The RTBF definitely entered the digital era. On all fronts, be it in the control rooms, maintenance, archiving, platform combination..., their tools are up to date with technology. During an interview with Mr. François TRO, program manager, we inquired beyond the technical foundations and took an interest in content benefiting from this evolution.

One of the most visible operations of this technology boost was the launch of HD television on mobile phones, together with Mobistar. As mentioned by Jean-Paul Philippot, RTBF executive director, during the press conference, the transition to digital production and post-production tools is a real revolution for citizens of the 21st Century. The RTBF stays on top of these evolutions and this brings them closer to their public. Technology now makes it possible to strengthen ties and access to television via a mobile phone is an important step in the reorganisation of the RTBF.

The set up of a digital infrastructure, managed by Cécile Gonfroid (Managing Director of Technology and Operations) and her team of 350 members, made it possible to implement five knowledge clusters (network managment, maintenance and development, archiving, shared support centre and an operation centre). The first cluster, at the heart of the media business that is the RTBF, manages the incoming and outgoing video, audio and informatics flow. It offers solutions to every department in the company by insuring the transmission, distribution and routing of signals. This system made it possible to combine TV, radio and Internet during events such as the Francofolies of Spa, but also to have TV on mobile phones.
The other clusters, equally important, are rooted in the digital movement. Production and post-production must provide the same material of equal quality. Besides broadcasting it, the conservation of all this material under the best possible circumstances is part of the global plan for the company.
It is then important to see how the 'content people' see production today and tomorrow, within this new framework. We had the opportunity to exchange some ideas with Mr. François Tron, program manager at the RTBF.

TWIST: According to you, what is the influence of digital tools at the RTBF on TV content?
F. TRON: For years we have been saying change is coming and now it's here! Tomorrow's television is being made today. Lately I have worked on several multimedia projects and the lesson learned from these is that the 'linear' media must be preoccupied with Internet and new methods of content consumption which becomes more and more fragmented. Recent studies have shown that in the USA the baby boomers are becoming avid consumers of TV programs on the Internet.
TWIST: Should we still say 'new media'?
F. TRON: the term is outdated. Internet and mobile are independent media. We have to link them, take a 360° approach and combine everything.
TWIST: what are the most memorable examples for the RTBF?
F. TRON: Looking at what is happening in South Korea and Japan, where almost 50% of 15-24 year olds consume images on their mobile phones, we can say we're not there yet. However, the example of the Francofolies is very strong because the implemented system, which has been able to mobilise the entire company and offered content particularly well adapted to the target audience. A show such as 'Sans Chichi' was conceived as 'multiplatform' from the start. And it works.
For us, our three main lines of thought are: simultaneous broadcasting, catch-up TV and VOD. These are big undertakings and we have the means and the people to develop them.

Benoît RENSONNET