‘VID OR ‘VID OUT?

In this disquieting time of a health crisis, what is the global media fraternity doing to pass the surreal test?

- ANISHA GAKHAR

Who knew 2020 would bring along such a ghastly pandemic, which will, in turn, slow down the global economy considerably—with media companies not being spared. The pandemic is the second successive crisis the industry is facing within a year, the first being the economic slowdown of FY20. The coronavirus is a growing global public health concern, which is significantly impacting all international media events and conference industry—2020 NAB Show being the biggest example.

THE DOMINO EFFECT

As a result of the pandemic, a string of trade shows in various geographies have been cancelled to safeguard the safety of the potential participants and visitors. The Mobile World Congress (MWC), the largest exhibition in Europe, held in Barcelona, was cancelled after knowledge of the outbreak. After a series of participants like Facebook, Amazon, Cisco and Intel pulled out, MWC decided to cancel the show planned for the end of February.

In the interest of addressing the health and safety concerns of its stakeholders and in consultation with partners throughout the media and entertainment industry, the NAB Show authorities have cancelled the 2020 NAB Show to be held in Las Vegas, in April. Gordon H. Smith, president and CEO, NAB Show, said, “This was not an easy decision. Fortunately, we did not have to make this decision alone, and are grateful to our NAB Show community for engaging with us as we grappled with the rapidly-evolving situation. This Show is as much yours as it is ours, and it is important to us that we move forward together.”