New ABU President pledges unprecedented initiatives

The ABU’s new President has pledged to lead “unprecedented initiatives that will benefit all members and take the ABU to the next level of effectiveness and international recognition”. 

Speaking after his election at the 50th ABU General Assembly in Hanoi, Vietnam, Mr Gil Hwan-young, President & CEO of the Korean Broadcasting System said it was an honor to serve as President, and he pledged his utmost efforts to continue his unwavering support of the ABU.

“Both my personal time and efforts and the resources of the Korean Broadcasting System will be at the disposal of the ABU as we work together on Union activities,” he said.

“Throughout the world we will promote Asia-Pacific values of plurality and harmony through diversity. We will promote shared prosperity throughout the region and a culture of sharing through our efforts.”

He also said that, in order follow the General Assembly theme to better ‘Serve our Audience in the Digital Era’, members must all must prepare for the future.

“KBS will be there to help empower members taking on the digital revolution, through technical and programming support, as we are all facing this turbulent time together.”

Mr Gil said that, to achieve members’ goals in the Digital Era, they must build a stronger alliance with one another.

“This coalition of Asia-Pacific Broadcasters can pave the way to the future with more collaborative projects, discovering the industry’s best practices and putting them to use each and every day,” he said. 

Both Vice Presidents were re-elected – Mr Naoji Ono, Executive Vice President of NHK-Japan and Dr Ahmad Jailani, Deputy Director-General of RTM-Malaysia – and they will be joined by new Vice President, Mr Ibrahim Sahin, Director-General, TRT-Turkey.

KBS Korea was re-elected to the Administrative Council, while BTV-Bangladesh and ERTU-Egypt were elected as new members to the ACM.

A vote of thanks was given to the host broadcaster Vietnam TV for its great effort in hosting the most international General Assembly of the ABU, attended by more than 690 delegates for a week of pre-meetings and the two-day General Assembly.