AMS 8 officially opened in Hanoi on May 24. This is the first time Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) has hosted the important event which often takes place in May with the aim of creating a forum for regional radio and television stations to share experiences in the development of broadcasting technology.

Over the past eight years, the summit has affirmed its prestige and position in the international radio and television field, which have attracted many leaders, managers, lawmakers, experts and scholars from Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Northern America.

VOV interviewed Professor and Doctor Vu Van Hien, VOV General Director about the summit.

Reporter: What is the main focus of the summit called “Digital Media Everywhere: Repositioning Broadcasting”?

Mr Hien: The summit will focus on digital media which we call “digital era”. How radio and television will catch up with the fast development of science and technology in the era of multimedia. Radio broadcasters also provide television coverage and use the Internet to transmit radio and television programmes online. Thus the summit will discuss measures to promote radio and television broadcasting in the era of digital technology.

Reporter: Does the development of digital technology and new media require the radio and television industry to make a breakthrough in the future?

Mr Hien: Sure, it does. 400 delegates from major radio and television stations in the region and the world attended the summit to share experiences and present their ideas about digital radio and television. Each communication unit finds suitable measures to develop itself.

Reporter: This is the first time VOV has hosted AMS but not the first time it has sponsored international events. Are there any advantages of organising the AMS?

Mr Hien: VOV successfully organised the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) several years ago. It also hosted and presided over the International Council of Francophone Radios and Televisions (CIRTEF) which has more than 50 members. VOV undertook the CIRTEF presidency in two years and organised many related CIRTEF events. It can be affirmed that VOV has a lot of experience in holding big international conferences.

Reporter: What’s your evaluation of VOV preparations for the summit?

Mr Hien: VOV has received significant support and cooperation from relevant ministries and departments, especially the Government. All preparations have been completed and I think AMS 8 will be the most impressive summit.

Reporter: What do you think of the role of the Vietnamese press and VOV in particular in the process of regional and international integration?

Mr Hien: The event shows the firm position of the Vietnamese press in general and the broadcasting sector in particular in the international arena. Hosting the event also demonstrates that VOV can keep pace with other international stations in terms of technical infrastructure, broadcasting quality and renewed technology.

Reporter: Thank you very much.