Artificial intelligence, audience transformation and the future of public media took centre stage as broadcasters from across the Asia-Pacific gathered for the 2026 ABU Programme Committee Meeting.

The meeting was formally opened by Mr. Yasarath Kamalsiri, CEO, MTV Channel Private Limited, and Mr. Ahmed Nadeem, ABU Secretary-General. 

This was followed by the introduction of the Chairperson of the Programme Committee, Ms. Claire Gorman (ABC), and the two Vice-Chairs, Mr. Tomohiro Inoue (NHK) and Mr. Faruk Guven (TRT). 

The Director of the ABU Programme Department, Aoki Kazunori, Head of Radio, Andrew Davies and Head of TV, Fathimath Leeza, then gave updates on ABU Programme Department activities in the past 12 months.

The day continued with a panel discussion focusing on AI Truth, Trust and Transformation, which brought together media leaders from Mongolia, the Maldives, Malaysia and Sri Lanka to discuss how AI, creator-driven content and changing audience behaviours are reshaping the industry. Speakers talked about both the opportunities and challenges presented, with a particular focus on protecting editorial integrity and building sustainable digital strategies as media consumption continues to evolve. 

The conversation reinforced a shared concern among broadcasters: while AI offers significant potential to enhance production and distribution, public trust remains a broadcaster’s most valuable asset. Panellists explored how organisations can balance innovation with responsibility as they navigate increasingly fragmented digital ecosystems. 

During a fireside chat Ms. Debarati Guha, Head of Programs for Asia, for Deutsche Welle,  spoke about the organisation’s approach to digital transformation and made the point that DW started as a radio organisation shifted through online, TV, then social media, and is now “digital first”. She also talked about one of the ways the organisation is responding to the rise of AI, is by pairing older, expert colleagues with younger digital native staff to help transfer skills in both directions.

The meeting also featured presentations showcasing ABU regional collaborations, including the Pacific Media Partnership Conference, CARE 13 Documentary Co-Production, ABU Robocon, Children’s Drama Co-Production and the upcoming ABU Podcast Co-Production initiative. These projects demonstrated the continued strength of collaboration amongst ABU members and the growing demand for content partnerships across platforms.

The day concluded with a fast-paced and fun pitching session where ABU members each had three minutes to share information about new projects and collaborations. The members represented were: MTV Sri Lanka, Shanghai Media Group, JAMCO, NBT Thailand, IRIB, Rai, and RT Russia.

Throughout the day, participants shared examples of innovation and transformation, reaffirming the role of public service media in delivering trusted content while continuing to embrace new technologies and audience expectations