This initiative draws on a partnership approach between several broadcasters who shared similar concerns of a further outbreak of avian flu in the Asia-Pacific region, and beyond. The broadcasters came together to create a 50-minute television programme, producing footage associated with the H5N1 virus in the form of interviews with experts, physicians, and victims of the disease. The best cuts were selected and sent to RTHK-Hong Kong, which acted as the editing and post-production centre.

The final product, meant for broadcast on TV by ABU members (working, as of this writing, in 53 countries), highlights why and how bird flu is spreading from the eastern parts of Asia to west Asia, as well as to Europe. It also tells of how Asian countries are fighting the disease and the types of preventive measures that they are undertaking. Images of people (including children) in hospitals who are suffering with the disease are interspersed with interviews and information. (A short video clip is available on the ABU website.)

Health.

The ABU documentary is available only to ABU members (click here for more information about membership). Members are asked to contribute to a licence fee in order to gain access to the documentary.

ABU is a non-profit, non-government, professional association of broadcasting organisations formed in 1964 to facilitate the development of television and radio broadcasting in the Asia-Pacific region and to organise cooperative activities among its members - which currently number approximately 170 in 53 countries, reaching a potential audience of about 3 billion people.