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No. 37261
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 24 JANUARY 2014
framework. Other related issues include the need to, for example, protect subscription
broadcasters from piracy of signals.
8.16 Conclusion
This chapter focuses essentially on asking questions on how the policy framework can
ensure audiences can reap the full benefits of convergence and have ongoing access to
public interest content. The focus is on how best a policy framework in a multi-channel,
multi-platform environment can ensure that the key policy objectives are met.
The list of issues identified above is not necessarily exhaustive. Stakeholders are
encouraged to identify other issues that the policy framework should address.
Policy Questions:
1. What new regulatory approaches should be adopted to support innovation, access to
affordable services and the creation and promotion of a diverse range of high-quality South
African public interest programming to all audiences?
2. Is there a need to review the definition of broadcasting services, given the changing
environment, in order to ensure that identified public interest objectives for the sector are met?
If so, how?
3. How should policy ensure that there is diversity of services and content and that 'audiences
have access to international, national, provincial and local news, information and other
programming of relevance to them given that new services will not be limited to specific licence
areas?
4. What key issues should be considered in relation to spectrum allocation to ensure that the
public interest, cultural, social and economic objectives linked to audio-visual and audio
content services are met?
5. What objectives should the SABC prioritise? How should the mandate of the SABC, as
described, be funded? Are the current funding arrangements adequate to fulfill all the
requirements placed on the SABC in law? What should the role of government as the
shareholder of the SABC on behalf of the public be?
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