As the global preservation community grapples with an escalating crisis threatening the survival of documentary heritage, a critical webinar titled “Identifying, Safeguarding, and Managing Risks to Sound and Audio-Visual Archives and Collections” is set to take place on 09 June 2026. The session will convene archivists, broadcasters, policymakers, and heritage professionals to address the growing risks facing sound and audiovisual collections worldwide.
Sound and audiovisual materials are inherently fragile and increasingly vulnerable to both physical and digital degradation. From the chemical instability of nitrate film to the silent erosion of data integrity in born-digital formats, the technical demands of preservation continue to intensify. Many institutions—including academic libraries, film archives, and public broadcasters—are struggling to keep pace, often lacking the structured frameworks needed to proactively mitigate risk. As a result, preservation efforts often become reactive, with intervention occurring only after significant, and sometimes irreversible, damage has already occurred.
This webinar is designed to confront these challenges head-on by bridging the divide between theory and practical implementation. Through expert-led discussions, the programme will explore how institutions can better understand the complex risk landscape across diverse media formats, while introducing robust methodologies for assessing collection conditions and prioritising preservation actions. It will also examine how preventative conservation measures—such as environmental controls, proper handling protocols, and appropriate storage standards—can significantly extend the lifespan of vulnerable materials.
Equally important, the session will delve into the development of institutional policies and governance frameworks that embed risk management across the entire lifecycle of audiovisual collections. Discussions will further highlight the importance of aligning with international standards and best practices, while also addressing critical ethical considerations, including community engagement, repatriation, and the stewardship of indigenous and culturally sensitive materials.
Commenting on the importance of the webinar, Benjamin Pius, CEO of Broadcast Media Africa, said: “Across Africa and globally, we are at a defining moment in how we preserve our audiovisual heritage. The risks are no longer theoretical—they are immediate and accelerating. This webinar equips institutions with the practical tools, frameworks, and strategic thinking needed to move from reactive preservation to proactive safeguarding. Protecting these archives is not just a technical responsibility; it is a cultural imperative.”
With increasing pressure on infrastructure, the growing obsolescence of legacy playback technologies, and the accelerating pace of digital transformation, the need for coordinated, forward-looking preservation strategies has never been greater. This webinar will provide participants with the insights and tools required to safeguard collections effectively, ensuring that valuable audiovisual records remain accessible for future generations.
