More than 250 delegates from across Africa gathered in Abuja, Nigeria, in the second week of November for Africastн98. They considered the role of broadcasting in developing the continent and its people, and concluded that the profession was endangered in many ways, according to a report in the Nigeria Media Monitor, published by Independent Journalism Center (IJC) in Lagos, Nigeria.

The theme of the conference, organized by the National Broadcasting Commission, was мBroadcasting and Human Development in Africa.о In the twenty-five papers delivered, covering fifteen topics, the general view was that African broadcasting is endangered because various factors inhibit its development. Conference delegates issued a document noting some of these defects and the solutions that they propose. A text of their observations on the state of African broadcast media can be seen on the Monitorнs web site at http://www.kilima.com/mediamonitor/mm-03-44.html#eleven .

Coinciding with Africastн98 was the launch of a new communications satellite, AfriStar. AfriStarнs launch is the first of three launches planned by WorldSpace, a company based in Washington that delivers digital audio and multimedia broadcasting services to developing areas of the world by satellite. AfriStar, which was launched successfully, will provide digital radio programming to Africa, the Mediterranean and parts of the Middle East.

Conference delegates decided that Africast should establish a permanent secretariat in Nigeria at NBC headquarters. In view of the fast pace of technological development in the world, participants agreed that Africast should become an annual event that is rotated among willing African countries. The conference accepted Egyptнs interest in being host to Africastн99 with Nigeria standing by.

For more information about IJC contact the Independent Journalism Centre, Tejumola House, 1st Floor, 24 Omole Layout, New Isheri Road. P.O. Box 7808, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel./Fax: (234-1) 492-998. E-mail: ijc@linkserve.com.ng. Web:http://www.kilima.com/mediamonitor.