As the deadline for inputs towards the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) news editorial policies looms, Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo has encouraged young women to share their views by contributing towards the policies.
“Download the draft editorial policy from the SABC website and share that with your communities, have the discussion on what you want, the SABC belongs to the people of South Africa,” Minister Dlodlo said.
Addressing the Young Women Leaders in Conversation Breakfast in Johannesburg, she also urged the women to share ideas on funding schemes that can generate revenue for the SABC.
The SABC has undertaken the process to review its 2004 editorial policies.
The new review process is aimed at ensuring that a proper consultation process takes place with the public and the various stakeholders of the SABC.
The deadline for written submissions is 31 August 2017.
Digital migration programme
Meanwhile, Minister Dlodlo said the Department of Communications is making progress in the digital migration programme.
The primary aim of digital migration is to release valuable spectrum which will be used to provide new services such as wireless and other broadcast services.
Digital broadcasting will bring more television channels, more content and allow more choice for consumers.
“We are currently in the process of installing set top boxes in various homes, especially in the rural areas to ensure that people have access to digital television.
“That comes with many opportunities. That we have started with the rural area is a very good thing that government has done.
“We started in the outlying areas where the signal is bad but they are now ahead of those who live in urban areas and precisely because people will not afford to buy the integrated digital television as it is very expensive,” Minister Dlodlo said.
She said that the department is continuously having the conversation of how the cost of communication, including data cost can be reduced with the Department of Telecommunications.
The event was hosted by Activate! Change Drivers, a network that connects young people and equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in their respective efforts.
For more information on the editorial policy consultation process, the public can go to the SABC News website http://www.sabc.co.za/news for details of the public consultation meetings in all the provinces, to read about the policy review process, look at old policies and to give their input.
Written submissions can be emailed to editorial@sabc.co.za or posted to SABC Private Bag X1, Aucklandpark, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2006. Submissions can also be made at all the SABC’s provincial offices.
For general enquiries the public can contact the SABC’s call centre 011 714 9111 / 011 714 9797. – SAnews.gov.za
