During the recently held online forum on “Content Distribution Platforms And OTT Streaming Services”, Rehad Desai, the Executive Committee Member at Independent Producers Organisation, identified numerous strategies needed to improve distribution and local content consumption rates across the African continent.
Prior to the online forum, Desai had cited some of the challenges filmmakers face, especially in the African continent’s southern region, followed by a call for an improved content distribution regulatory environment. Desai maintained this appeal during the online forum’s discussion, whereby he affirmed that the lack of resources such as internet penetration and data affordability was the biggest obstacle to enlarging the market.
The most important question, according to Rehad, is how to get the telcos and streamers not to exploit content but give back to the film industry by funding content that informs, entertains and educates whilst keeping the creativity of filmmakers at the core.
The lead conversation prompted Broadcast Media Africa’s (BMA) question to Mr Desai, which asked: “how important is regulation in ensuring that all role players are competing on a level field?”
In answering this question, Rehad asserted that regulation is a critical driver for social cohesion, educational development and for servicing local content growth.
To watch Rehad Desai sharing his analytical view on the relationship between regulation and the creation of a level playing field for content consumption and distribution in Africa, please CLICK HERE.
The panel discussion on “How Changing Media Consumption Pattern Is Affecting Content Distribution In Africa – Figures, Facts And Strategies” was brought to you by Broadcast Media Africa (BMA), together with Southern African Broadcasting Association (SABA), and the Independent Producers’ Organisation (South Africa).