The 6th Asia Media Summit, organized by the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), was launched in Macao Monday. The two-day summit has attracted more than 400 top ranking broadcasters, decision makers, media professionals, regulators, scholars and stakeholders of news programming from more than 160 organizations. They come from all over Asia, Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East.

The 6th Asia Media Summit, organized by the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), is launched in Macao on May 25, 2009. [China.org.cn]

Aside from the global financial crisis, "the world is also seen deteriorating peace and order as violence continues to rage between nations of different race and religion and political persuasions… some of the media has helped fan miscommunication and discord among peoples because of unfair reporting and bias. More researched and balanced reporting is wanting and so is a lengthier analysis and reflection of the history and causes of divisiveness and war between countries," addressed Thoyyib Mohamed Waheed, president of the AIBD General Conference. Waheed is also the Minister of State for the Tourism, Arts and Culture Department of Information in the Republic of Maldives.

"The media of Asia should endeavor to eliminate the phenomenon of developing countries being treated unfairly in world opinions, and make a joint effort to maintain and safeguard these countries' images and interests," said Wang Chen, minister in charge of China's State Council Information Office.

"Asian media should strive to win discourse power in world opinions, making more ‘Asian voices’ heard," said Wang.

To achieve this goal, Asian nations need to strengthen news exchanges and media cooperation, making more mutual news reports, Wang proposed.

The 6th Asia Media Summit, organized by the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), is launched in Macao on May 25, 2009. [China.org.cn]

The Asia Media Summit, now a global media gathering in Asia, was launched in 2004 by the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development, in collaboration with regional and international partners. The Summit has become a global media platform for top ranking broadcasters in Asia-Pacific countries as well as Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East.

The 7th Asia Media Summit is scheduled to be held in Beijing next year on May 25-26, and will be hosted by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television of China (SARFT).

(China.org.cn by Wang Zhiyong, May 27, 2009)