Interested parties have until 20 October to make comments to the Department of Communications (Doc) regarding its Local and Digital Content Development Strategy which was gazetted (32553) on 4 September.
The Local and Digital Content Development Strategy is developed as part of the Department’s plan to implement the Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy.
In anticipation of the multichannel broadcasting environment which will be brought about by the broadcasting digital migration, the strategy intends to increase content development in the country. Local content in this regard refers to texts, images (moving or still) that is of cultural or creative nature that is written, sound or audio-visual presented, produced and/or otherwise contributed to and owned by South Africans, transmitted over electronic platforms.
The strategy is developed within the context of a South African content industry which is characterised by commissioning approaches to content production, domination by a few role-players, lack of comprehensive support mechanisms for aspirant and emerging content creators, a skills shortage relating to script development and packaging, and the concentration of content development activities in urban centers, particularly Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Key proposals in the strategy includes the establishment of Content Generation Hubs and a Digital Content Fund, which will be managed by the Media Diversity and Development Agency (MDDA) as part of its mandate relating to media development and diversity.
The Local and Digital Content Development Strategy document can be accessed on www.doc.gov.za or collected at the Department’s offices Iparioli Office Park, 399 Park and Duncan Street, Hatfield, Pretoria.
People are invited to forward their comments on the document to the following contacts:
For Attention: Dr Mashilo Boloka
Director: Broadcasting Policy
The Department of Communications
Private Bag X 860, Pretoria 0001
Or hand delivered: 1st floor, Block A3, Iparioli office Park, 399 Hatfield, Pretoria
Fax: 012 427 8059
e-mail:miyelani@doc.gov.za
