Communications Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana says there is a need for women in the media, particular in broadcasting to find expression not as consumers or faces but as participants in the value chain of the industry.
“It is becoming increasingly obvious that the broadcasting landscape as we know it has been radically disrupted by elements of the fourth industrial revolution,” Kekana said.
Speaking at the launch of Digital Media Mall event held in Randburg earlier on Thursday, Kekana said broadcasters and filmmakers more than anyone understand that the fourth industrial revolution is not a mythical figure which is coming.
The Digital Media Mall is an application that has the potential to harness and increase youth employment in the TV/Film sector through SMME growth.
The technology used is set to unlock new commercial activity in a changing global media industry for the African continent as well.
Kekana said used to its full potential it is a product that challenge other streaming services in the market.
“This concept automates TV production, distribution, infrastructure and financial transaction relationships and ultimately creates an entirely new path for industry,” Kekana said.
“There are many great opportunities that come with the fourth industrial revolution for the sector. One which comes to mind is the lowering of production costs, technology has made it easier for people to produce content of a relatively decent quality.
“Technology has also increased the scale of markets that content producers can now access,” Kekana said.
Kekana said cheaper data costs in this sector will not only increase connectivity, but also play an integral role in ensuring that local content is more accessible on new platforms right across the length and breadth of South Africa.
“Distribution networks for the widest possible distribution of content especially that which is owned by female owned content independent production companies remains a challenge,” the deputy minister said.
In attendance at the launch were women from various media houses who are looking forward to establishing ties with other media houses outside South Africa.
Digital Media Mall is a 4th Industrial Revolution model for public-private partnerships to drive GDP and SMME growth in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
