Istanbul, October 23, 2024 — Three of NHK’s programs have been selected as the winner in three categories at this year’s ABU Prizes. The ABU Prizes is an international competition that recognizes outstanding TV programs, radio programs, and digital content made by broadcasters in the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union. The winners were announced on October 22 at the ABU Prizes Award Ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey.
ABU Prize for Television/Screen ABU Perspective Award
FRONTIERS: How Smart is AI?
(First broadcast December 13, 2023, on NHK BS1 channel)
The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) appears unstoppable. Projects designed to create the ultimate AI — with powers surpassing even ChatGPT — are being pursued around the world. And they’re coming astonishingly close to matching the intelligence of humans. This documentary features dialogue with a robot equipped with generative AI. It follows the effort of creators using AI to make up a new story for the “Black Jack” manga series created by the legendary Tezuka Osamu. And it features an AI robot with tireless physical ability that enables it to get back up no matter how many times it’s kicked over. And beyond all the mindboggling technology is a glimpse into the astonishing nature of human intelligence.
ABU Prize for Television/Screen Entertainment
MIRADOR: Soundscape through Japan
(First broadcast on March 24, 2024, on NHK BS8K channel)
World-class beatboxer SHOW-GO travels around Japan to search for sounds that we may never be able to hear in the future unless we take action. In this episode, SHOW-GO visits the northern island of Hokkaido. Using special microphones, he records natural sounds such as waves on a desolate peninsula and the wind in withered trees. And he
performs with local people, beatboxing to the sounds of a fisherman’s traditional rake basket and a traditional Ainu bamboo musical instrument. Finally, SHOW-GO creates music using the sounds from his journey.
ABU Prize for Television/Screen Sports
At Home in Kobe: Soccer Star Andrés Iniesta
(First broadcast on November 13, 2023, on NHK BS1 channel)
Soccer player Andrés Iniesta has had a stellar career as part of the Spanish Primera División club Barcelona and later as captain of the Japanese squad Vissel Kobe, where he guided the team to great success. During his five years in Kobe, he developed a deep affection for the city and its tenacious inhabitants — a feeling that was returned by supporters, who see the team as a symbol of the city’s rebirth after a devastating earthquake in 1995. This documentary reveals how Iniesta fell in love with Japanese soccer and culture and why he ultimately decided to leave.
About the ABU Prizes Competition
The ABU (Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union) is a federation of broadcasting organizations in the Asia-Pacific region. Founded in 1964 by NHK and other leading broadcasters, it currently has 232 members from 65 countries and regions as of October, 2024. The ABU Prizes Award Ceremony is held every year in conjunction with the ABU General Assembly. An ABU Prize is awarded to the best entry in each of seven TV categories, seven radio categories, and one category for digital media. There were 342 entries (182 for television, 110 for radio, and 50 for digital media) this year.
About NHK
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) is Japan’s sole public service media organization. Funded by receiving fees from Japanese households, it has a reputation for impartial, high-quality programs including news, documentaries, children’s and educational programs, music, entertainment, culture, animation, and drama. Known as the pioneer of HD broadcast, NHK now actively produces programs in 4K and 8K.
www.nhk.or.jp/corporateinfo/
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