The Global News Forum returns this year with a distinct new pulse. In partnership with host broadcaster Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) brings the flagship news event to Sydney.  

Based on the timely theme of “Resilient Journalism: Safeguarding Truth and Wellbeing,” the forum tackles the dual imperatives of protecting editorial integrity while supporting the newsroom workforce delivering it. Driven directly by extensive feedback from past attendees, organisers have reshaped the event structure to deliver a sharper, more personalised, and collaborative experience. While the forum continues to serve as the premier gathering for newsroom leaders, broadcast executives, and journalists, this year’s program moves away from standard, broad presentations in favor of high-impact, targeted tracks designed for specific roles and pressing industry challenges.  

The most notable change in this year’s agenda is the introduction of simultaneous sessions crafted for targeted groups. Responding to recurring requests from past forums, senior executives will now have a dedicated platform tailored specifically to their leadership level. This dedicated executive track provides decision-makers with a focused environment to address high-level strategy, newsroom sustainability, media transformation, and policy alongside their peer network. 

Interactivity sits at the heart of the revamped program. On the afternoons of both the first and second days, delegates will participate in simultaneous breakout sessions that encourage smaller, deeper group discussions. These breakouts allow attendees to customise their schedules around specialized topics directly aligned with the forum’s overarching theme, ranging from artificial intelligence integration in newsrooms and digital verification techniques to field security and mental health support for reporting teams.  

The final day of the forum has also undergone a significant refresh. Alongside the traditional closed-group strategic meetings, we have added two intensive workshops. These hands-on sessions focus directly on practical skill-building and real-world strategy execution, ensuring that delegates leave with actionable frameworks they can immediately implement in their home newsrooms. 

Organised as a cornerstone event for international broadcast media, the Global News Forum brings together news directors, editors, content creators, and media partners from across the globe. It acts as a vital venue for sharing newsroom resources, tackling press freedom challenges, and navigating the rapidly shifting digital news landscape. By directly implementing member requests for parallel tracks, practical workshops, and executive roundtables, this year’s Sydney forum delivers a dynamic, member-centric environment built to help news organizations thrive.