A delegation from the EBU visited Member Tunisian TV between 23 – 25 May to explore cooperation opportunities in the field of technology and training. This delegation was comprised of Robert Amlung, Head of Digital Strategy at ZDF and chairman of the EBU Integrated Media Production Strategies (IMPS) programme, Hans Hoffmann and Walid Sami from the EBU’s Technology and Innovation Department, Frederic Frantz from Eurovision Academy and Media Consultant Henrik Keith Hansen.

The delegation was welcomed by Mr. Rached Younes, President and General Director of Tunisia TV.

On day one, the EBU delegation delivered a workshop on IMPS which was attended by about 35 Tunisia TV Professionals, mostly from the Technical and Editorial Departments. This workshop gave an opportunity for Tunisia TV executives to explain their current situation.

Technical Director Mongi Mansouri presented Tunisian TV’s current technical assets and challenges in the transition to HDTV. In the following interactive session several area were identified where the EBU will provide concrete technical input. Maher Saidi, head of training, presented Tunisian TV priorities in Learning and Development.

On the second day of the visit, Robert Amlung presented ZDF as an example of a public broadcaster that engages in Integrated Media Production. His presentation was well received with regard to the need of Tunisian TV to further develop its activities in the digital sphere – particular in reaching out to new platforms (mobile, WEBfirst production, news, social media).  

The programme also included a look at Tunisian TV’s production facilities.

The last part of the visit was dedicated to exploring opportunities for the EBU to work more closely with Tunisian TV. In a meeting with Rached Younes, the EBU delegation presented a short term action plan and one covering the next 3 years.

This plan includes the ambition for Tunisian TV to work with the Eurovision Academy to launch a “training of trainers” programme that will allow journalists from the Governorates to develop their skills. Similar action on specific technical subjects was also proposed. The plan also includes arrangements for Tunisian TV engineers to work more closely with the EBU’s Technology and Innovation department in various areas such as IP networked media.