The Union was established in 1964 as a not-for-profit, non-government, non-political, professional association with mandate to assist the development of broadcasting in the region. ABU promotes the collective interests of television and radio broadcasters as well as key industry players and facilitate regional and international media co-operation.

Serving more than half the world’s population across half the globe, the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) is demographically and geographically the world’s largest broadcasting union. Established in 1964 as a not-for-profit, non-governmental association of broadcasters, the ABU was founded to advance the development of broadcasting in the Asia-Pacific region. Over nearly six decades, it has grown to encompass around 224 member organisations across 66 countries. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Union serves as a hub for cooperation among its diverse members, providing a platform for them to share knowledge, exchange content, and represent their interests with a unified voice.

The ABU’s core mission is to facilitate the development of broadcasting in the region and promote the collective interests of its members. It encourages and supports both regional and international cooperation between broadcasters, acting as a forum where members collaborate on shared goals. The Union represents both public service and private broadcasters, with a mandate to assist all members in their growth and endeavours.

The ABU connects its members through dynamic content-sharing platforms that bring Asia-Pacific stories to a global stage. The Asiavision News Exchange (AVN) enables real-time sharing of over 17,000 news items annually among more than 30 broadcasters, giving even smaller national broadcasters access to timely international content. Through co-production projects and programme exchanges, members collaborate to create original content that reflects the region’s cultural diversity. The ABU Sports Exchange Network (ASEN) delivers daily sports news and highlight clips, while the Pacific Content Exchange provides Pacific members with high-quality programmes from larger broadcasters—helping them enrich their schedules and better serve their audiences.

The ABU also provides technical consultancy to its members, offering guidance on international frequency planning, spectrum coordination, and the transition to digital broadcasting. On the global stage, it works with other regional unions and international bodies through the World Broadcasting Unions to harmonise standards and address shared challenges. These collaborations give Asia-Pacific broadcasters a strong collective voice in global policy discussions and ensure they benefit from the latest technological advancements.

The ABU runs numerous webinars, workshops, and training programmes each year to enhance the skills of media professionals in areas ranging from content production and journalism to engineering and management. ABU Media Academy expands and formalises these training efforts, offering structured courses and certifications that nurture talent across the region. Throughout the year, the Union also organises industry regional, and global conferences and forums that bring together broadcasters to discuss industry trends, innovation, and regional challenges. In addition, media summits held in collaboration with international partners, provide valuable platforms for networking and knowledge exchange. Through these initiatives, the ABU fosters collaboration, promotes cultural understanding, and showcases the Asia-Pacific region’s contributions to the global media landscape.

Over the decades, the ABU has played a vital role in shaping broadcasting across the Asia-Pacific—helping members, many from emerging economies, build capacity, share critical information during crises, and enhance content quality. By uniting broadcasters under one umbrella, it has fostered solidarity and amplified the region’s collective voice on the global stage.

The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) supports the development of broadcast media across the region and increasingly leverages the power and reach of media for socio-economic development. The Union leads initiatives on Diversity and Inclusion and Media Saving Lives and actively promotes Media and Information Literacy (MIL). The ABU works closely with the regional broadcasting unions in other parts of the world on matters of common concern.

Today, the ABU continues to drive innovation through initiatives such as the ABU AI Principles, guiding members in the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence. With its far-reaching membership serving more than half of the world’s viewers and listeners, the ABU remains a cornerstone of global broadcasting and a champion of cooperation, innovation, and excellence.

Connect with us

The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) is the biggest broadcasting union in the world. Through its members’ network, the ABU can reach 3 billion people across the Asia – Pacific region.

Address: Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union
2nd Floor, IPPTAR Building, Angkasapuri 50614, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Email: info@abu.org.my

Phone: +603 2282 3592
Fax: +603 2282 5292

D-U-N-S Number: 659300018