After two years in operation, the RAPAF (Network of Public Broadcasters in French-speaking Africa) is at a crossroads. As an association of professionals in state-run audiovisual media, the RAPAF has to choose which aims to focus on in order to face up squarely to the emergence of private media groups and foster audience loyalty. To achieve this, CFI, which has supported the RAPAF since its inception, hopes to consolidate the association’s structure and is setting up an audit of its organisation to help draw up a plan of action for the future.

The RAPAF has set itself the following aims :

  promotion and consolidation of radio and television as a service to the public ;

  creation of an alliance between players in state-run audiovisual companies to prepare together for the changes wrought by the pre-eminence of new technologies ;

  development of sharing in all sectors and lines of business on the state-run audiovisual scene ;

  instigation of negotiations for the acquisition of television rights, especially for sport ;

  provision of consulting services and assistance for its members (training, financial management, administration, etc.).

Bernard Broyet, a France Télévisions director, expert in issues such as lobbying, associations, and organisation is currently carrying out an assignment (29 April to 4 May 2009) with four managing directors from the network (from Benin, Mali, Togo and Senegal). In light of his recommendations, CFI will be able to set up initiatives alongside the RAPAF to defend the interests of state-run television channels and assist it in its future challenges.