The Association of Radios and Televisions of the Indian Ocean (Artoi) is currently holding its general assembly in Comoros, bringing together representatives from audiovisual media in the region. The meeting, scheduled from October 5-9, focuses on the theme "Audiovisual and Island Games: Challenges and Perspectives for the Indian Ocean." Key attendees include Valérie Filain, Artoi president and regional director of Réunion La 1ère, Hablani Assoumani, director general of the Comoros' Ortc, and Nathalie Rose, deputy director general of the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (Sbc).
The assembly comes as Comoros prepares to host the 2027 Indian Ocean Island Games, a significant event that brings together countries in the region. According to Valérie Filain, the games are not just a sporting competition but an opportunity for regional cooperation. She emphasized that media have a responsibility to enable each entity to see, hear, and follow events across different countries. The goal is to move beyond individual coverage and establish a genuine regional cooperation.
To achieve this cooperation, Filain proposed producing and sharing images and content, pooling resources, and facilitating the exchange of journalists and technical teams. This would allow for the development of common formats and ensure comprehensive coverage of the games. The objective is to prepare this cooperation before the games begin, identify the needs of each media outlet, and establish a working calendar.
Nathalie Rose, deputy director general of the Sbc, echoed Filain's sentiments, praising Comoros' mobilization around the games and expressing a desire for regional media to work together. She highlighted the importance of sharing experiences and technical expertise to ensure the best possible games in 2027. The cooperation is expected to go beyond the games, with Artoi aiming to establish a lasting dynamic.
However, challenges need to be addressed before the games. Hablani Assoumani, director general of the Ortc, raised concerns about connectivity and technical resources required for broadcasting. He noted that discussions have already begun with relevant structures to anticipate needs related to games coverage. Assoumani also emphasized the importance of energy, an area where the Ortc has made efforts to strengthen its capacities.
Assoumani acknowledged some difficulties but expressed confidence in the Ortc's ability to ensure transmissions during the games. He stressed the need to correct identified shortcomings before 2027. The 2027 Indian Ocean Island Games are expected to be a test for regional audiovisual cooperation, which Artoi hopes to sustain beyond the event.
The general assembly provides a platform for media representatives to discuss and address challenges, ultimately enhancing cooperation and coverage of the games. With the games approaching, the focus is on establishing a robust framework for regional media collaboration.
Key points
- The 2027 Indian Ocean Island Games will be held in Comoros, bringing together countries in the region for a major sporting event.
- Media cooperation and regional collaboration will be crucial for comprehensive coverage of the games.
- The Association of Radios and Televisions of the Indian Ocean (Artoi) is driving efforts to establish a lasting dynamic of cooperation among regional media.
