DIGITAL transitions, the business of broadcasting, public service broadcasting, new and traditional media, and other vital and relevant topics influencing the broadcasting landscape will be discussed in detail by broadcasting executives, industry partners and media specialists from August 19 to 23, when executives representing broadcasting entities in the Caribbean meet at the Guyana International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, for the 44th Annual General Assembly of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union(CBU).

The conference will be declared open by Guyana’s Minister of Information, His Excellency President Donald Ramotar, on Monday, August 19th, at 09:00 hours.
A CBU press release issued on Tuesday pointed out that the conference would have several features, including the exhibiting of items by suppliers, and a screening session wherein newly-produced content would be screened for the consumption of broadcasters.
The release added that  Secretary General of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU), Mr. Patrick Cozier, recognises that the CBU is indeed pleased to partner with the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association (CBA) in hosting a two-day workshop, titled “The Business of Broadcasting in a Digital Age”, which would set the tone for effective business evaluation of broadcasting in the future; and the Secretary General reminded that at the centre of today’s communication world is the issue of Information Communication Technology (ITC), and how the media can effectively utilise ITC capacities to expand distribution, access, and value-added services to the consumers.
Caribbean Broadcasting Union president, Shida Bolai, indicated that the CBU would also be looking at its focus and role going forward in a new digital media age. Bolai confirmed that the Annual General Assembly is expected to be one of the CBU’s biggest and most interesting engagements in the particular context of today’s media world.
Ms. Bolai also revealed plans to experience some of the culture and scenic beauty of Guyana, which will also be showcased in the conference video to be produced in the aftermath of the meetings.
The Caribbean Broadcasting Awards, described by the CBU as the Region’s premiere media recognition event, would take place at the Princess Hotel and Casino on August 22nd under the patronage of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds. The conference will be facilitated by the National Communications Network (NCN), acting as the local host member for the CBU.
NCN has already assembled a local organising committee to arrange all facets of the conference, with support from the Government of Guyana.
Headquartered in Barbados, the Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s membership consists of persons representing radio and television entities across the Caribbean. The Union was formed in 1970, and is registered as a non-governmental organisation.