World Indigenous Television Broadcasting to form global network after inaugural conference
The successful inaugural World Indigenous Television Broadcasting Conference was held in Auckland, New Zealand (March 26 - 28, 2008).
From http://witbc.org/witbn.htm
Indigenous TV Broadcasters to Form Global Network
A global network of indigenous television broadcasters will be a major outcome of the inaugural World Indigenous Television Broadcasting Conference hosted by Māori Television at the end of March.
Indigenous broadcasters representing Australia, Canada, England, Fiji, Hawaii, Ireland, Aotearoa-New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, South Africa, Taiwan, and the USA gathered for the first major conference of its kind in Auckland.
The exceptional line-up of keynote and featured guest speakers included Chief Judge Joe Williams of the Waitangi Tribunal; Simon Molaudzi (South African Broadcasting Corporation); John Walter Jones (S4C, Wales); Jean LaRose (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, Canada); Jim Mather (Māori Television); Shaun Brown (SBS Corporation, Australia); Sylvia Feng (Public Television Service, Taiwan); Pól Ó Gallchóir (TG4, Ireland); Patricia Turner (National Indigenous Television, Australia); Margaret Mary Murray (BBC Scotland); and Dr Saul Berman (IBM Global Business Services).
Māori Television chief executive Jim Mather says the three-day event was an opportunity to debate and shape our people’s future by engaging with others on highly relevant topics.
The conference also gave delegates a forum to discuss the need, benefits, scope and nature of a World Indigenous Television Broadcasting Network (WITBN) which will promote indigenous broadcasting at the highest levels internationally and foster closer relationships between broadcasters.
An interim council was formed and Māori Television will now develop a draft strategic plan before the network is formally launched.
“WITBC ’08 provided a space for discussions around the establishment of a global network which will open up a number of opportunities in terms of increased audiences, access to resources, international indigenous advocacy and knowledge transfer such as learning, teaching, up-skilling and training,” Mr Mather says.
Taiwan will host the next World Indigenous Television Broadcasting Conference in 2010 followed by Wales (2012) and Canada (2014).