24 July: The ABC in the Contested Indo-Pacific Information Space

Today's policy rhetoric calls for Australia to use 'all tools of statecraft' to represent the nation internationally, nurturing trusted partnerships and dealing with a complex array of global and regional threats. In that context, the ABC's Charter function as an international broadcaster has been undergoing a significant revival, especially in the Pacific region. It provides predominantly English language television to the Pacific and Asia, an FM re-transmission of ABC Radio Australia in the most populous locations across the Pacific and in Timor-Leste, and bespoke digital platforms and social channels for audiences across the Indo-Pacific. Significantly, ABC International Development also works with counterparts in Papua New Guinea and Pacific-island states, Timor-Leste and Indonesia, building capacity and strengthening media systems. According to the ABC, it aims to 'support better democratic governance by promoting public interest journalism and media'.

In this in-person event, hosted by the AIIA in association with ABC Friends Tasmania, Claire M Gorman discusses the developing role, challenges and impact of ABC international services in a highly sensitive information environment.