Launch of 2010 AIBs

The Association for International Broadcasting is at MIP TV in Cannes where we officially announce the 2010 AIBs. We are excited by the inclusion of two new awards this year – one for the Best Children’s Factual Programme or Series, the other a “People’s Choice” for the Best TV Coverage of Climate Change.

I will talk more about the Best Children’s Factual Programme or Series in another post, and how it links in with our support of 1GOAL and the “Education for All” campaign linked to the World Cup in South Africa.

But let me now explain more about the new “People’s Choice” award. Up to now, all awards at the AIBs have been determined by an independent panel of judges, consisting of respected professionals from broadcasting and related industries – and this will continue to be the case for all awards apart from this special new award. The “People’s Choice” award recognises the increasing power of the audience to provide rapid feedback on programmes, often in real-time. We are harnessing the power of online tools and social networking to allow viewers from around the world to vote for the best programme in this category.

Each year, the topic for entries in this category will be chosen as something of great current interest. For 2010 the subject is “climate change” which creates great passion and interest around the world. By showcasing the best programmes from around the world, not only will the highest quality broadcasting be on view and brought to new audiences in many different countries, but the impact and opinions of climate change as it affects many different communities will be on display.

The shortlist of the best programmes will be available to view on different online platforms and viewers will have one vote for their favourite. More details on the viewing and voting procedures will be available nearer the time. But we are sure this will provide great interest to viewers and a fantastic platforms to the programmes entered.

We will be updating you on the progress of this award regularly in the lead up to the awards ceremony on 10th November.

The AIBs 2010

Welcome to the AIBs – the international media excellence awards.

Now in their sixth year, the AIBs are all about inspiring creativity. We’ll be looking for the very best TV, radio and online or mobile productions in our truly global search.

Full information will appear here about how to enter as we launch the 2010 AIBs in early April. In the meantime, please visit the AIB’s main site at www.aib.org.uk.