Africast 2012 will address challenge of content in digital broadcasting, says DG

 Mr Yomi Bolarinwa, the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, has said that the 2012 AFRICAST will address the challenge of content ahead of the switch to digital broadcasting in 2015.

He said at a pre-event briefing on Tuesday in Abuja that ``content rules’’ is the theme of the conference, which will hold in Abuja from Oct. 23 to Oct. 25.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AFRICAST is the biennial gathering of African broadcasters, content managers and equipment manufacturers.

The 2012 edition is the 9th in the series, and Bolarinwa said that deliberations would emphasise the need for quality content development and other related issues.

``This year’s edition is coming at a time when the country is working assiduously towards the final switch over from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting, which informed the theme for Africast 2012.

``Digitisation throws up the need for more quality content; we all know that in the broadcasting industry content is King.

``Africast 2012 will provide an atmosphere for deep intellectual discourse, analysis as well as reflections on broadcast issues by high- profile key speakers with real expertise and experience in the area of broadcast infrastructure and content in a digital environment,’' he said.

Bolarinwa said the conference would focus on capacity building ahead of the anticipated transition to digital broadcasting, adding that renowned broadcasters within and outside the country would participate in the discussions.

He also said that some reputable local and international broadcast equipment manufacturers and suppliers were expected to take part in an exhibition at the conference.

The DG said that winners of the Africast programme competition would be presented with prizes at the conference. (NAN)