Dialogue could spur media investment – MHC

KIGALI - Patrice Mulama, the Executive Secretary of the Media High Council (MHC), Tuesday said that the upcoming National Dialogue on Media Development is likely to spur investments in the industry. The two-day event (Nov 25-26), organized by the MHC in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and the Rwanda Governance Advisory Council, will be held in Kigali. Over 17 top regional media players have confirmed their participation. Speaking at a press conference at the MHC offices, Mulama sai:, “The evidence is that local companies have the will but they are still considering their projects and are yet to move an extra step so that they apply in the appropriate way as others have done and as required by the law.” “We thus think that this upcoming meeting will address any concerns, including showing how the media can be profitable.” At the dialogue, he added, challenges will be highlighted and solutions sought together. “We think this meeting will be very useful. I really think there will be a fundamental change in this area regarding investment in media in Rwanda and its development in general,” he noted. The MHC boss acknowledged that foreign investors have, recently, shown more interest in the Rwandan media sector. Kenya’s Royal Media Services (RMS) owned by media mogul S.K Macharia, and Family Christian Network (FCN) from the US, were among those planning to open business in Rwanda. The dialogue aims to, among others, showcase media in Rwanda as a viable investment sector; agree on appropriate strategies to local media capacity building- as well as review legislative and policy frameworks. Mulama said media watchdogs like CPJ, Article 19, RSF as well as seasoned regional journalism trainers will take part in the meeting. Ends