‘More information needed on digital migration' – MISA Zambia

'More information needed on digital migration' – MISA Zambia

WINDHOEK, Namibia, 09 May 2015 / PRN Africa / -- Zambia celebrated the 2015 World Press Freedom Day under the theme Local theme Media and Gender Equality in Digital Age, which is indeed a significant year as the World will be transforming its mode of Television transmission from analogue to digital terrestrial.




The switch from analogue to digital is inevitable, and understandably so. Digital migration will present opportunities for development and transformation of the broadcast industry in the country and thereby provide a better viewing experience.




This is why it is important that the process leading to this switch is handled with as much care as possible to ensure that it is not misconstrued to be a burden or mischief for the broadcasting fraternity in Zambia and television viewers at large.




We say so because it is disheartening to note how the process leading to the migration to digital transmission has been handled.




According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the deadline for countries to switchover from Analogue to Digital Television Broadcasting is 17th June, 2015, a few weeks from now.




Locally, the country should have already successfully had a test run of digital broadcasting as a parallel to the analogue broadcast in order to familiarise with the new technology and preclude any challenges that could arise from such an involving transformation.




This process of test run only commenced in January with Zambia missing the SADC deadline of December 31st, 201, sadly so. Clearly the process is moving slowly.




Evidently, the level of awareness about digital migration and what individuals are expected to do in order to position themselves for the final switch is unsettlingly low; one has only to take a random stroll on the streets of Lusaka to see how little has been disseminated about digital migration.




If those in the urban areas are not fully aware of the imminent 'black out' to be experienced if they do not acquire the set top boxes, how much more those in the rural and peripheral areas?




Our concern therefore, beyond the much feared 'television blackout' is the danger of inhibiting freedom of expression and Access to vital information for the general citizenry; there are those that will generally not be aware of how to keep accessing the television signal and those that will know but not be able to purchase the set top box due to financial reasons.




It is important that this danger is avoided at all costs through proactive or apportionment of dedicated effort towards the creation of awareness. It is not enough for a few individuals to appear on TV once in a while to talk about digital migration; a full public campaign should be initiated and must cover the country at large with targeted messaging through targeted mediums.




Also, the much talked about set top boxes (or decoders) must be made readily available at very affordable cost to enable every citizen to buy this very important device. This is also cardinal in helping to allay misinformation and attempts to defraud innocent, unsuspecting individuals.


A comprehensive stakeholder's meeting or conference is inevitable to iron out some of the differences and fears existing; surely government cannot carry this process forward alone. We therefore propose that an emergency meeting be convened with as wide representation as possible to help build some consensus and strategy to tackle this imminent blackout.




If this migration process is not properly handled, the country risks incurring great costs to try and correct the situation that may arise thereafter. It is time to awaken to the reality of the fast approaching digital migration deadline.




The onus is on government (and other stakeholders) to ensure that the country has a smooth transition to digital migration free of any hurdles.


Additionally, institutions, authorities and agencies directly related to the regulation of the television broadcasting sector should adequately prepare for the 'digital boom' which may offer even more challenges due to the increase in the number of channels enabled by the increased capacity that the digital frequencies will provide.




As highlighted in the local theme for the World Press Freedom Day which was celebrated on May 3rd, the media is indeed entering a digital age and this will call for serious retrospection.




MISA will remain committed to ensuring that diversity, independence and freedom of expression are protected in the face of this new era of digital broadcasting.


SOURCE Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)


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