Broadcast Media Africa (BMA) is calling on African broadcasters to strengthen their cybersecurity strategies as increasing digital connectivity, cloud adoption and artificial intelligence expose broadcast operations to new and evolving security threats.
The call follows the release of BMA’s latest industry intelligence report, “Securing the Signal: Cybersecurity Threats and Defence Strategies for Broadcasters,” which examines the vulnerabilities facing television and radio networks and highlights the need for a more coordinated approach to protecting the continent’s media infrastructure.
Drawing on discussions with industry experts Sivan Pillay, Broadcast Producer; JB (Joseph) Allotey, Head of Technical Production at Channel One TV, Ghana; and Silas Phoshoko of South Africa’s Independent Communications Authority (ICASA), the report explores the growing risks associated with cyberattacks, inadequate network protection, cloud infrastructure dependencies, content piracy and AI-generated disinformation.
A key concern is that weaknesses in broadcast network security could expose critical transmission and production systems to disruption, while the increasing use of AI-generated content makes it more difficult for audiences to distinguish authentic news from manipulated information.
The report advocates stronger network protection, improved content verification, greater investment in secure infrastructure and closer cooperation between broadcasters, regulators and technology providers. It also highlights the importance of developing local technical capabilities and strengthening regional information-sharing mechanisms to improve the industry’s collective response to cyber threats.
“This conversation is not about technology for technology’s sake. It is about survival, trust, and whether African broadcasters remain credible sources of information in a world where AI can generate convincing fake news in minutes,” said Sivan Pillay, session moderator and Broadcast Producer.
BMA emphasises that as African broadcasters continue their digital transformation, cybersecurity must become a central consideration in infrastructure planning, operational management and long-term business strategy. Protecting broadcast systems is ultimately about safeguarding the reliability of media services and maintaining public confidence in the information they deliver.
To access the full report, please click HERE.
