Building Bridges Through Radio
The 11th ABU Radio Asia Conference opened today in Beijing, China. More than 250 radio professionals representing 35 countries from Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe and North America gathered to share experience and facilitate ideas for the future of the radio industry.
In his opening address Mr Cai Fuchao, Minister of State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the People’s Republic of China, said that closer cooperation is needed in the radio-industry in the region and beyond to face the changing environment and demands of the present time. He stressed the opportunity to use this conference to create innovative concepts and ideas and to get inspiration from each other. In his words “RadioAsia Conference is a high level international professional event, very conducive to promoting cooperation, a great platform for learning and exchange. We have to use this opportunity to have in depth discussion and press ahead the development of radio. With our creativity and innovation we will keep abreast of the time. Working together we will create a brighter future.”
Welcoming the delegates, the President of the host organization, China National Radio, Mr Yan Xiaoming, urged the radio professionals to work together for the convergence of traditional radio with new media in a way which is inclusive and beneficial for all. He suggested that the Chinese government’s Belt and Road initiative can be used to enhance cooperation and build bridges between countries along the ancient Silk Road and beyond. “We would like to further build mutual trust and look into more areas of cooperation, as we push forward the cause of broadcasting and media and make greater contribution to cultural exchange”, he added.
The ABU Secretary-General, Dr Javad Mottaghi, referred to RadioAsia Conference as the only radio programming event in the region and unique forum that brings together innovative radio professionals, senior managers, policy makers and academics. He pointed out that “with new technologies and services, forward looking radio broadcasters are finding new ways to enrich their content and engage even further their audiences.”
In the framework of the Beijing RadioAsia Conference, broadcasters from Asia- Pacific and Europe will held a one day meeting to network and benefit from each other’s experience. The second Media2020 will focus on delivering rich content across a range of platforms. Media2020 is an initiative of the ABU member Radio Romania, which was launched in June 2015 in Bucharest, Romania.
During their stay the participants will enjoy a Gala Concert of the 4th ABU Radio Song Festival and a concert of well-known Romanian classical musicians performing music by the famous composer George Enescu.