NHK executive vice president elected as ABU president - NHKニュース

NHK's Executive Vice President Yamana Hiroo has been elected as the next president of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, or ABU.

The ABU is composed of broadcasters and other entities from 66 countries and territories. Its activities include joint production of programs and technological cooperation.

The ABU's General Assembly opened in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Sunday. Attendees exchanged views on the roles of media under the theme "Media for Peace and Humanity: Truth, Trust, and Transformation." The assembly comes as the environment surrounding the media industry undergoes significant changes due to artificial intelligence and digitization.

On Monday, a forum on strengthening the role of public media and other events were held. Yamana said young people are said to be turning away from television, but that does not mean they have stopped watching video content.

He said media organizations must continue providing "high-quality content that audiences choose to watch and reliable information that people need to know."

The election of ABU president was held later, and Yamana was chosen to the post. In his speech after the vote, Yamana said, "Let us work together to advance our media industry across the Asia-Pacific region and ensure that the ABU remains a strong and valuable organization for all."

Yamana's term as ABU president will begin in January next year and last until the end of 2029.