By Foday Moriba Conteh
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World Service has selected Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire to join the BBC Media Leaders Programme, a move that underscores the evolving partnership between the two organizations. AYV’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Messeh Leone, is representing the company at the BBC Media Leaders Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, from 5th–9th November. This year’s event focuses on strategies for reaching and building trust with young audiences, a critical theme in today’s rapidly changing media landscape.
Held at the Sun Square Cape Town City Bowl on November 6, 2024, the BBC Media Leaders Conference brings together senior executives and media directors from across Africa to exchange ideas, discuss emerging trends, and explore innovative solutions to industry challenges. The programme addresses key topics such as multimedia content creation, digital audience engagement, AI in media, and strategies for financial sustainability in the sector. As a fully sponsored participant, Leone joins other African media leaders in collaborative sessions aimed at advancing media development on the continent.
Reflecting on the partnership, Leone said from Cape Town, “Our selection for the BBC Media Leaders Programme is a testament to AYV’s commitment to quality and independent journalism. This platform not only allows us to share our insights but also strengthens our ongoing collaboration with the BBC. Together, we are exploring new ways to innovate and expand our reach, particularly with young audiences who are the future of media.”
This year’s conference holds special significance, marking the fifth anniversary of AYV’s strategic partnership with the BBC. Launched on March 22, 2019, this collaboration was the first of its kind for AYV with a major global broadcaster, enhancing AYV’s ability to produce world-class multimedia content and broadcast to a broader, international audience.
Founder and CEO of AYV, Amb. Anthony Navo Jr., celebrated the milestone, stating, “Our partnership with the BBC has been transformative. Over the past five years, we’ve been able to leverage our shared resources and expertise to bring impactful programming to our audiences. This anniversary signifies a historic achievement, and we look forward to more productive years ahead.”
Since partnering with the BBC, AYV has produced numerous groundbreaking programs, cementing its reputation as a leading media entity with global reach. AYV broadcasts on multiple platforms, including three television channels, a radio station, and a newspaper, along with an international presence through DStv Channel 399 across Africa. Headquartered in Sierra Leone with an international office in London, AYV’s network spans across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
The AYV-BBC partnership continues to yield valuable opportunities, providing AYV with access to BBC resources, expertise, and a prestigious platform that enhances its programming for both local and global audiences. The BBC Media Leaders Programme serves as a crucial step in this journey, equipping AYV with the tools and knowledge to remain a resilient, trusted media entity.
With a week of immersive sessions and high-level discussions, AYV aims to bring back insights that will drive its mission forward, reinforcing its role as a vanguard of multimedia excellence in Sierra Leone and beyond.
