International speakers at Joburg Radio Days, Wits

The event, supported by Germany's international broadcaster, Deutsche Welle and Kagiso Media, owner of regional radio stations in key metropolitan areas, is aimed at radio leaders from South Africa and other African countries and will draw all sectors, community, commercial and public, into a conversation about the issues that confront them.

Registration fees are R2500 for the three days and a limited number of sponsored places are available to community radio delegates.

“We are very excited to be hosting this important event, which will consider how radio is adapting to an increasingly digital age, where social networking is growing in importance,” states Prof Franz Krüger, director of the academy. He emphasized the scenario-planning element of the conference.

Delegates would develop some ideas of possible scenarios for the medium into the future, and these would be presented on the last day. Tentatively entitled the Joburg Radio Scenarios, he said these would provide a reference point for further discussion about the future. “We are pleased that leading scenario planner Chantelle Ilbury has agreed to help us in this work.”

Programme

• Prof Richard Collins of the Open University, UK, a leading expert on convergence will give the keynote speech: African Radio Futures.
• A scenario planning exercise, undertaken with leading planner Chantelle Ilbury, to develop some options for the future will run over the three-day period. Other workshops will run in tandem offering various technical and case study discussions.
• What's happening to Africa's radio audiences - a panel discussion
• The technical future
• Business models for the future
• A series of case studies from SA and abroad on radio stations successfully meeting challenges, both technical and others
• Master class training sessions on topics that include using online for stations, edutainment, kids radio, using research in programming and many others.

Jochen Walter of the Deutsche Welle Akademie said, “We are very happy to be associated with this conference, since radio remains of critical importance in the African communications landscape. Joburg Radio Days will provide stimulating discussion, of interest to radio leaders from all sectors.”

“Radio has shown remarkable adaptability to new technologies,” said Omar Essack, CEO of Kagiso Media. “In many ways, radio has a more natural fit with the web than print media. That adaptability will stand it in good stead as technical developments gather pace, and the conference will provide a fantastic opportunity for people to compare notes and hear from some cutting edge international and local speakers.”

The draft programme, registration and other details are available online at www.journalism.co.za/radio, email or tel +27 (0) 11 717 4083.