Vision

A world in which the media is a force which enables all people to be active global citizens so that their actions can make a difference.

Mission

People in the UK will have access to more and better coverage of the world and will be able to find it easily through their favourite media.

Work

IBT works with the media to ensure that UK audiences remain engaged with global issues. It is an educational charity with over 40 members including most of the main aid and development, environment and human rights organisations. For over 30 years it has linked them with broadcasters to increase the impact and reach of international programming and build online audiences.

-Publish original research to inform its members and broadcasters about trends, opportunities and audience behaviour 
-Lobby decision makers to ensure commitment to foreign affairs coverage across all genres 
-Hold briefings with media executives so that its members can achieve more impact with their media activities 
-Train its membership to enhance their media and digital skills 

Impact

As financial pressures bite and the debate about aid and climate change grows, it has never been more important to bring global issues to people’s doorsteps. There is much still to do and IBT is already responding successfully to this challenge by:

-Influencing Whenever key decisions are taken, it is there. It regularly submits evidence to Ofcom, the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and the House of Lords Communications Select Committee. This evidence has helped it lobby successfully to put international programming at the centre of public service broadcasting, including in the current BBC Charter and the Channel 4 licence. It will make sure it remains there 

-Research IBT’s reports and market insight inform both its members and media organisations. Members say they are of great practical benefit and help their teams to be more effective. They include the use of online video; campaigning through social media; the narrowing news agenda; the future of current affairs and young people’s attitudes to global issues. Our monthly newsletters are full of industry updates, upcoming events and audience insights.

-Access its monthly briefings with senior members of the media are popular with members and feedback is consistently excellent from speaker and audience. The sessions have helped members pitch successfully, create better informed plans and work more effectively across teams

-Training its practical workshops have recently focused on social media refreshers and digital skills. It is expanding this service to help its members become great multimedia storytellers.