The World Broadcasting Unions, of which the EBU is one of the eight members, is currently holding its biannual event, the World Electronic Media Forum, in Accra, Ghana.
The importance of a contribution network between broadcasters
Today, in several parts of the world, broadcasters are linked together by a 'contribution network' that allows them to exchange news, sport, or programmes efficiently, or to link up together for events like the Eurovision Song Contest. The EBU has its Eurovision, and there is also AsiaVision in the Asia Pacific region, and MENOS (Multimedia Exchange Network and Services) in the Arab world.
MPEG4-AVC compression technology to be used
At the WEMF V, the announcement of support from the ITU for an African contribution network was made, currently termed AUB (African Union of Broadcasters) MENOS, because it will be using the same technology as the Arab region network. The network will be IP based and will use the latest technology such as MPEG4-AVC compression. Much remains to be decided about how the content exchange will work, but it will provide African broadcasters a gateway to news, sports, and programmes from their own region, and will make it possible for the rest of the world to see more of what is happening in Africa.
At the WEMF, the EBU and ASBU were presented with an award for the help and advice they have given the AUB in this issue. |  EBU & ASBU awarded by the AUB |