The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has announced its readiness to host the 2023 edition of its biennial International Conference of African Broadcasters, Africast 2023.
The conference provides a platform for analysis and review of Africa’s broadcast perspective in relation to international best practices and standards.
The Director-General of NBC, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, while making the announcement in Lagos recently, said this edition of the event will hold in Lagos, considering that it is the hub of broadcasting activities in Nigeria.
Ilelah said Lagos provides a robust atmosphere to discuss and pursue international best practices in the broadcasting profession.
Africast will hold from October 24 to 26, with the theme, ‘Broadcast Content: Synergy, Finance and Market.’
The event, Ilelah said, promises to unveil the unparalleled opportunities in technology for the best broadcast profession across Africa.
“Africast 2023 will showcase modern technologies, thought-provoking discussions and networking opportunities to foster collaboration and drive innovation across various sectors,” Ilelah said.
The event will feature a diverse range of sessions, exhibitions and interactive experiences to cater to the interests and needs of attendees.
Array of notable speakers, industry experts and renowned figures have been positioned to share their expertise, experiences and insights during the convention.
In the interest of having a revitalised Africast, NBC has attracted two partners, Broadcast Media Africa (BMA) and Nigerian International Film and TV Summit (NiFS).
BMA’s role according to NBC, is to project Africa’s broadcast and media industry to the world and bring the world to industry.
The commission stated that the NiFS is to provide a link between broadcasters and top class content creators and push narratives towards bridging the gap between what the old generations want to watch and what the new generation are tilting towards.
The essence is to create the right balance and ensure the broadcast media serve the old and new generations a common bouquet.
Benjamin Pius of BMA said, “We have been providing platforms for organisations abroad to host robust discussions and better their economies, this is the time to bring it home. Time is long overdue to position the broadcast sector towards international best practices and we are ready to do our bit.”
Ijeoma Onah of NiFS said, “My worry is that there is a wide gulf between the contents now and what the new generation are looking out for. They are creating their own platforms and appear to be leaving us behind.
“If we don’t create a balance in Nigeria, the broadcast sector will lose a sizeable chunk of followership. The sector should focus more on content and not just infrastructure. While infrastructure is the vehicle, content is the fuel. Without fuel, no matter how posh the vehicle is, it can never move.
“That narrative is what we will push with Africast 2023,” she added.
Meanwhile, key themes that will feature during the three days of Africast 2023 include Broadcasting Technologies and Innovation: Showcasing the latest Advancements in Broadcasting Technologies; All-About-Content: Exploring the Evolving Landscape of Content Production, Distribution and Monetisation; Film Showcase and Screenings: Promoting and showcasing the Talents of African Filmmakers; Connectivity and Infrastructure: Exploring the Advancements in Broadband and Satellite Communications to Deliver Digital Content to African Households; Multichannel Distribution and OTT Platforms: Examining the Rise of Streaming Platforms, Technology and Services Advertising; Content Monetisation: Innovative Models and Effective Monetisation Strategies for Broadcasters and Content Creators and Media Ethics and Regulatory Landscape: Addressing Issues With Media Ethics, Content Regulation.
“Africast 2023 will feature distinguished speakers, industry experts and renowned figures sharing their expertise, experiences and insights during the convention.
“In addition to the informative sessions, attendees will have ample opportunities to connect, network and engage with professionals and industry leaders across Africa and beyond.
“We are excited to present Africast 2023, an exceptional gathering that celebrates the growth, creativity and innovation in the Nigerian and African broadcasting and media industry,” Ilelah said.
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