infrastructure. We welcome content that highlights the need for balanced regional development, transforming tourism into a tool for equitable prosperity that protects both local culture and the environment while revitalising neglected communities.

4.2. Bridging the Silver Divide: Inclusive Care and Digital Belonging

In an era of rapid demographic shifts, the dignity of the elderly depends on both physical support and social connectivity. This theme encourages stories that view “Care” and “Digital Literacy” as two sides of the same coin. We welcome programmes that showcase innovative support systems and efforts to prevent the elderly from becoming “digital refugees.” The focus is on fostering a society where intergenerational solidarity ensures that every senior citizen feels a sense of belonging in both their physical community and the digital world.

4.3. The Climate Crisis: Shared Responsibility for Personal Survival

The climate crisis is a direct and personal survival issue for every individual. We invite storytelling that brings this global emergency home, rejecting the blame-shifting between producers and consumers. This theme is for content that highlights our collective urgency—the realisation that we are all both stakeholders and agents of change. We celebrate programmes that inspire the understanding that inclusive action is not just a choice, but a prerequisite for our personal and shared future.

ENTRY & AWARD REGULATIONS

Submission Limit: Each member organisation may submit one entry per category, up to a maximum of 2 entries per organisation in total (excluding Category 3).
No Duplicate Awards: To ensure a fair distribution of recognition, no single organisation shall receive more than one award. If multiple entries from one organisation are selected, only the highest-ranking award will be conferred.
Eligibility: Programmes produced or aired between January 2025 and March 2026.
Genre: No restriction on genre. (e.g., Documentary and show programmes are all welcome as long as they align with the themes.)
Length: 10-30 minutes, or a maximum of 60 minutes.
Technical Specs: High-definition .mp4 (H.264) for video; .mp3 or .wav for audio.
Language: English subtitles are required for all video entries.

For Video Entries: English subtitles are mandatory for all submissions.
For Audio Entries: If the original audio is not in English, a full English script or transcript must be provided.

Submission Deadline: 12 April 2026
Submission Addresses: Entries must be sent to BOTH of the following email addresses: