NAB spotlights SA’s broadcasting future at its 31st AGM

On 23 May 2024, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) held its 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Johannesburg. The AGM was NAB’s first in-person one since the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. The in-person event brought together all NAB members, as well as key industry partners and stakeholders, as the organisation reflected on its recent achievements and looked ahead to the future.

The meeting provided a platform for meaningful discussions on current challenges and opportunities within the broadcasting landscape.“We were delighted to have recently appointed ICASA Chairperson, Mothibi Ramusi, as our guest speaker this year. Mr. Ramusi emphasised the critical role of appropriate regulatory frameworks in shaping the future of broadcasting in South Africa. His presence also underscored our shared commitment to advancing the industry,” said NAB Chairperson Nick Grubb.

Grubb reflected on a turbulent but highly successful year, where the industry body was able to engage with stakeholders on issues ranging from input on key legislation, to initiating and hosting “masterclasses” that drew from members’ rich media skills base. “Given the need for regulation to keep pace with audience and technology shifts, there’s never been a more important time for collaboration to constructively develop opportunities in the TV, Radio, and related digital industries,” said Grubb, in closing.

Ramusi wished the NAB well for the year ahead, adding that he was eager to understand all the opportunities and challenges that lay in the broadcasting sector. “I’m here to learn more about the opportunities and challenges and how we can work together for the next five years,” he said. “Let our future vision reflect the changing broadcasting and regulatory landscape. The inclusion of rural communities and women will be important in preparing for the future.”

The NAB Deputy Chair, Philly Moilwa, expressed his gratitude to the ICASA Chairperson for his open engagement and his commitment to working with the industry. The AGM exemplified the NAB’s ongoing efforts to promote a vibrant and sustainable broadcasting sector in South Africa. “The developments in broadcasting over the last 30 years have been phenomenal, from just a handful of broadcasters in 1994, to over 250 diverse broadcasting services, delivering vibrant local content, in multiple languages across the country,” said Executive Director Nadia Bulbulia.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Ramusi and ICASA colleagues, our members, and all industry stakeholders who participated in this event.