The government of Antigua and Barbuda is examining an arrangement that would bring together locally produced digital content and help creators earn more from their work on social media, Cabinet spokesman Maurice Merchant said Thursday.

Cabinet discussed the initiative during its weekly meeting Wednesday, citing concerns that creators in Antigua and Barbuda have not been able to access the same financial opportunities available in some other markets.

Melford Nicholas will examine the feasibility of establishing an entity that could collect revenue from locally produced content and distribute earnings to eligible creators.

Merchant said the arrangement would seek to give creators access to a larger audience and improve their earning potential.

“It is definitely to expose them to a larger share of the social media market, for them to earn more than just simply a few dollars from their creation, and also to expose them to a wider field of individuals on social media,” he said.

During the briefing, Merchant agreed with a reporter’s description of a larger platform that could publish content from different creators, collect the resulting revenue and distribute it among them.

However, the discussions have not reached the stage of determining whether the entity would be government-owned or privately operated. Merchant did not outline eligibility requirements, revenue-sharing terms or a timetable for implementation.

He compared the role being considered to that of an agent who helps creators find opportunities and make connections that benefit their work.

“Someone who looks out for your well-being and who makes the necessary connections to benefit your business or to benefit your craft,” Merchant said.

He said Cabinet believes the digital content industry presents opportunities for talented Antiguans and Barbudans, pointing to the wealth some creators have generated internationally.

The government wants to help local creators develop their talents and receive greater financial benefits from their skills, he said.

Asked whether the initiative would include education or training to help creators build careers and manage opportunities in the industry, Merchant pointed to Nicholas’ experience in communications and information technology and the team supporting him. He did not announce a specific training programme.

Nicholas is expected to provide Cabinet with further guidance on possible mechanisms for helping local creators benefit more fully from the international digital content market.

The initiative remains under consideration, with its structure and operating arrangements still to be developed.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Government Considers Platform to Help Antigua and Barbuda Content Creators Earn More.