ABU SG Dr Javad Mottaghi closes the 2018 GLOBAL NEWS FORUM at the Grand Hotel Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City
The Forum, entitled “News In The Digital Age” saw delegates in attendance who discussed, deliberated and learned from renowned international news producers and reporters in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
The fast-changing nature of the media landscape has driven broadcasters in the Asia-Pacific region to play a proactive role to remain relevant.
The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Secretary-General Dr Javad Mottaghi said the role of traditional media had changed dramatically in the age of the internet-driven, 24-hour news cycle and the escalation of social media.
“The challenge for all newsrooms and for all broadcasters is to ensure that no matter what the platform, their output is at all times transparent, accountable, independent and impartial, free from obligation or connection to any centre of power,” Dr Mottaghi said at the two-day 4th Global News Forum held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The Forum was organised by the ABU and hosted by Vietnam Television (VTV). Also present was VTV’s Director-General of International Cooperation Department, Ho Kien. A total of 120 delegates from news media from around the world took part the event.
It also discussed issues including fake news, media ethics in a digital world and harassment against journalists on digital media.
In his closing address, Dr Mottaghi stated the Forum was a success with many producers and journalists having learned, shared and benefitted from the Forum, which was attended by over 150 people representing over 50 organisations. With each organisation representing 20 years of experience, this would mean the forum brought over 3000 years of experience into the gathering.
Dr Mottaghi expressed his thanks to all member broadcasters who attended and invited them all to return to the next Forum which will be held in Istanbul, Turkey, next year.