The Cameroon Radio Television, CRTV state broadcaster organized a colloquium at its headquarters yesterday as part of celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of television broadcasting in Cameroon.
As Cameroon celebrates four decades of television in the country, the Cameroon Radio Television, Crtv yesterday organized a colloquium to explore the evolving role of television in the modern communication environment. The event was held under the theme “Television in the New Communication Environment.” It was presided over by the Director General of the Crtv, Charles Ndongo. The gathering brought together leading media professionals and academics who discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Per the Crtv, the colloquium is a central event in the celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the broadcaster, a milestone that the corporation says offers a moment to reflect on the broadcaster’s past achievements and chart a course for the future. With the media landscape undergoing rapid transformation, driven by digital technologies and changing consumer habits, panelists and other participants said the discussions are particularly timely and relevant.
An overall enriching gathering
The event features a diverse panel of experts, including journalism and communications specialist, Prof Gervais Mbarga, celebrated Cameroonian television show host and media owner, Yolande Bodiong, Cameroonian actress and producer, Brenda Elung Shey and sociologist professor, Prof Armand Leka Essomba, among others. These seasoned professionals brought a wealth of experience and insights to the table, ensuring a rich and stimulating exchange of ideas. “Talking about the consistency of TV, how many channels we can see that TV will never be abandoned,” Prof Mbarga stated, highlighting the fact that despite the rise of online streaming services, traditional TV remains a staple in many households due to its unique ability to offer a diverse range of channels and content. Prof Mbarga, in his words to demonstrate the evolution of television, said, “At first, journalists were running behind people for content, but now it is the opposite; that is because people have seen the great importance TV brings to society,” reinforcing the growing recognition of the critical role television plays in shaping public discourse and awareness.
Insightful roundtable
A roundtable discussion explored the evolving role of television in modern society. The gathering brought together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders to share their insights and perspectives on the impact of TV on culture, education, and community. The discussion delved into various aspects of television, including its influence on public opinion, its potential for social change, and its adaptation to the digital age. “If your content is not up to standard, you can imagine that nobody’s going to watch it because the audience already has too much on their plate to watch. So yes, there is competition, and it is very important for TV stations to work hand-in-hand with independent producers and also content creators to come to a meeting point that will foster their growth and protect each other,” Elung Brenda Shey, another panelist elaborated. She emphasized that the rise of TV is not without its challenges and that the industry must adapt to an increasingly competitive landscape where quality content is paramount and collaboration between TV stations, independent producers, and content creators is crucial for mutual growth and success. “TV is entertainment; we recruit ‘mad people’ because they attract audiences. You have to create a link with our target audience. We do not recruit based on diplomas; we recruit ‘mad people’ because I would say they have understood their audiences and what they want,” Yolande Bodiong said, demonstrating the importance of understanding the target audience and catering to their preferences in the television industry, where success is often measured by ratings and viewer engagement. With esteemed professionals from various fields participating, the event aims to foster insightful discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing television in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. This gathering not only honors the legacy of Cameroonian television but also seeks to chart a path forward for its relevance and impact in contemporary society.
