Every day, broadcasters invest millions in creating trusted journalism, compelling documentaries, live sports, entertainment, and educational programming. Yet, in an era where content can be copied, streamed, repackaged, and redistributed in seconds, one question has become impossible to ignore: Who truly owns the content once it goes online?

For broadcasters, intellectual property is no longer just a legal issue, it is a business imperative. Every act of piracy, unauthorised redistribution, or misuse of copyrighted material erodes the value of original content, threatens revenue streams, and undermines the sustainability of public service media. As artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and cross-border content sharing continue to reshape the media landscape, protecting intellectual property has become one of the industry's most pressing challenges.

Against this backdrop, the 32nd ABU Intellectual Property & Legal Committee (IPLC) will convene legal experts, policymakers, and broadcasters from across the region in Jakarta from 22 July - 23 July 2026, under the theme "AI, Copyright & Royalties in the Digital Content Economy". The meeting comes at a pivotal time, offering a platform to examine emerging legal risks, discuss evolving regulations, and explore practical strategies for safeguarding broadcasters' rights in an increasingly borderless digital environment.

The conversations taking place at this year's IPLC extend far beyond contracts and legislation. They are about protecting creativity, defending trusted journalism, preserving cultural identity, and ensuring broadcasters can continue investing in quality content for future generations. As technology continues to outpace regulation, collaboration among broadcasters has never been more important.

The conversation around content protection is no longer optional-it is essential. If these challenges matter to your organisation, make sure your voice is part of the discussion. Register for the 32nd ABU IPLC by clicking the link provided: https://events.abu.org.my/eventcalendar/32nd-abu-intellectual-property-legal-committee-iplc/

Because in today's media world, protecting content isn't simply about defending ownership, it's about protecting the future of broadcasting itself.