By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has called on broadcasters, producers and Content Creators across Africa to explore business opportunities, find ways to overcome challenges in the sector.
Idris made the call while declaring open the 2023 Edition of AFRICAST on Tuesdays in Lagos.
The theme of the event holding from Oct. 24 to 26 is “Broadcast Content: Synergy, Finance and Market.”
It is organised by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the body that license, regulate, evaluate content and manage frequency spectrum for uninterrupted transmission.
According to the minister, the conference provides a platform for analysing and reviewing Africa’s broadcast perspectives in relations to international best practices and standards.
“AFRICAST is Africa’s investment platform for broadcast content and technology, which has over the years, created an avenue for networking opportunities for broadcasters, broadcast equipment manufacturers, as well as all in the broadcast business.
“This conference has continued to attract the ‘who is who’ in the local and international broadcast industry, and in the past, has put the country on the global broadcasting map with its attendant benefits.
“Launched 27 years ago, AFRICAST has evolved into a highly anticipated biennial event that garners widespread participation from broadcasters, production houses, and media professionals from across the continent.
“This conference has proven to be a catalyst for forging partnerships, networking and fostering mutual growth among African broadcasters, as well as, share knowledge, experiences, and ideas.
“As broadcasters, content creators and producers, it is important to explore new business opportunities, find ways of surmounting challenges facing the industry, and strengthen our networks,” Idris said.
He added that the three days gathering would discuss the latest trends and innovations in the media and entertainment industry.
The Information Minister explained that this year’s event will have a special session tagged “AFRICAST 2023 Content HUB”, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria.
According to him, the ‘Hub’, will be a vibrant networking ‘Hub’ for television and film experts, in collaboration with the Nigerian International Film and TV Summit.
“This is aimed at completely transforming and revolutionizing the television industry in Nigeria, and the African Continent.
“This ‘Hub’ will also help to drive content acquisition, aggregation and the licensing/distribution of local and international programmes from different film and television content categories.
“As we embark on this exciting journey for the next three days, I am confident that we will leave here with new insights, connections, and partnerships that will help us to shape a better future for our continent and the world at large,” Idris said.
Idris also said that the Federal Government would be proactive on digital switch over to ensure wider coverage to give Nigerians the best of digital television services.
He appealed to content producers and professionals to support the fight against fake news, misinformation and disinformation especially in the social media space.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of NBC, Mr Charles Ebuebu in his address of welcome, said the commission was looking forward to welcome broadcasters, partners and stakeholders to Africa’s biggest broadcasters and media expo.
Ebuebu said since 1996, AFRICAST had become the destination event for broadcasters, broadcast regulators, communicators, film-makers, content producer and other stakeholders from Nigeria and worldwide.
“After the last edition in 2018, and a five -year break, the NBC is excited to host Africast 2023.
“We are ready to host an exceptional gathering celebrating the growth, creativity, and innovation in the Nigerian and African broadcasting and media industry.
“This convention is for anyone passionate about shaping the future of broadcasting and media in Nigeria, Africa and the world as we explore cutting-edge technologies, trends, and strategies that will drive the broadcast media industry in Africa forward,” Ebuebu said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event attracted media organisations, gurus, broadcasters, content producers and manufacturers from over thirty countries of the world. (NAN)