The recent 2026 Global News Forum highlighted the need to strengthen trusted journalism while supporting the well-being of those working in the increasingly demanding newsrooms.
The three-day forum, held in Sydney and hosted by ABC Australia, brought together media and broadcasting leaders and professionals from across the Asia-Pacific under the theme, “Resilient Journalism: Safeguarding Truth and Wellbeing.”
ABC Head of International Claire Gorman and ABU Secretary-General Ahmed Nadeem delivered welcome remarks during the opening session.
Nadeem also launched the 'Building Resilient Media People' report, featuring contributions and experiences from media professionals across the region and around the world.
“These are contributed by our members and these professionals from around the globe and the region. They have used their experiences as a connection to be presented,” he said.
In his keynote address, ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks stressed the importance of keeping journalism’s core purpose at the heart of media organisations.
“Impactful journalism has to remain in the centre of our organisation,” he said.
The 2026 Global News Forum, held on September 2-4, provided a platform for media professionals to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore the future of journalism.
Mental wellbeing highlighted at Global News Forum 2026
As news about armed conflict and natural disasters dominate headlines around the world, discussions about health and wellbeing of those involved in telling the stories from the frontlines are also getting louder.
Mental wellbeing was one of the key topics highlighted at the Global News Forum 2026, held in Sydney, Australia, from 2–4 September. Thai PBS, as a member of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), also took part in the forum, contributing to the exchange of perspectives on this important issue.
This is 'one of the hardest jobs in the world', said a senior executive during a closed-door leadership roundtable titled ‘Strengthening Newsroom Culture’.
As the host of this year’s event, ABC Australia shared its insights into how news crews exposed to harsh conditions and human suffering in the field are supported and cared for.
A dedicated team ensures that journalists have a safe and supportive outlet to share their thoughts and feelings and process their experiences after difficult assignments.
These measures include debriefing sessions and capacity-building for editors and team leaders, equipping them with the skills to recognise signs of stress and identify when their reporters may need additional support.
While newsroom policies and support systems are essential, the conversation at the forum also highlighted the importance of hearing directly from those working on the frontlines.
The showcase on ‘Conflict Zones and Mental Health’ by Ahmet Görmez, Deputy Director-General of TRT (Türkiye), gave exposed to traumatic events and challenging working conditions.
The discussion also raised a broader question: beyond supporting journalists who cover traumatic events, how can news organisations approach these stories in ways that inform audiences while also offering a sense of context, solutions and hope?
Clare Patchimanon, the Thai PBS World Director, shared Thailand’s public broadcaster’s experience during the showcase titled 'Beyond the Headlines: Public Service Journalism in the 2025 Southern Thailand Floods'
Drawing on the coverage of the Hat Yai floods, Clare highlighted how Thai PBS’s role went beyond reporting the situation to include setting up a 24-hour emergency call centre to help reconnect people with missing family members, while also acted as a bridge between donors and those affected by the floods, helping channel donations and essential supplies directly to people in need.
“We find that constructive journalism works well for us during times of need. The scale of public participation in the relief efforts also reflects the people’s trust in their public broadcaster. After all, in times of crisis, we stand by each other, and we leave no one behind”, said Thai PBS World Director.
