The 26th Arab Radio and Television Festival opens in Tunisia today, 21 September, bringing broadcasters, media professionals and content producers from across the Arab world together for four days of competitions, industry sessions and technology showcases.
Organised by the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) in partnership with Tunisia’s Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the festival runs until 24 September in Tunis and Hammamet under the theme “The Rhythm of the Image and the Echo of the Future.”
Around 450 participants are expected, with 320 radio and television entries competing across four competitions for approximately $87,000 in prize money. The competition includes 161 radio and 149 television entries.
The opening ceremony will take place at the Carthage Amphitheatre, while the festival’s industry programme will be centred in Yasmine Hammamet. Activities include a technology exhibition, programme market and industry discussions focused on podcasts and digital content, audience engagement and media tourism.
The awards ceremony and closing concert will take place at the Opera Theatre at Tunis’ City of Culture on 24 September.
Beyond the competitions, the festival provides a major meeting point for public broadcasters and media organisations across the Arab region. This year’s programme places particular emphasis on digital audio, emerging content formats and audience engagement, reflecting the changing priorities of broadcasters seeking to reach audiences across both traditional and digital platforms.
