ABU GA – Host broadcaster provides glimpse into future

Korean Broadcasting System – the host broadcaster for this year’s ABU General Assembly in Seoul – gave delegates insights into some of the innovative ideas currently being tested by their new media platforms.

In their presentation “N Screen Technology and KBS’ Strategy” to Day Three of the ABU Technical Committee meeting, KBS showcased some of the major activities being carried out and planned for the future in the area of engaging the four screens, hybrid systems and the roll-out of KBS’s own Player K platform.

This years’ meeting was attended by more than 140 delegates representing broadcasters, national regulators, manufactures, international organisations and others in the region and around the world.

The day also included the election of new office bearers of the Technical Committee for the next two years. Dato’ Haji Abu Bakar Ab Rahim of RTM-Malaysia was elected Chairman, with Mr Masakazu Iwaki of NHK-Japan, Mr Hamid Nayeri of IRIB-Iran and Mr W B Leung of TVB-Hong Kong as the three Vice-Chairmen from the 18-member Bureau.

The Committee adopted recommendations and made decisions on issues ranging from the preservation of frequency spectrum for broadcasting services, the enhancement of the Technical Bureau membership, amendments to the Excellence Awards Guidelines and setting-up an ABU Developing Broadcasters’ Excellence Award.

The CTO Forum on “New Industry Environment: Next Steps for Broadcasters” discussed issues around the drive towards new media and the take-up of new digital services.

The Chairman thanked host KBS for excellent arrangements and farewelled the outgoing Chairman Mr Yeo Kim Pow of Mediacorp-Singapore. 

The Director ABU Technology, Mr Sharad Sadhu, who will be leaving the ABU after almost 20 years, was presented the ABU Distinguished Service Award for many invaluable contributions during two decades of outstanding service to the ABU and its members.