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(Date Posted:18/08/2008 07:56:52)
The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Leisure and External Communications, Mr. Xavier-Luc Duval, underlined the key role of national broadcasters in nation building. Public Service Broadcasters, he said, act as an effective communication tool for national development.Speaking at the opening of the 16th Annual General Meeting of the Southern African Broadcasting Association (SABA) at Hotel La Plantation Resort & Spa in Balaclava this morning, Mr. Duval pointed out that Public Service Broadcasters in Southern Africa play a crucial role in providing universal access to information and knowledge to the population. He further said that Public Sector Broadcasting not only reflects the needs, concerns and expectations of the people but also helps to develop the public sphere as a forum for debate on policy issues. “At a time when our planet is once again the theatre of strife and unrest, Public Sector Broadcasting should unfailingly render service to individuals, communities and societies at large in order to contribute to a shared political, social and cultural framework leading towards social cohesion and peace among different peoples”, said the Deputy Prime Minister. He made reference to a form of Public Sector Broadcasting which views its audience not only as consumers but as citizens, but also binds democratic societies and develops national identity and cultural preservation. For her part, the President of the SABA, Mrs. Clarah Phumelele, said that 2008 is very special as it marks fifteen years since the SABA came into existence representing fifteen years of hard work and tireless efforts aimed at transforming the broadcasting landscape in the region from state to public broadcasting. Mrs. Phumelele expressed satisfaction that the last fifteen years have seen a phenomenal growth of the SABA to include fellow broadcasters and other stakeholders unified by the common interest of transforming the regional broadcasting landscape. Topics that will be covered during this 16th Annual General Meeting include, Quality Management Systems in the Broadcasting Industry, New trends in the field of Digital Migration and, Going Digital – The Mauritius Experience, amongst others. Special sessions will also be devoted to AIDS Orphans and vulnerable Children and Climate Change. The theme for this year’s Meeting is “Setting Standards for Public Service Broadcasting in Southern Africa”.
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