A new addition to the recently held Global News Forum allowed leaders to attend side-sessions alongside the main program, focusing on the well-being of staff across newsrooms and media organisations.

Historically a taboo topic for many Asia-Pacific broadcasters, this issue was addressed head-on at the inaugural Leaders’ Forum during the 2026 conference. Attendees spoke openly about root causes, potential solutions, and peer learning strategies to support workplace well-being.

During the closed-door session, Deena Amorelli and Caitlyn McLoughlin from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s People and Culture team led a robust discussion unfolded around the degree to which leaders should act as a shield for their teams.

One Chief Executive noted that it ultimately comes down to how much protection leaders offer staff who face daily social media abuse, political pressure, and hostility when coverage offends certain groups.

The session also highlighted internal friction within media organisations. Attendees discussed how a lack of mutual understanding between departments—such as lingering hierarchical divides between radio and television teams—often leads to personality clashes and workplace conflict.

The session concluded with a strong call to establish clear, structured procedures that ensure employees feel genuinely supported and protected by leadership.