ASIA

Registrations are open for the next edition of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union’s (ABU) Digital Broadcasting Symposium DBS), to be held from February 24 to 27 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.The symposium is back as an in-person event after a break of two years. The DBS2025 event, through its conference sessions, panel discussions, focused workshops and masterclasses, presented by eminent experts across the globe, will address challenges, find solutions and share experiences related to digital transition, technology implementation, creative content ideas, and enhancing user experiences.An ever-expanding range of technologies is now on the market, providing broadcasters with important new opportunities. DBS showcases these to help broadcasters make the right decisions.The symposium attracts close to 1,500 participants annually, representing over 350 organisations across the region and beyond.The growth in participation reflects the relevance of the issues covered at the conference, workshops and masterclasses, and the strong interest in the products and services on show at the exhibition.The number of exhibitors has also risen significantly. In 2005, DBS attracted just four exhibitors. By 2008 this had risen to 20, and by 2011 to 29. In 2019, 45 exhibitors showcased their products and services in 52 booths.The ABU Digital Broadcasting Symposium 2025 promises four exciting days of innovation and insight.This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers, demonstrate your latest products and solutions, and strengthen your presence in the ever-evolving broadcasting landscape.

Register here. […]

New York Festivals Radio and TV & Film Awards have announced a new partnership with JusticeAid, a nonprofit organization dedicated to using art and music to raise awareness about civil rights challenges and inspire action for social justice. Together, they will launch the inaugural JusticeAid Award, a new honor that will recognize the highest-scoring entry across all Social Justice categories in the NYF TV & Film and Radio competitions.The JusticeAid Award will be presented to the entry that demonstrates outstanding storytelling in addressing critical social justice issues. The winner will be determined by the esteemed NYF TV & Film Awards and Radio Awards Grand Juries, who will evaluate entries across a range of categories.NYF Radio Categories eligible for the award include News Program, News Report/Feature, Documentary, Entertainment, Promo, Digital, Podcast, and Student. Categories within TV & Film Awards include News Program, News Report/Feature, Sports, Documentary, Entertainment Program, Entertainment Special, Promo, Streaming, Student, and Corporate Image.“With the JusticeAid Award, NYF shines a spotlight on the Social Justice categories across all genres and platforms encompassing Journalism and Entertainment categories alike. These stories show how individual actions can change the world and the ability of the human spirit to triumph over adversity,” said Rose Anderson, Executive VP & Executive Director of New York Festivals Radio and TV & Film Awards.“The nexus between civil activism and the arts has long been recognized. Social justice work can be heavy and exhausting, and art can arouse the spirit and encourage optimism and action. JusticeAid operates at the intersection of social justice and the arts to bring joy and uplift to this critical work, and believes that, as the writer Toni Cade Bambara said, “[t]he role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible,” said Kim Duckett Coaxum, CEO, JusticeAidThe first annual JusticeAid Award will be presented at the 2025 Storytellers Gala, a virtual event in the Spring 2025 celebrating global excellence in storytelling. In 2024, over 180 award-winning teams worldwide shared their acceptances, while industry leaders spotlighted their creative journeys in special segments. Additionally, the JusticeAid Award-winning submission will be honored at the JusticeAid Concert in May 2025 in New York City, showcasing the transformative power of music and the arts to raise awareness for civil rights and inspire positive change.The New York Festivals TV & Film and Radio Awards competitions receive entries from over 50 countries.  Members of the Grand Jury panels vote to determine the Shortlists and final standings for Tower Trophies. The 2025 Storytellers Gala will honor trophy winners of both competitions in the spring.The official deadline to enter the 2025 Radio Awards is January 31, 2025. For more information on the 2025 Radio Awards visit: HERE. […]

Indian Government is committed to advancing digital radio technology and its integration into the media ecosystem in the country, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) Secretary Sanjay Jaju said last week.He was speaking at a conference organised by the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), in collaboration with the Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI).The ministry plans to roll out digital FM radio broadcasting in 13 major cities across India, a move that is expected to enhance broadcast quality and support the radio industry’s growth.Jaju said India stood at the threshold of a new era brimming with possibilities and opportunities in broadcasting.“Light touch regulations will enable innovative content creation and deeper listener engagement, empowering India’s creators. Radio derives its strength from localised content choice embracing diverse community interests and cultural preferences,” he said.Earlier, in September, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released a consultation paper to help formulate a policy for private digital radio broadcasters in the country, gathering inputs from stakeholders, including broadcasters, equipment manufacturers and digital receiver producers.In response to concerns from private operators regarding fees, the ministry has eliminated the non-refundable fee and the 2.5 percent annual license fee. To support broadcasters’ revenue sustainability, the government has also announced a 40 percent increase in the base rates for advertisements on private FM stations.He also revealed that 20 companies have shown interest in participating in upcoming FM radio spectrum auctions next month, which will cover 254 towns and semi-urban areas.

To facilitate the transition to digital, the ministry is considering four global digital radio technologies. Operators may benefit from upgrades in transmission infrastructure and “simulcast” capabilities, which would allow simultaneous analogue and digital broadcasting. This approach aims to help broadcasters maintain revenues while transitioning smoothly to digital formats. The government also aims to minimise reliance on proprietary technologies and encourage open standards to ensure a seamless digital transition.“Digital radio is the way forward. It allows for multiple channels on the existing spectrum, enabling operators to optimise revenues while providing consumers with maximum value from radio listening,” he said. […]

According to a report by Bakhtar News Agency Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Art at the Ministry of Information and Culture, Mawlawi Atiqullah Azizi, inaugurated the Moqadas Radio in Logar province.Logar is one of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan located in the eastern section of the country.It now hosts six private radio stations, including Moqadas, Pahand Melli, Zainat, Ittihad, Mahal and Radio Aynak  in addition to the Taliban-run National Radio.Muhammad Qasim Samadi, head of Moqadas Radio, said that the station which broadcasts on 89.1 FM was established with a budget of approximately $16,000 USD.Speaking at the ceremony, Azizi highlighted the importance of radio as the primary source of information for residents in distant regions. He urged the management of Moqadas Radio to align their programming with the policies of the Islamic system.Mawlawi Zia-ul-Haq Haqmal, Director of Bakhtar News Agency, in his remarks, reiterated the Islamic Emirate’s full support for media and called on media representatives to operate within the framework of Sharia and the policies of the IEA.Photo: Bakhtar News Agency […]

RØDE has released the third generation of their Wireless GO (Gen 3), the wireless microphone platform with an intuitive grab-and-go operation. With 32-bit float on-board recording, intelligent GainAssist technology and, for the first time in the history of the iconic RØDE Wireless range, a suite of limited-edition colours, giving creators yet another avenue for expression.KEY FEATURES OF THE WIRELESS GO:• Dual-channel compact wireless microphone system• RØDE’s state-of-the-art Series IV 2.4 GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption for crystal-clear, incredibly stable audio at ranges up to 260m (line of sight)• Over 40 hours of 32-bit float on-board recording for the recovery of clipped or quiet audio files• Intelligent GainAssist technology, flexible output gain control and safety channel for ensuring pristine audio when recording direct to camera• Universal compatibility with cameras, smartphones and computers for ultimate flexibility• Locking lavalier connectors for complete security and peace of mind

• Headphone monitoring with on-board level control• Automatic plug-in power detect for extended battery life• Easy configuration on a computer or smartphone via RØDE Central• Bright LCD display and intuitive controls for quickly and easily adjusting settings on-the-fly• Compatible with all RØDE Series IV devices, including RØDECaster Pro II and Duo, RØDECaster Video, Wireless PRO, InterviewPRO and more• Available in timeless black and iconic white, as well as a range of limited-edition colours, including red, orange, green, purple, pink, blue, cobalt, clay, lilac, stone, rose and moss• Designed and made in RØDE’s precision facilities in Sydney, AustraliaRØDE CEO Damien Wilson said:“The original Wireless GO established an entirely new category when it was released in 2019. It completely changed the game for creators, giving them a compact and simple solution to recording wireless audio without sacrificing the quality and stability that their craft demands. The Wireless GO II took this even further, adding a host of new features that quickly established itself as a new standard in the industry. And now, with the third generation of the iconic wireless mic system, the Wireless GO is more powerful, more colourful and more feature-packed than ever and ready to raise the bar once again. We can’t wait to see what you create.”RØDE has also released a dedicated charging and travel case accessory – the Charge Case+. This is a compact case for the Wireless GO (Gen 3) that keeps the entire system safe and secure when storing or taking it out on the road. It features an integrated battery that delivers two full recharges for up to 21 hours of use and allows simultaneous data access to the complete system for transferring recordings, adjusting settings and updating firmware.The Charge Case+ is available separately.The third-generation Wireless GO is available to order at your local RØDE dealer or via the RØDE website. […]

The first edition of the Global Media Peace Awards concluded with an online ceremony bringing together creators from across the globe on November 26.Organized by Executive Education HEC Montréal in partnership with the Pale Blue Dot Foundation, this initiative marked a significant step forward in using media as a vector for peace, resilience, and global understanding.This first edition aligns the school with an ambitious goal: mobilizing creative forces to address today’s challenges while integrating peace and tolerance at the heart of global discourse.It received 189 submissions across the Radio, Television, and Digital Media categories. The laureates were selected by a prestigious jury of internationally renowned experts.The radio jury was chaired by Dan Santa (Chairperson), Ph. D., director-International Relations, Radio Romania. Other members of the jury included Andrea Borgnino, Journalist, author, and radio host, Rai – Italy,  Irina Kornienko, Director of the Radio Culture Channel of the Ukrainian Public Broadcaster, Giedrius Masalskis, Head of Radio – The Lithuanian Public Broadcaster, Colleen Holder, Dir. Corp. Comms. & Productions, Parliament of Trinidad, and TobagoAde Irosadi, Head of LPP RRI- Indonesia and Flavia Voinea, Journalist, Manager of Bucharest FM Radio Romania Regional Network.The first prize in the radio category went to Azzura Meringolo Scarfoglio for “Help me! I am a little girl; they are shooting at me.” Hind’s last phone call from Gaza.Second prize went to Nguyen Vu Duy, Nguyen Thi Thu Hoa, Nguyen Pham Huan, Nguyen Quynh Hoa and Lai Thi Hoa for Coming Home.

Mohamad Chegeni won the third prize for Human Extinction. […]