Kazimir Bačić, the vice-chair of the World Broadcasting Union's International Satellite Operations Group (WBU-ISOG) revealed some of the thorny topics for the Group's meeting in Geneva end of next month.
Long history
The WBU-ISOG Group has been shaping satellite operations for broadcasters across the world for over a quarter century. What are the main topics faced today? Kazimir Bačić: "This is a time of transition for broadcasters in the way they carry programmes between each other, and in the formats they use. Probably the most critical elements are the growing use of the Internet Protocol (IP) and the start of the 'HDTV age'. Both are promising and difficult."
| HDTV migration |  Kazimir Bačić (HRT) |
MENOS
As concerns the transition to 'IP', Mr Bačić referred to the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU). He said: "We have seen the ASBU win countless international prizes for their 'MENOS' IP contribution network among broadcasters in the Arab world. This used in conjunction with file transfer must be the way of the future for all of us. It will be important to watch and learn the experiences from the ASBU and apply the lessons everywhere." But the WBU-ISOG hopes to look beyond technical issues. "Content itself is the lifeblood of programme exchange, so we hope to look at the changing world of sports rights availability also.", according to the vice-chair.
The WBU-ISOG Group will be meeting at the EBU headquarters from 30 November to 1 December 2009. For more information, please contact: David Wood (EBU).