As we look ahead to 2027, the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) is preparing to bring together two important communities within the broadcasting industry for a gathering in Hong Kong.

The ABU Intellectual Property & Legal Committee (IPLC) Conference and Meeting 2027 will take place on 27–28 January 2027, alongside the Asiavision Coordinators’ Meeting, at the Novotel Hong Kong Century, Wan Chai.

While each event serves a distinct purpose, both share a common objective: strengthening cooperation, encouraging knowledge exchange and supporting the continued development of the broadcasting industry across the Asia-Pacific region.

The media landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Artificial intelligence is transforming how content is created and distributed, digital platforms are reshaping audience engagement, and the complexities surrounding intellectual property, copyright and content protection continue to grow. At the same time, news organisations are navigating the challenges of misinformation, editorial responsibility and the increasing demands of delivering accurate, timely and credible information.

These developments highlight the importance of both the IPLC and the Asiavision network.

The IPLC provides a platform for legal professionals, broadcasters and industry stakeholders to examine the legal and regulatory issues affecting media organisations. From intellectual property rights and content licensing to the implications of emerging technologies, its work contributes to a stronger understanding of the legal frameworks that support broadcasting.

The Asiavision Coordinators’ Meeting, meanwhile, brings together news professionals responsible for facilitating the exchange of news content among ABU members. It provides an opportunity to strengthen professional relationships, share operational experiences and explore ways to enhance regional news cooperation in an increasingly connected media environment.

Building on discussions from previous gatherings, including the 2026 IPLC Conference in Jakarta and the Asiavision Coordinators’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, the upcoming events offer an opportunity to continue important conversations about the future of our industry.

Although the two communities approach broadcasting from different perspectives, their responsibilities are closely connected. The exchange of news and creative content depends not only on technological capabilities and editorial expertise, but also on a clear understanding of intellectual property, content rights and professional obligations.

Bringing these events together in Hong Kong reflects the value of collaboration across disciplines and the importance of ensuring that innovation, responsible journalism and legal considerations progress together. As preparations continue, further information on the programmes and participation arrangements will be shared with members in due course.

For now, we encourage our members to mark 27–28 January 2027 in their calendars and look forward to welcoming our legal, broadcasting and news professionals to Hong Kong.

Because the future of broadcasting will not be shaped by any one discipline alone. It will be shaped by the knowledge we share, the partnerships we strengthen and the progress we make together.

Two important gatherings. One connected broadcasting community.