Digital can’t wait
He pessimistically warns that the plan to switch to digital terrestrial broadcasting by 2011 will not succeed in the aftershock of the minister’s pay TV surprise (March 28). He presents myriad circumstances masquerading as facts without putting anything into context.
Harber argues that Britain set aside 10 years in which to migrate to digital terrestrial broadcasting without explaining the reasoning behind that decision. In SA, a developing country emerging from years of apartheid and the marginalisation of other languages, broadcasting plays a pivotal role in forging social cohesion. Nation building is not a project that can wait 10 years.
We take our mandate very seriously and digital broadcasting affords us an opportunity to free the spectrum, thereby allowing the regulator to use it for other purposes like licensing new broadcasters to cater for other language groups.
The department has presided over the liberalisation of the broadcasting sector that not only saw the successful licensing of an independent free-to-air TV channel (e.tv), but also significant growth by greenfield radio stations — YFM, Kaya FM, Classic FM, etc. This growth indicates a good policy framework that allows the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) to license broadcasting within our present-day realities.
Harber tries to portray himself as more concerned with the growth and contribution of broadcasting to the development of local content than the minister.
However, the success of our broadcasting sector shows the minister’s commitment to these issues.
The department also invited stakeholders to give their input into the process of finalising the Broadcasting Digital Migration Strategy and welcomes constructive debate. The document does not seek to undermine the role and independence of Icasa, nor is it sacrosanct.
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