African broadcasters must embrace technologies

"Broadcasting technologies have changed over the years with the adoption of more efficient technologies. Our broadcasters should, therefore, keep abreast of these new technologies," the Namibian President said.

Pohamba whose statement was delivered by his Minister of Regional, Local Government, Housing and Rural Development, John Pandeni, however noted that keeping abreast with latest technology will not be easy because of limited financial resources in lieu of the competing priorities in national development efforts.

Pohamba also made reference to the analogue transmitter technologies that will no longer be produced, saying it is a wake up call for African countries.

"It signifies that there is an urgent need to procure digital broadcasting technologies that are more efficient and cost-effective," he said.

He noted that in the light of these challenges, it is important for broadcasters in the SADC region to adopt a joint approach towards regional integration in order to adopt strategies that can enable the industry to carry out its mandate in the most cost-effective manner.

Pohamba stated that there is an urgent need for public broadcasters in the region to create a distinct identity and image that will set them apart as SADC broadcasters.

"This will strengthen your position in the international arena as you bargain collectively to acquire new equipment and broadcasting rights," said Pohamba.

The Namibian Head of State made the remarks at the 15th Annual General Meeting of the Southern African Broadcasting Association, SABA, held in Namibia on Monday, 22 October.

Meanwhile, in his opening remarks, the chief executive officer of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Dali Mpofu reiterated Pohamba's words and added that Africa has entered another revolution to empower its citizens with programs that make sense to them. He said in order for African broadcasters to become competitive there must be partnerships across the board to enhance the free flow of information and knowledge in the African continent.

Mpofu pointed out that the levels at which public broadcasters are being funded today is not enough and efforts must be made to increase funding for public broadcasters in the SADC region and in the continent to promote debate.

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