The IABM today announced an agreement with Infocast Systems Pvt Ltd and the Indian Media Group (IMG) to launch a new international conference and exhibition event. The first International Broadcast Expo (IBE) will be staged in Mumbai in October and annually thereafter.
The move comes as research undertaken in 2006 for IABM, which represents more than 250 suppliers of broadcast and media technology products and services on a worldwide basis, shows the market in India for professional broadcast and media technology products and services is worth more than $200 million and growing at more than 10% per annum.
IABM Chief Executive Officer, Roger Crumpton, commented: “There are dramatic changes taking place in the broadcast market in India driven by the strength of the Indian economy and the young age profile of the population. India offers tremendous growth opportunities for both national and international suppliers and this event launch in Mumbai will provide an annual showcase of new media technology and techniques.”
Subhash Chandra, chairman of IMG, a not-for-profit organisation which represents major radio and television broadcasters and print media businesses in India, and owner of Zee Television, one of India’s leading broadcasters, added: “Indian broadcasting is expanding in every respect. The number of broadcasters, channels and viewers is growing rapidly and the quality and value are improving. The IMG is the first premier broadcast industry association in India and the IBE’s agenda matches our vision of the industry. IMG has decided to join with the IABM to create an international platform for the entire Indian broadcast community. It is the endeavour of the Indian Broadcast Expo to provide a truly representative broadcast convention and address the serious issues impacting our industry.”
“IBE 2007 is a result of an initiative by major distributors to create a professional and international broadcast expo.” said S.P. Agarwal, MD of Cinecita Comoptronics Pvt Ltd, and one of the major distributors in the Indian broadcast industry. “I am glad the IABM and IMG are co-organising this event with Studio Systems magazine. There is an urgent need for an international convention tackling broadcasting convergence to assist the growth of the entire region and Mumbai is definitely the optimum location choice.” Infocast Systems Pvt Ltd is a leading Indian technology media business based in Mumbai that publishes Studio Systems Magazine and organises the Disc-tech Expo and Cinema India Expo in Mumbai.
The International Broadcast Expo will run at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (E), Mumbai from 25th-27th October, 2007.
Announcing the event, Mr Anil Chopra, Editor and Publisher of Studio Systems and Convener of IBE, added: “The Indian broadcast industry needed a serious initiative to create a truly independent broadcast convention that serves the interests of all the major broadcasters. I cannot but express my sincere appreciation to the IMG and IABM who have jointly recognised the necessity for national and international support from both broadcasters and the supply community to create IBE to aid the development of our broadcast industry to international standards.”
