DG8 Tokyo 2026 statement

International public service media organisations from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Japan met in Tokyo from 13 to 14 April 2026 for their annual DG8 meeting, hosted by NHK WORLD-JAPAN. Participants reaffirmed the crucial role of public service media at a time of increasing global uncertainty, rapid changes in the media landscape and rising financial and structural pressures. In light of these common challenges, the international broadcasters have agreed to collaborate even more closely at all levels, to exchange ideas, and to leverage synergies.

Trust and Media Freedom

As media freedom is being undermined and unverified information spreads, DG8 members agreed that accurate, impartial journalism and closer cooperation among international public broadcasters are essential to supporting democratic values and global stability. Members also noted the increasing threats faced by journalists worldwide and stressed the importance of safeguarding their safety to ensure continued access to reliable information.

Platforms

Members underlined the need to broaden audience reach as media consumption habits diversify, ensuring that public service media can continue to deliver essential, reliable information needed to navigate an ever more uncertain world. They also acknowledged evolving international discussions on digital platform frameworks, underlining the critical importance of access to, and prominence on, key global digital platforms to ensure that news and emergency coverage reach as many people as possible. Reflecting the views raised during the meeting, members recognised the need to continue and further deepen their discussions, including on the relationship between public service media and digital platforms.

Artificial Intelligence

Facing the rapid expansion of AI, members discussed how AI may contribute to spreading disinformation and rendering professional media invisible, even as AI systems already make extensive use of their content. At the same time, members also reiterated that, while such new technologies enable greater efficiency and innovation, their use must be guided by clear standards that secure transparency and trust.

Crisis Response

DG8 reaffirmed the vital role of international public broadcasters in providing accurate and timely information that protects public safety, particularly during large-scale disasters and conflicts in which local media or communications infrastructure may fail.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening cooperation so that public service media - professional organisations trusted worldwide for fact-based reporting - can continue to operate sustainably even in challenging times.

The Presidency was handed over from NHK WORLD-JAPAN to the BBC World Service.

DG8（Director-Generals of Eight）TOKYO 2026 was attended by: ABC International (Australia), BBC World Service (United Kingdom), CBC/Radio-Canada (Canada), Deutsche Welle (Germany), France Médias Monde (France), NHK WORLD-JAPAN (Japan) and SWI swissinfo.ch (Switzerland). These organisations provide professional, impartial, and verified news and information worldwide via television, radio and digital platforms. Regrettably, the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees U.S. international public service media networks, was not represented due to ongoing organisational circumstances.

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