STAATSKOERANT, 24 JANUARIE 2014 No. 37261 Chapter 8: Broadcasting 1 8.1 Introduction Convergence and technological changes pose particular challenges to traditional approaches to broadcasting regulation. Increased access to high speed affordable broadband will increasingly fundamentally change the way audiences access audio-visual content. People will be able to watch and listen to a range of television- and radio-like content on a variety of platforms and devices - and be able to create and distribute their own content via the internet. As new technologies develop and become more pervasive, audiences will be able to watch broadcasting-like content distributed and developed by international and South African organisations and companies on their computers, mobile phones, tables and other connected devices. With the introduction of internet enabled televisions, set top boxes (STBs) and gaming devices, this content will also be viewable on television screens. Traditional broadcasters will face increasing competition for content, audiences, advertising and revenue from other players (including internet companies and network operators). These technological changes pose both opportunities and threats. On the one hand it will enrich diversity and allow South Africans to access news, information and entertainment programming from a range of different sources (local and international) and enable us to tell the South African story to an international audience. On the other hand, the need to ensure all audiences access to public interest content reflecting the cultural, social and linguistic diversity of the country could be threatened as traditional broadcasters will face increasing competition. The new framework must be flexible enough to anticipate the challenges and opportunities so that the overarching public objectives set for the sector can be realised. This section of the Green Paper identifies some of the key issues facing television and radio services given technological changes. It poses questions about what policy approaches would best ensure that the critical social, cultural and political objectives determined can be achieved. Many other countries have adapted or are reviewing their broadcasting policy frameworks in light of convergence and digitisation. Their particular public policy objectives include: Ensure access to diverse content for all, including locally produced public interest programming, Promote diversity of ownership and control of content services and limit media concentration; Ensure fair competition between different content services; and Protect audiences from illegal content; ensure community standards are agreed on and met and that children are protected from harmful content. 8.2 The Future This section highlights key emerging issues to be considered in reviewing current broadcasting related policies and legislation. 8.2.1 The changing environment Convergence and digitisation will inevitably change the way audiences access news, information, entertainment, cultural and educational programming. The imminent migration to digital terrestrial television will give audiences access to many more free-to-air and subscription television channels. Increased access across the country to affordable highspeed broadband linked to growth in the range, affordability and availability of internetenabled devices (such as smart phones, tablets, smart TVs, Internet enabled set top boxes 53 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 57