An ABU Perspective: We Asked the Right Questions at DBS 2026. Now Comes the Hard Part.

If there is one thing the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union's Digital Broadcasting Symposium 2026 (ABUDBS2026) reaffirmed, it is this, broadcasting is no longer simply evolving, it is being redefined in real time.

Held in Kuala Lumpur, DBS 2026 brought together a dynamic mix of voices from across the region and beyond, sparking conversations that were as thought-provoking as they were necessary. From the rise of synthetic media to the ethical questions surrounding AI, this year's symposium did not shy away from the complexities shaping our industry. Instead, it leaned into them.

A defining highlight was the presence of Malaysia's Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil, whose visit underscored the importance of collaboration between policymakers, broadcasters, and technology leaders. In his remarks, he emphasised that AI will not replace journalists but rather, journalists who embrace AI will replace those who do not keep pace with it. His participation reinforced what DBS has always stood for a platform where meaningful dialogue meets real-world impact.

Dr Veysel Binbay, ABU's Director of Technology, who oversaw this year's DBS conference under the theme The Rising Synthetic Era, said that broadcasting is no longer operating within a stable or predictable framework. He noted that the industry is entering a phase of continuous change, driven by rapidly evolving technologies and shifting audience behaviours, where the challenge is no longer whether to adapt, but how to do so without compromising trust. He emphasised that broadcasters must move beyond maintaining legacy models and instead redefine their role within a broader media ecosystem, adding that as the industry looks ahead to DBS 2027, the focus must shift from discussion to deliberate, informed action that enables meaningful and sustainable transformation.

Across four days, DBS was more than just a conference. It was a convergence of perspectives. Ideas were challenged, partnerships were formed, and perhaps most importantly, the right questions were asked. In an era where technology is advancing faster than regulation, faster than adoption, and sometimes faster than understanding, DBS served as a necessary pause point, a moment to reflect on not just what we can do, but what we should do.

And yet, if DBS 2026 proved anything, it is that these conversations do not end when the event does.

As we look ahead, the dialogue continues-this time through a different lens.