Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, urges broadcasters in Asia-Pacific to tell sustainable development stories in the region, including successes and setbacks that can “ serve as a model for the way forward and in offering solutions for tomorrow.”
Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, urges broadcasters in Asia-Pacific to tell sustainable development stories in the region, including successes and setbacks that can “ serve as a model for the way forward and in offering solutions for tomorrow.”
Citing the critical role of media in development, he praised the relevance of the theme of the Asia Media Summit 2012 – Creating Impact: Media in Today’s Society, saying that “it is precisely in the field of development where important stories do not receive the attention they should, that the media can really make a difference.”
Ban Ki-moon sent a written message to the Summit, which was read at the Summit’s inaugural session on 29 May 2012. Last year, the UN Secretary General delivered a video message at the Summit held in Hanoi, Vietnam. In his message, Mr. Ban Ki-moon said that a freely functioning media is essential in world wide efforts to reduce poverty, advance social equity and pursue environmental protection. “ We must not forget that a free, vigorous and independent media is a cornerstone not just of democracy, but of a healthy and flourishing society, ” he said. He thanked AIBD for its partnership with UN agencies and offices in promoting dialogue between Asia-Pacific and European media, to train journalists and to raise public awareness about the Millennium Development Goals.
Calls for promoting freedom of expression and free press, use of social media to share knowledge and transmit information, and enhanced media role in development were stressed in the video messages from Ms. Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General, and Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, UN Undersecretary-General and Executive Secretary of UNESCAP.
Mr. Poldej Pinprateep, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Thai Public Broadcasting Service Broadcast (Thai PBS), Thailand, delivered the Summit’s keynote address. Thai PBS hosts this year’s conference.
Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, ASEAN Secretary General, also spoke at the inaugural session while Ms. Mariyam Mizna Shareef, President of the AIBD General Conference and Minister of State for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Department of Information, Maldives delivered the opening remarks.
Making a Difference in Development
Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, urges broadcasters in Asia-Pacific to tell sustainable development stories in the region, including successes and setbacks that can “ serve as a model for the way forward and in offering solutions for tomorrow.”
Nurturing PSB Values
Building authority, honesty, trust, credibility, and a sense of mission are some of the values public service broadcasters need to sustain their existence and growth in the fast changing media landscape.
AMS 2012: Session 5 – Harnessing Social Media and Content Delivery
Day 2 - Tuesday, 30th May, 1100 - 1230
Session 5: Harnessing Social Media and Content Delivery
Facebook, YouTube, and blogs, among others, have empowered more citizens to create, produce and distribute content to a wider audience. Users are increasingly conversing and engaging as a consumer, creator and producer of information. What can traditional broadcasters learn from their online counterpart? How should broadcasters prioritize acquisition and operations of web-based and mobile technologies and turn them into effective platforms for interactive dialogue? How can mobile, web, iPad and social media improve media’s sustainability in the context of development?
Users Instructions in News and Commentary
Mr. Ricardo Saludo, Managing Director, Center for Strategy, Enterprise & Intelligence, Philippine recommends the posting of user instructions as one media literacy measure to educate the public about the press right at the point of watching, hearing and reading news and opinion.
Making a Difference in Settling Conflicts
Media should play a more active role in helping prevent and settle conflicts, for instance, in serving as a third party to analyze the interest of both parties, which might lead to reconciliation and resolution.
AMS 2012: Session 4 – Public Service Broadcasting: A New Approach, A New Beginning
Day 2 - Tuesday, 30th May, 0900 - 1030
Session 4: Public Service Broadcasting: A New Approach, A New Beginning
What should the mandate of public service broadcasting (PSB) be in a fast changing media landscape? In Asia-Pacific, PSB remains at various stages of development, increasingly confronted by financial stability, editorial independence, and issues of autonomy in content creation, management, finance and administration. Is it still a viable alternative to serve the public’s needs and interests? What can management pursue to expand and sustain viewership, introduce new business models and ensure more independence in its operations?
AMS 2012: Session 6 – Towards A Stronger Public Trust in Media
Day 2 - Tuesday, 30th May, 1600 - 1730
Session 6: Towards A Stronger Public Trust in Media
Through good journalism, distinctive and entertaining content, and professional management, media aims to build and sustain public trust, a key element in empowering media better serve the ends of development and promote business sustainability. In Asia-Pacific, is public trust in media increasing or waning? How can media enhance its credibility and integrity? Will more regulation, deregulation or self-regulation work to enhance public trust in media? Are social media platforms enhancing public trust in traditional media?
AMS 2012: Parallel Session 3 – Women and Children Issues: Is Media Doing Enough?
Day 1 - Tuesday, 29th May, 1600 - 1730
Parallel Session 3: Women and Children Issues: Is Media Doing Enough?
Violence, abuse, inequality and discrimination against millions of women and children across the globe remain a hindrance to efforts to make their life a little better. The damage to these victims is staggering, its impact a menace to development and society. Is media doing enough to address the deadly crime of violence and abuse against women and children? Is it reporting enough to deal with inequality and discrimination as well as the advancement of women in today’s society? Can social media and citizen journalism help?
AMS 2012: Parallel Session 2 – Building Sustainable ‘Small’ Radio and TV Stations
Day 1 - Tuesday, 29th May, 1600 - 1730
Parallel Session 2: Building Sustainable ‘Small’ Radio and TV Stations
‘Small’ radio and TV stations are increasingly playing a pivotal role in informing and educating the public in many developing countries in Asia-Pacific. Given limited resources and competition, they seek ways to build and sustain their operations. Is there one-size-fits all strategy to achieve this goal? What business models and programming strategies can they pursue? Will tapping mobile and the web make a difference?
AMS 2012: Parallel Session 1 – 2003 Bangkok Declaration: What Next?
Day 1 - Tuesday, 29th May, 1600 - 1730
Parallel Session 1: 2003 Bangkok Declaration: What Next?
In May 2003, the 1st Conference of Ministers of Information and Broadcasting from Asia-Pacific was held in Bangkok to identify how public service broadcasting in the region could respond to the changing media environment. It served as a thematic debate and regional preparatory meeting for the World Summit on Information Society held in Geneva in 2003. The conference produced the 2003 Bangkok Declaration that offered recommendations to address challenges of media globalization, cultural diversity, viability of public service broadcasting, information divide and human resource development.