Hosted jointly by the Public Media Alliance and UNESCO, the workshop titled “Disaster-ready media and information ecosystems” will introduce participants to the Model Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan for Media Institutions while exploring how media organisations can sustain access to reliable, public interest information during times of crisis.

The session is particularly relevant for broadcasters, journalists, newsroom managers, communications professionals, regulators, and media stakeholders operating in disaster-prone regions such as the Caribbean, where resilient and trusted information systems play a critical role before, during, and after emergencies.

Workshop Details

Date: 3 June 2026
Time: 1300 – 1430 UTC
Venue: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Registration Deadline: 1 June 2026

Participants can learn more and register via the Public Media Alliance event page

The post PMA & UNESCO Disaster-Ready Media Workshop To Be Held June 3rd appeared first on Caribbean Broadcasting Union.

Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago – Tuesday 5^th May 2026 – The Massy Group, one of the Caribbean’s largest publicly traded companies, today announced its partnership with the Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s (CBU) 57th Annual General Assembly (AGA) and 37th Media Awards scheduled for 17–19 August in Georgetown, Guyana.

Massy will be a part of the region’s premier forum for media, through Its sponsorship of four (4) high-profile categories in the Awards competition:

• People’s Choice Award for Best Educational News Reel
• People’s Choice Award for Best News & Current Affairs Reel
• Production Award for Best Investigative Item (Print)
• Production Award for Best News Story (Digital)

These categories recognise the critical interplay between emerging short-form digital storytelling and traditional in-depth journalism. Collectively, they underscore Massy’s commitment to supporting the full spectrum of modern media and its vital role in fostering vibrant, informed, and engaged societies across the region.

“Caribbean journalism tells our story, who we are, what we value, and where we’re going. Massy has been part of that story for over a century, and this partnership is our way of investing in the people who tell it best.”  said Dionne Ligoure, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Corporate Affairs at Massy Group.

CBU President, Mr. Anthony Greene, welcomed the partnership with Massy noting, “This kind of collaboration between a major regional private sector player like Massy,  in support of excellence in media content and creation is a strategic and positive step in supporting indigenous broadcast, print and digital media that are all so critical to the development of the region that both Massy and CBU members serve.”

Ligoure noted that the collaboration with the CBU represents a cornerstone of Massy’s broader strategic commitment to enhancing the regional media ecosystem. “As an organisation that has grown alongside the Caribbean for over 100 years, Massy is investing in the adoption of international best practices. Our goal is to encourage and recognise high-quality regional journalism, thereby spotlighting credible, impactful Caribbean storytelling across print, digital, radio and television,” she added.

The initiative also represents a core component of Massy’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, which is aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and aims to foster equitable development throughout the Group’s operational footprint.

The CBU AGA and Media Awards together form the region’s leading forum for media collaboration and recognition of excellence across broadcast, print and digital platforms. The 2025 awards saw 551 entries submitted across 61 categories by 30 media organisations representing 11 countries and territories, plus one pan-regional entity. Entries span the Dutch, English, French, and Spanish-speaking Caribbean, reflecting the diversity of regional media.

The post Massy Supports Excellence in Caribbean Media With CBU Media Awards Partnership appeared first on Caribbean Broadcasting Union.

May 1, 2026

For Immediate Release

PRESS RELEASE – World Broadcasting Unions Celebrates World Press Freedom Day

TORONTO, ON — May 1, 2026 — The News Committee of the World Broadcasting Unions (WBU) is celebrating World Press Freedom Day, May 3, 2026, at an inflection point. Journalists across the world are reporting amid unprecedented levels of danger and fake news distribution. From every corner of the world, journalists continue to risk their lives to ensure the world has access to verified, unbiased information.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) continue to report on the increasing number of journalists killed in countries around the globe, especially in areas of conflict. In addition, several hundred journalists are currently being detained worldwide in violation of their civil rights and mission to report on global affairs.

The service journalists deliver is essential to the bedrock of democracy, a safeguard against abuse of power and a vital force for diversity, dialogue and human rights. But artificial intelligence poses an added threat to the transparency, accuracy and accountability that readers, listeners and viewers expect from a free press. The World Broadcasting Unions (WBU) acknowledge this threat and call upon media outlets worldwide to stand up for news integrity in the age of AI by demanding AI platforms commit to accuracy and attribution in using media content, obtain media companies’ permission to use their content and develop standards of safety and transparency.

WBU supports the five principles for responsible use of news by AI set out by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) that protect the integrity of news. For more on these principles, visit https://www.newsintegrity.org/home.

Now is the time for all stakeholders to join the World Broadcasting Unions in standing as a bulwark against the insidious influence of misinformation and disinformation and in defence of facts. We urge responsible use of artificial intelligence and issue a clarion call for big tech companies to deepen their collaboration with the News Integrity initiative.

We are committed to playing our part in ensuring that AI is used as a vehicle for propagating accurate information, as part of an information ecosystem anchored by trust in news. We urge consumers of content around the world to scrupulously assess the source of the news they receive, to avoid becoming unsuspecting victims of the purveyors of disinformation. On this World Press Freedom Day, we reflect on the time-honoured tenets of our field: accuracy, fairness and fearlessness and are determined to ensure they are immutable in a world of rapid technological change.

It is our commitment to the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day: “Shaping a Future at Peace.”

** ASBU abstains from this statement.

The post World Broadcasting Unions Celebrates World Press Freedom Day appeared first on Caribbean Broadcasting Union.

First to successfully apply in 2026 for membership is Compass TV, a member of the Compass Media group based in the Cayman Islands. 

The television service has become a full member of the CBU and has gotten off to a flying start by submitting entries to the 37^th CBU Media Awards.

Barbados is the home of the second addition to the CBU member roll – DigitalShark Inc. The new associate member is a content production and media licensing company that creates programming for regional and international distribution.

Also coming on board as an associate CBU member is the Cayman Islands Government Department of Communications. 

The DoC is committed to keeping the community informed about “Government policies, services and initiatives.”  The Department has also made its first entry into the CBU Media Awards and is hoping to be called up to the stage during the Awards Gala taking place in Georgetown, Guyana on August 19, 2026.

CBU President, Mr. Anthony Greene, highlighted the significance of the expanded membership.  He noted, “this is evidence of the continued relevance of the CBU, particularly at a time when the Caribbean media sector is facing increasing challenges.  But through collaboration and joint advocacy via the CBU, the broad spectrum of stakeholders in Caribbean media are able to speak in critical forums and together find solutions fit for purpose in our region.”

The newest CBU members join a grouping of nearly three dozen media houses, educational institutions, regulators, and independent producers who collectively offer programme sharing, capacity building, policy advice and other sectoral development activities in the Dutch, English, French, and Spanish Caribbean.

World Press Freedom Day 2026

On May 5, the CBU will mark World Press Freedom Day with a Webinar under the UNESCO -designated theme “Shaping a Future at Peace”.  The event, beginning at 10.30 AM AST (11.30 AM SUR/ 9.30 AM JA/ 8.30 AM BZE will place the focus on media viability.  Through the event, participants are expected to gain a better understanding of the key factors affecting public sector and independent media services viability and pathways to improved resilience of the sector.

The event presenters include UNESCO Caribbean Representative, Mr. Eric Falt, CBU President, Mr. Anthony Greene, Executive Director, Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica Mr. Cordel Green, Past President of CARICHAM, Ms Petipha Lewis, CEO of Media InSite, Ms. Allison Demas and Senior Lecturer at the Caribbean School of Media & Communication at the University of the West Indies Dr. Livingston White.  The moderator will be CBU Immediate Past President Dr. Claire Grant

The post CBU Marks World Press Freedom Day 2026 With Addition Of 3 New Members appeared first on Caribbean Broadcasting Union.

Navigating Change. Protecting Press Freedom.

Join the Caribbean Broadcasting Union as it marks World Press Freedom Day 2026.

On Tuesday May 5^th against the background of major changes in the regional media sector CBU President Anthony Greene invites you to be a part of the discussion about how Caribbean media can navigate the challenges it faces while strengthening democratic values and societal resilience.

This will be a solution-focused discussion with media professionals, regional partners, regulators and researchers on issues of media viability, pluralism, and inclusion.

Registration Closed

Thank you for your interest, registration for this event is now closed for submissions.

 

Your privacy matters : By registering for this event, the Registrant understands that the CBU or its or affiliates may collect, maintain, process and disclose certain personal information about the Registrant for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and, managing the event. Such information may include, but is not limited to: Registrant’s name,  email address, telephone number, job title and organisation.

Eric Falt, Regional Director - UNESCO Caribbean

Mr. Eric Falt is Regional Director of the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean and UNESCO Representative to 20 Caribbean countries and territories, based in Kingston, Jamaica. A French national with more than 35 years of United Nations experience, he has held senior leadership roles across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, including as UNESCO Regional Director for South Asia and for the Maghreb, and previously served at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris as Assistant Director-General for External Relations and Public Information.

Allison Demas - CEO Media InSite Ltd

Allison Demas is a true Caribbean woman.  She is passionate about the region’s development and creativity and is committed to full regional integration.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Media InSite Ltd., Allison – an Attorney-at-Law specializing in copyright and entertainment law – is a driven and visionary entrepreneur.

Since 2011, Allison has been dedicated to tracking, measuring, and analyzing media content including news, advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns, as well as social media conversations.

Allison has also served on several Boards and Committees including as Chairman of the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago and as Chair of the NOVA Committee of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Cordel Green - Executive Director, Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica

Mr. Cordel Green is an Attorney-at-Law, a former Assistant Attorney-General of Jamaica and a former broadcaster. His other affiliations include being Vice-Chairman of the International Bureau for the UNESCO Information For All Programme (IFAP), Paris; Vice Chairman (Caribbean) – International Centre for Information Ethics (ICIE); Commissioner at the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO; member of the Law Committee for the IEEE Global Initiative for Ethical Consideration in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems, and honorary member of the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC), Washington D.C.

Petipha Lewis - Past President, CARICHAM

Petipha Lewis is Past President of the Caribbean Network  of Chambers of Commerce  & Industry (CARICHAM) and Executive Director of the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce. With nearly four decades of leadership across the public and private sectors, she is a strong advocate for sustainable regional economic development, trade, and Caribbean integration, and also serves on several environmental and development-focused boards in Grenada and the wider region.

Dr. Livingston White - Senior Lecturer, CARIMAC UWI

Dr. Livingston White is a Senior Lecturer at the University of the West Indies Caribbean School of Media and Communication (CARIMAC), where he teaches communication analysis, research and social marketing. With more than 25 years of experience in research, training and media consultancy across the Caribbean, his work spans climate change, crisis communication, health communication and media development. He is also co-author of Still on Air: Producing Television in Small Markets and has extensive experience in television production in Jamaica.

Denis Chabrol - Founder, Demerara Waves Online News

Denis Chabrol is an award-winning Caribbean journalist and pioneer of online journalism in Guyana, having founded Demerara Waves Online News. His media career spans more than 40 years across technical production, broadcasting, news, and current affairs.

He has worked with regional and international media organisations including Radio Antilles, Caribbean News Agency, BBC Caribbean Service, Christian Science Monitor, and Agence France-Presse.

A former executive member of the Association of Caribbean Media Workers and the Guyana Press Association, Denis has also represented the Caribbean on the Global Forum for Media Development and at World Press Freedom Day conferences in Ghana and Indonesia.

He holds a BSc in Communications from the University of Guyana and remains a strong advocate for media training, ethical journalism, and combating misinformation in the public interest.

Dr. Claire Grant, OD - Moderator

Dr. Claire Grant, OD is Managing Director of PHARE Media Consultancy Limited and a former President of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union. With more than 30 years of experience in journalism, broadcasting and media strategy, she has held senior leadership roles across the Caribbean, including at RJRGLEANER Communications Group, and is widely recognised for her work in media transformation, regulation and digital broadcasting.

The post CBU World Press Freedom Day Webinar appeared first on Caribbean Broadcasting Union.

In a video message to members and stakeholders, CBU President Anthony Greene confirmed that the Assembly will be hosted by the Government of Guyana and will centre on the theme Caribbean Media and AI.

The three-day programme is expected to attract media executives, journalists, academics, content creators, development partners, and suppliers of media equipment and services for discussions on the opportunities and challenges shaping the region’s communications landscape.

Participants can also look forward to a programme designed to support industry engagement, professional development, networking, and the celebration of media excellence.

As preparations continue, registration details and programme information will be released soon through the CBU website and official social media platforms.

The Annual General Assembly remains one of the region’s leading forums for dialogue and collaboration within the Caribbean media sector, providing an opportunity to explore emerging trends and strengthen partnerships across the industry.

🎥 Watch the announcement video for full details and stay connected for registration updates.

The post AGA 57 Heads to Guyana 🇬🇾 | Dates Announced for the 57th Annual General Assembly appeared first on Caribbean Broadcasting Union.

In keeping with this shared commitment, the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean is pleased to support the continued advancement of the Global Goals through sponsorship of a new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Champion Award in this year’s Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s (CBU) Media Awards.

The award will recognize outstanding media contributions in print, radio, television, and digital media, that spotlight the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a blueprint for peace and prosperity for all.  Eligible entries will be from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines,

The UN will sponsor four award categories recognizing submissions that inspire action on the SDGs and align with national priorities.  Entries in radio, print, TV or digital formats should seek to connect the Global Goals to real people’s lives, communicate complex issues—such as climate change or inequality—in clear, accessible language, and foster an environment where the SDGs are actively championed. Where possible, content should be data-driven and solution-oriented.

UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springett said the UN Team is pleased to partner with the CBU and the media on this initiative.

“The media continues to be a valuable partner to us. We see this initiative as a continuation of our solid partnership, which we hope to strengthen by celebrating journalistic excellence that educates communities, drives sustainable development and inspires meaningful action.  Our goal is to support Caribbean countries in advancing progress on the global goals.”

CBU President Anthony Greene highlighted the Union’s close collaboration with UN agencies in the region.  He noted, “partnering with the UN Sub-regional Team for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean in the critical area of the SDG’s aligns well with the CBU’s mandate and identity as a contributor to regional development from a media and communications perspective.”

Entries for the 37th CBU Media Awards opened in late November 2025 and will close at midnight (ECT) on February 28, 2026. Nominees will be announced in May 2026, with the awards presentation scheduled for August 2026. For further information, potential entrants are invited to view the recent Media Webinar  via this link, and for competition rules and entry details they can visit the CBU website at http://www.caribroadcastunion.org / or email cbumediaawards@caribroadcastunion.org

The post Caribbean Media Critical To Advancing SDG Progress Says UN appeared first on Caribbean Broadcasting Union.

Held annually on the eve of the Chinese New Year, the Spring Festival Gala — often referred to as “Chunwan” — has been a longstanding television tradition in China for more than 40 years. It forms part of wider Lunar New Year observances centred on family reunion and cultural reflection.

This year’s programme featured a mix of music, dance, comedy, opera, martial arts and acrobatics, alongside contemporary stage production elements. Several performances incorporated cross-cultural choreography and modern staging techniques, reflecting both traditional artistic forms and current creative trends.

Advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and robotics, were integrated into aspects of the production. In one segment, humanoid robots performed choreographed martial arts routines, highlighting developments in stage presentation and digital integration.

Through CCTV+’s international broadcast network and partnerships with media organisations worldwide, the gala was made accessible to audiences beyond China, supporting cross-border cultural exchange.

CBU members and partners interested in learning more about the 2026 Spring Festival Gala can access additional information and highlights via the official English-language portal:

For more coverage on the gala, visit the CCTV+ English website at https://english.cctv.com/special/2026springfestivalgala/

The post CMG 2026 Spring Festival Gala Broadcast Globally Through CCTV+ appeared first on Caribbean Broadcasting Union.

Bridgetown, Barbados: From helping families understand critical health issues to guiding individuals toward better financial decisions, Caribbean journalism plays a powerful role in shaping informed and resilient communities. As such, Sagicor Financial Company Ltd. is proud to continue supporting such impact through its category sponsorship of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s (CBU) Media Awards.

As part of its annual corporate social responsibility commitment, the financial services entity sponsors two award categories – Health Education Journalism (print) and Financial Literacy Journalism (television) – recognising media practitioners whose reporting goes beyond informing, to truly empowering audiences with knowledge that supports better decision-making and long-term stability for themselves and their families.

Ingrid Card, Vice President, Communications and Brand Experience at Sagicor Financial, said the company is proud to continue the sponsorship for another year. “We are proud to continue supporting the outstanding work of media practitioners across the Caribbean. Each year, we are inspired by the depth, quality, and thoughtfulness of the submissions. The media plays a vital role in advancing public understanding of health education and financial literacy, and in doing so, contribute meaningfully to the empowerment and wellbeing of our region.”  

The impact of these awards is reflected in the calibre of work recognised each year. In 2025, the Financial Literacy Journalism (television) award was presented to Greater Belize Media (Channel 5) for its piece on Budgeting for Belizean Christmas Traditions, reported by Paul Lopez, with videography by Joel Wesbey – a compelling exploration of cultural spending and financial planning. The Health Education Journalism (print) award went to RJRGLEANER Communications Group (The Gleaner) in Jamaica for Disease Transfer Eliminated, written by Sashana Small, highlighting critical public health progress and awareness. 

CBU President, Anthony Greene, welcomed Sagicor’s continued support of the Awards.

“It’s particularly pleasing to the CBU that a private sector entity is offering this kind of incentive that can only foster our media offering more, high quality development themed content. This type of partnership is precisely why the CBU’s Awards are so important to the Caribbean and to the audiences our media seek to serve.”

The 57th CBU Assembly and the 37th CBU Media Awards Gala will be held in August 2026, bringing together media professionals from across the Dutch, English, French and Spanish-speaking Caribbean to honour excellence in media across print, digital, television and radio formats.

The post Sagicor Champions Health and Financial Journalism at CBU Media Awards appeared first on Caribbean Broadcasting Union.

The award recognises impactful media content that highlights real progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the Caribbean, showcasing storytelling that informs, inspires and drives positive change at national and regional levels.

Media professionals are encouraged to submit work that reflects innovation, inclusion, sustainability and social impact, and demonstrates the role of media in advancing the Global Goals.

The deadline for submissions is February 28, 2026, Learn more submitting your entry for the 37th CBU Media Awards at https://www.caribroadcastunion.org/2025/11/26/37cbucma/

More information on the SDGs is available at https://sdgs.un.org/goals.

The post United Nations Sponsors SDGs Champion Award at the 37th CBU Media Awards appeared first on Caribbean Broadcasting Union.