Sunyani, May 25, – The National
Media Commission (NMC) has assured that the country’s migration from the
analogue to digital television broadcasting would not deny the ordinary
citizens access to television contents.
Most television broadcasters would
shut down their old analogue transmitters, as the country finalises processes
for digital television transition.
But, according to Mr George
Sarpong, the Executive Secretary of the NMC, the government would supply
customised set up boxes at subsidised cost for people who could not afford to
buy digital television to enjoy the transition.
He was speaking at a
sensitisation forum on the digital migration in Sunyani, organised by the NMC
with funding support from the Frederich Ebert Stiftung (FES), a German
Non-Governmental Organisation that focused among others capacity building of
the media.
It was attended by civil society
organisations, media, as well representatives from government agencies and
departments.
Mr Sarpong said though the
country had not been able to meet the International Telecommunication Union’s
deadline for the migration, processes for the migration was steadily
progressing.
Digital broadcasting, he said had
several advantages including; clearer images and efficiency and therefore advised
the media to support in the public education for citizens to understand the
process.
That notwithstanding, Mr Sarpong
said digital television broadcasting was not all that perfect as it had its
major challenges.
The Executive Secretary admitted delays
in the processes, but added that the television transition had several
challenges ranging from governance, ownership and legalities which needed to be
addressed.
Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, the
Chairman of the NMC said the migration was laudable as it would expose
television viewers and owners to more channels.
He reminded the media on the need
to remain as agenda setters, and endeavour to highlight more on social and
development issues, instead of politics.
GNA
No comments:
Post a Comment