Document details

Digital Migration and Access to Information: The Southern African Experience

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) (2022), 8 pp.

ISBN 978-99916-991-9-6

Other editions: also published in French and Portuguese

"This document concludes that 1. Digital broadcasting migration is generally a process in which broadcasting services offered on traditional analogue technology are replaced with digital networks. It is the transition or switch from analogue broadcasting to digital broadcasting; 2. Most Southern African countries have made good progress and are in the final stages of digital migration. However, some countries are struggling due to financial constraints and a lack of urgency to comply with ITU and SADC guidelines; 3. Digital broadcasting has improved signals and technical picture quality. It affords audio descriptions for the visually impaired. This group was previously uncatered for as analogue could only provide sign language services for the deaf and hard of hearing; 4. Subsidizing STBs is also a clear indication of the political will of some governments in the region to ensure that citizens enjoy the full benefits of digital migration and its inherent spin-offs, which include access to information." (Page 1)
1 Introduction, 2
2 Current status, 3
3 Advantages, 4
4 Challenges, 5
5 Promoting access to information, 6
6 The internet developments, 7
7 Conclusion, 8