At the 16th General Assembly of the African Union of Broadcasting, the Director General of Algeria’s broadcasting transmission company TDA discussed the rapid transformation of the media landscape, the rise of digital platforms and streaming, and the strategies required for African broadcasters to modernise infrastructure and remain competitive.

He explained that broadcasters must integrate interoperable and interconnected platforms, multi-CDN infrastructure, web TV and B2B services. TDA has already digitised much of its television transmission network and covers about 97% of Algeria’s population, while continuing investment in additional transmitters and digital radio.

Social networks were described both as an opportunity to reach audiences and as a source of risk, particularly with the growth of artificial intelligence and unregulated synthetic content. Broadcasters therefore need AI-based tools to detect harmful or manipulated content while protecting national cultural and information sovereignty.

TDA also expressed readiness to support other AUB members through technology exchange, hosting, archiving, data centres, virtual studios, OTT services and terrestrial and satellite broadcasting solutions.

Looking ahead, the interview highlighted interconnected platforms and 5G broadcast as important parts of the future of African broadcasting. The goal is to combine traditional broadcasting with mobile networks, on-demand video, interactivity, weather information and audience data.