African broadcasters must rethink their approach to cybersecurity as growing digital threats, artificial intelligence and increasing dependence on cloud-based services create new vulnerabilities across the media landscape, according to a new report released by Broadcast Media Africa (BMA).
The report, “Securing the Signal: Cybersecurity Threats and Defence Strategies for Broadcasters,” examines the challenges facing television and radio organisations as they modernise their infrastructure and expand their digital operations.
Featuring contributions from Sivan Pillay, Broadcast Producer; JB (Joseph) Allotey, Head of Technical Production at Channel One TV, Ghana; and Silas Phoshoko of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), the report highlights the growing risks of cyberattacks, weak network security, data sovereignty concerns, content piracy and AI-generated misinformation.
Among the key concerns is the exposure of broadcast transmission systems through poorly protected corporate networks, alongside broadcasters’ reliance on international cloud infrastructure. The report also highlights how AI technologies are creating new challenges around content authenticity, impersonation and the rapid distribution of fabricated news, while offering opportunities for improved monitoring and threat detection.
The report calls for a more proactive industry response, including stronger network security, improved content protection mechanisms, investment in resilient infrastructure and closer cooperation between broadcasters, regulators and internet service providers. It further encourages regional collaboration and information sharing to help organisations identify and respond to emerging cybersecurity threats.
Sivan Pillay, session moderator and Broadcast Producer, emphasised the broader implications of the challenge, stating: “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.”
BMA notes that securing broadcast infrastructure must become an integral part of the continent’s media transformation agenda, ensuring that technological advancement is matched by the necessary safeguards to protect content, operations and audience confidence.
To access the full report, please click HERE.
