CBU: Building capacity to improve indigenous audiovisual content in the Caribbean
The Caribbean has a varied level of media development, with Trinidad and Jamaica being the most sophisticated and Dominica and Guyana the least. This is a function of internal capacity and reflects in the local content production, quantitatively and qualitatively. The Caribbean TV landscape is almost totally dominated by imported U.S. Television, and there is also a clear and urgent need for production capacity building for both men and women producers in order to foster greater capability for the region to develop more in the area of freedom of expression.
Two of the main challenges facing independent producers, especially the small ones are: Access to equipment and facilities, as needed, and on an affordable basis, as well as the provision of training to upgrade skills and output techniques. The other challenge facing independent producers is lack of media exposure of their product and hence an inability to fully develop their production skills and techniques. The CBU will be mounting this initiative with its member stations to commit to increasing levels of independent producer intake for broadcasting within the region. In addition, the CBU is finalizing the setup of a special web portal to service as a market place for independent producers and broadcast stations to access such local content. This project aims to address these challenges. Care will be taken ensure gender parity in terms of trainees and trainers while planning and execution of activities.