China-Boao Forum/Asia Media Cooperation News Release
Media representatives from 20 Asian countries shared their perspectives on the media’s role in global governance and Asian media’s cooperation in the “Omni-media Era” at Asian Media Cooperation Conference at the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2019 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province.
The Asia Media Cooperation Conference, which has been held annually over the past six year, shares the belief that in the omnimedia era, new technology promotes the transformation of the media industry, changes the traditional media ecology and influences the pattern of international communication.
Guo Weimin, vice minister of China’s State Council Information Office said the emergence of new technologies such as AI and 5G have brought revolutionary changes to the media landscape. He emphasized that the rise of digital media should not be seen as a threat to traditional media, but rather a boost for common prosperity. Guo also called on Asian media to enhance exchanges and innovation in the “Omni-media Era”.
“The world is undergoing historic changes, the pursuit of peace, development and cooperation has become an inevitable trend. Under the new context of omni-media, Asian media should build more consensus, share experiences and carry out pragmatic cooperation, to create a better platform of public opinion for Asian development,” said Guo.
Yan Xiaoming, vice president of China Media Group said that in just one year’s time, cutting-edge technologies like AI, 5G and 4k have turned from something familiar to only the media, to something that media use. He said in this new era, there’s an urgent need for Asian countries to increase their say on the world stage, to match their economic competence.
“Seven years ago, China’s president proposed the concept of a shared future for mankind. This is China’s solution for realizing common development and the aspirations for people who pursue peace. Chinese media is willing to work together with other Asian countries to promote respect and inclusiveness among Asian civilizations,” said Yan.
Delegates from media outlets echoed the challenges and opportunities shared by the rise of digital media. Some said the global agenda and voices have been dominated by the West. And now in the face of new onmi-media era, it’s high time for Asian media to work together, to better tell the stories about Asia.
“We have conform to the new development of the times by carrying out new media businesses, optimizing our website, and opening our new apps to broaden the means of communication,” said Bounchao Phichit, general director of Lao National TV.
“Change has not only swept through the political landscape but also the media environment. Analysts are thinking that conventional media practitioners should do some real soul searching and accurately fit the parts of the nation in order to stay relevant,” said Syed Ashik Rahman, chief executive officer of Bangladesh’s RTV.
As carriers of information and ambassadors for cultural exchanges, media play a big role in enhancing understanding among Asian countries. And media leaders here at Boao have agreed to ride the new trend, and make the voices of Asian countries better heard.
