The Executive Council of the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) convened its 115th meeting on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in Hammamet, Tunisia, bringing together heads of Arab member broadcasters and delegations to chart the future of regional media cooperation. The meeting, chaired by Saudi Arabia, precedes the 26th Arab Radio and Television Festival and addresses critical issues including artificial intelligence integration, program exchanges, and media support for the Palestinian cause.
Leadership and Participation
The 115th session was chaired by ASBU President and Saudi Media Forum Chairman Mohammed Alharthi, in the presence of ASBU Director General Abdulrahim Suleiman and First Vice-President Mohammed Al-Awash. Saudi Arabia is participating with a delegation from the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, reflecting the Kingdom’s continued leadership role in the union.
The Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) also participated in the meetings, with a delegation headed by Ali bin Saleh Al Sada, Director of Qatar TV. The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Information, joined the session, alongside Iraq, which sent a delegation led by Thaer Al-Ghanimi. Algeria’s participation was marked by the presence of Mohamed Baghali, Director General of Algerian Television.
Key Agenda Items
The 115th session addressed several pivotal topics shaping the future of Arab media. Discussions centered on developing Arab media work and strengthening cooperation and coordination among member media organizations. A significant focus was placed on program and news exchanges among Arab broadcasters, as well as the growing role of new media platforms.
Artificial intelligence emerged as a central theme, with the Council examining the use of AI technologies in media production and the development of skills among media personnel to effectively utilize modern technologies. ASBU President Alharthi highlighted the emergence of AI and new tools in media production, stating that these changes are creating a new environment requiring the sector to adapt. He stressed the importance of leveraging data and modern technologies across all forms of media.
The Council also addressed media support for the Palestinian cause, reflecting the union’s commitment to utilizing its collective platform for pressing regional issues. Additionally, discussions covered preparations for the Arab Radio and Television Festival, held under the theme “The Pulse of the Image and the Echo of the Future” from September 21 to 24 in Tunisia.
ASBU’s Strategic Direction
In his opening remarks, Alharthi noted that the past period has seen notable progress and positive developments across ASBU’s various activities and achievements despite the challenges facing the media sector. He highlighted the union’s advancement in data management, technology, and digital infrastructure, developed in cooperation with member broadcasters.
These efforts are being advanced through training programs, particularly in cloud platforms and the integration of AI into ASBU Cloud. The ASBU Media Training Academy continues to offer quality training programs developed in line with the needs and aspirations of the Arab audiovisual sector.
The meeting featured a comprehensive presentation on the union’s activities over the past year, covering news and program exchanges, coverage of major events inside and outside the Arab region, training initiatives, investment efforts, and technological developments in satellite and ASBU Cloud.
Background and Context
The Arab States Broadcasting Union was founded in February 1969 in Khartoum, with the aim of strengthening ties and cooperation among Arab audiovisual corporations and developing their production in terms of form and content. ASBU functions as one of the most efficient specialized organizations of the League of Arab States, serving as a pillar of joint Arab action.
The Executive Council assumes all General Assembly powers between the two ordinary sessions and takes necessary decisions, except for matters exclusively reserved for the General Assembly’s competence. The Council meets at least twice a year to review reports from ASBU’s standing committees and bodies.
This continuity of governance ensures that the union maintains momentum on critical initiatives. Earlier meetings in 2025, including the 112th and 113th sessions, laid groundwork for the current agenda. The 113th Executive Council meeting, held in June 2025, announced the revitalization of ASBU’s media activities in Syria as part of a new strategic direction. The 112th meeting, convened in January 2025, focused on unifying media efforts among member states with a strategic vision centered on highlighting Arab identity and promoting shared values.
Looking Ahead
The 115th Executive Council meeting represents a critical juncture for ASBU as it navigates the rapidly evolving media landscape. With artificial intelligence reshaping production workflows and new platforms challenging traditional broadcasting models, the Council’s decisions will shape how Arab media organizations adapt to these transformative forces.
The discussions held in Hammamet will inform the 26th Arab Radio and Television Festival and set the stage for the coming year’s activities. As the union continues to balance technological innovation with its foundational mission of fostering Arab media cooperation, the outcomes of this meeting will resonate across the region’s broadcasting sector.
TunisianMonitorNews
