Union of National Radio & Television Orgs. of Africa (URTNA)

Union for Radio and Television Networks for Africa (URTNA).

Efor Adodo Mensah, Secretary General Union of National Radio and Television Organizations of Africa (URTNA) (Union des Radiodiffusions et Televisions Nationales d'Afrique - URTNA) 101 Rue Carnot B.P. 3237 Dakar, Senegal Phone: 221 211625 Fax: 221 225113 Telex: 51650 URTNA SG (DAKAR)

Description:

URTNA is a professional body with more than 48 active member organizations committed to the development of all aspects of broadcasting in Africa. It encourages the exchange of indigenous programming via satellite and videocassette; strives to obtain preferential satellite tariffs to facilitate news and program exchange; represents the African point of view on legal matters such as conventions and agreements; and works with the ITU as an advisor for the PANAFTEL project.

In URTNA's context, PANAFTEL objectives include improved common carrier telecommunications systems as well as satellite and terrestrial interconnections for program exchange. Since 1972, a working group conducted jointly with other international organizations has been studying the contribution of communications satellites to education, culture, and development in Africa. URTNA has conducted a long-term project with governments of member organizations to evaluate rural telecommunications needs in Africa. URTNA also presents seminars, workshops, and conferences on topics such as news, educational broadcasting and television development of communications, satellite communications, and training.

URTNA is composed of the national radio and television organizations of African states that are members of the OAU. Associate members are national radio and/or television organizations from non-African countries.

----------------------------- Art McGee [amcgee@netcom.com]

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