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Press Release Distribution to media in APEC member countries

The APEC Times™ in partnership with Asia Newswire™ publishes and distributes press releases to media in APEC member countries. These countries are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, The Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United States and Viet Nam. Media growth in these regions provides opportunities for businesses, international organizations and other entities to reach their audiences in the member states. To to reach these audience with press release distribution, contact us today at these messaging apps  WhatsApp, Skype  or Telegram.

Media Growth in APEC: Opportunities and Challenges

Media growth in APEC has been driven by several factors, such as technological innovation, digital transformation, market liberalization, and consumer demand. According to the APEC Policy Support Unit, the number of internet users in APEC economies increased from 36% of the total population in 2010 to 60% in 2020¹. The internet broadband speed also improved significantly, reaching a median of 41 megabits per second in May 2022². Moreover, the trade in information and communication technology (ICT) goods, which include media products and services, grew by 5.6% in 2020, reaching a value of USD 1.8 trillion². The media growth in APEC has brought about various opportunities for the region, such as:

Enhancing economic development and competitiveness.

Media can contribute to the creation of new industries, jobs, and markets, as well as the improvement of productivity, efficiency, and innovation. For instance, China has put forward a number of initiatives for promoting growth and development in the region through digital empowerment, such as digital technology-driven rural development, corporate digital identity, and transition to a green and low-carbon economy through the application of digital technologies³.

Strengthening regional integration and cooperation.

Media can facilitate the flow of information, ideas, and opinions across borders, as well as the sharing of best practices, experiences, and solutions. For example, APEC has launched several projects and platforms to enhance media cooperation, such as the APEC Digital Hub for Mental Health, the APEC Women and the Economy Dashboard, and the APEC App Challenge².

Promoting social inclusion and cultural diversity.

Media can empower marginalized groups, such as women, youth, and indigenous peoples, to access information, express their views, and participate in decision-making. Media can also foster mutual understanding, respect, and appreciation among different cultures, languages, and religions. For instance, APEC has supported various initiatives to promote media literacy, diversity, and inclusion, such as the APEC Media Fellowship Program, the APEC Digital Prosperity Award, and the APEC Voices of the Future². However, media growth in APEC also poses some challenges for the region, such as:

Ensuring media quality and credibility.

Media can be subject to misinformation, disinformation, and manipulation, which can undermine public trust, confidence, and security. Media can also face legal, ethical, and professional issues, such as privacy, intellectual property, and editorial independence. Therefore, APEC needs to foster a media environment that is conducive to quality, accuracy, and accountability, as well as to protect and promote media freedom, rights, and responsibilities.

Balancing media regulation and innovation.

Media can be affected by various regulations, policies, and standards, which can have positive or negative impacts on media development, innovation, and competition. Media can also encounter various barriers, such as tariffs, quotas, and restrictions, which can limit media access, availability, and affordability. Therefore, APEC needs to harmonize and streamline media regulations, policies, and standards, as well as to reduce and eliminate media barriers, in order to create a level playing field and a conducive market for media growth.

Addressing media disparities and gaps.

Media can exhibit significant disparities and gaps among and within APEC economies, such as in terms of media infrastructure, resources, capacity, and literacy. Media can also reflect and reinforce existing social and economic inequalities, such as in terms of media representation, participation, and influence. Therefore, APEC needs to bridge and narrow media disparities and gaps, as well as to ensure media equity, accessibility, and diversity, in order to achieve inclusive and sustainable media growth. In conclusion, media growth in APEC is a dynamic and complex phenomenon that offers both opportunities and challenges for the region. APEC needs to adopt a holistic and balanced approach to media development, which considers the economic, social, and cultural dimensions of media, as well as the interests and needs of various stakeholders, such as media producers, consumers, regulators, and educators. APEC also needs to enhance its cooperation and coordination with other regional and international organizations, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in order to address common media issues and challenges, as well as to leverage synergies and complementarities. By doing so, APEC can harness the potential of media growth to achieve its vision of an open, dynamic, resilient, and prosperous Asia-Pacific region.