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Region’s radio, TV execs meet in Guyana to enhance strategies
Michael Gordon
Over 80 delegates comprising senior executives of at least 30 radio and television outfits across the region will descend on Guyana over the weekend for the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU)’s 44th Annual General Assembly (AGA).
Top of the agenda for the four days of meetings will be discussions on the region’s progress in changing from the old analogue system to a full digital switchover. The Caribbean has until 2020 to make the switch.
The digital television transition, also called the digital switchover or analogue switch-off, is the process in which analog television broadcasting is converted to and replaced by digital television. This primarily involves the conversion of analogue terrestrial television to digital terrestrial. However, it also involves analogue cable conversion to digital cable, as well as analogue to digital satellite. The idea is to ensure that frequencies in which TV and radio signals are being transmitted are utilized in a more efficient manner.
Only two media houses in Guyana –the state-owned National Communications Network (NCN) and WRHM – are part of the CBU.
According to Michael Gordon, NCN’s Chief Executive Officer (acting) and a Director of CBU, President Donald Ramotar is set to open the forum on Monday at the International Convention Centre, Liliendaal.
Delegates from the United Kingdom, US, China, India and Switzerland are among those who are attending, Gordon disclosed. He said that a local organizing committee has been established to ensure the forum goes smoothly.
Also to be discussed in the AGA is the development in the digital media, including marketing and advertisements.
One of the high points of the forum will be an exhibition of radio and television equipment with several internationally recognised companies, including Sony, expected to showcase their products.
In addition to being hosted by the President at State House, the media executives will also be getting a taste of “Guyanese hospitality” with trips to Fort Island, up the Essequibo River and visits to resorts there.
Gordon, in response to questions, disclosed that the CBU does not meddle in domestic matters regarding broadcasting, but is involved heavily in training.
CBU’s annual subscription may be one of the reasons why more local broadcasters are not on board.
Kaieteur News understands that the annual subscription may add up to a hefty $550,000 and with many of the outfits fighting in the small advertising market place for a space, that amount would seem to many to be a tall order.
Radio and television broadcasting has gained more prominence recently after former President Bharrat Jagdeo, just days before leaving office in 2011, issued 11 radio licences to mainly friends and party members.
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