Algerian TDA Director General unveils strategic vision for African Broadcasting, addressing digital transformation, ethical challenges, and the future of 5G at the 16th AUB General Assembly in Abidjan

We are here for the 16th AUB General Assembly. Given the rapid changes in the media landscape, particularly the rise of digital and streaming platforms, what are the TDA's main strategies for modernizing its infrastructure and services to remain competitive in the African market?

A broadcaster faces a crucial challenge: its survival. Its business is directly impacted by the emergence of social media, requiring it to be present in these new modes of content distribution and broadcasting.

Thus, the sustainability of a broadcaster requires the integration of interoperable, interconnected platforms, aggregated services, and an international outlook. TDA (Télédiffusiin d'Algérie) fully grasped the importance of this message from the advent of these new technologies. It therefore conducted its studies and transferred all its broadcast platforms to infrastructures ready to broadcast on a multi-CDN network, Web TV, and B2B services. All that remains is to finalize the agreements and contracts for the definitive deployment of these new technologies.

The first phase of digitalization for television was completed in 2014 by the TDA, with the deployment of more than 660 broadcast sites. As Algeria is a very vast country, we currently cover 97% of the population. To cover all major roads, we still need to invest and install more transmitters and broadcast centers. As for FM radio, its audience remain loyal.

Regarding digital technology, licenses are now systematically integrated into mobile radio receivers and vehicle-mounted systems. The TDA tested several transmitter brands for a year to select the one offering the best quality of service and a robust modulation system to guarantee this digital service. A single frequency can broadcast up to 18 programs in excellent quality.

As a technician, you mentioned that social media is a threat to broadcasting. But isn't there also a source of opportunity there?

This represents an opportunity to reach the end consumer, but it also poses a risk. With the advent of artificial intelligence, sometimes used for unregulated purposes, broadcasters are forced to implement AI solutions to detect and clean up this content that proliferates on social media.

For some countries, this has resulted in the creation of their own social media platforms, such as "Like YouTube" or "Like Facebook," to control content. This is a matter of national sovereignty, as this content can sometimes impact our children's education with offbeat messages that clash with our principles and religion. Social media must therefore be closely monitored to avoid any content that is harmful to the population.

What concrete initiatives does TDA plan to take or strengthen with other African broadcasters who are members of the AUB, particularly in terms of content exchange, training and technological development?

The TDA does not produce content, but it can host it and handles archiving and recording. The institutions responsible for producing audiovisual content in Algeria are Radio and Television, the Algerian comprehensive state-owned group, which is a member of the AUB executive council. The TDA is ready to assist all broadcasters and promote the exchange of technology and know-how.

We can't know or do everything. Other African countries are more advanced than TDA in some broadcasting areas, and less so in others. TDA is therefore ready to offer its services in this area.

Additionally, the TDA will operate all platforms and data centers at MEDIACITY. We could start with virtual studio servers with virtual characters, which could challenge the profession of journalism.

With technological advancements, OTT services, and social media, you'll face new challenges. TDA can provide social media, ready-to-distribute OTT streams, and technical solutions for DTT satellite broadcasting through service contracts.

The TDA, as a founding member of the Union (AUB), is always ready to contribute its expertise, technical equipment, and all its resources to advance the Union and broadcasters. Ideally, everyone should be at the same level to ensure content and broadcast interactivity.

How do you foresee the future of television broadcasting in Africa today? Why not transition to 5G to improve broadcasting conditions? Very few African countries are making this transition. Do you think the dream is possible, or will we remain indefinitely in a broadcasting system that strains budgets in Africa?

A distinction must be made between 5G mobile and 5G broadcast . 5G broadcast is not yet approved; tests are underway by several transmitter manufacturers.

The future of television broadcasting and individual content delivery lies in interconnected and interoperable platforms. This means that content will be accessible on any medium, whether traditional or modern, adaptable to our networks, and distributed via broadcast technology stations.

Regarding 5G mobile, it has already taken over a significant portion of the broadcasters' spectrum. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as 5G mobile aims to make the dream of mobile television a reality. The broadcaster will broadcast in 5G with interactivity. In the near future, there will be 5G broadcast receivers This is the broadcaster's mission: to ensure 5G broadcasting . The feedback will be provided by the mobile services' BTS. It is a smart broadcaster: it deploys 5G broadcast and platforms that will exploit the support of mobile operators free of charge to convey VOD data, weather information, interactivity and statistics.

There is therefore no open or hidden war over bandwidth or frequency. On the contrary, the broadcaster is the big winner, because IMT is investing massively in fiber optics and the internet. We are piggybacking on this medium free of charge to provide our services. A state broadcaster, for example, has exclusive rights to broadcast audiovisual content. It will be the most successful operator in the country, more so than mobile operators.

For the AUB

Gisèle Nnemi NGA

Irene GAOUDA

Hicham ATTMANE, in Abidjan

Translation provided by Fyneface Onengiye