Dec 9, 2009

Sponsor: CIMA

Throwing the Switch: Challenges in the Conversion to Digital Broadcasting

This event discussed a new CIMA report, Throwing the Switch: Challenges in the Conversion to Digital Broadcasting, that explores the consequences for democracy of the worldwide conversion from analog to digital television broadcasting. The  report by John Burgess, a former Washington Post editor, technology writer and foreign correspondent, looks at how digital conversion has the potential to provide new openness and diversity to the airwaves by creating multiple new channels. Alternatively, he asks whether the costly and highly politicized process could pose a significant threat to freedom of information and democracy in developing countries.

Broadcasters that are financially weak or critical of their governments could be pushed off the air or otherwise disadvantaged in the relicensing process, while large numbers of viewers might lose TV service due to the high cost of digital receiver equipment.

• How can media development organizations, broadcasters, regulators, and civil society groups ensure that decisions about who may broadcast television news and entertainment are made in a fair and open manner and not used as an opportunity to silence government critics?
• How can these groups help maintain a diversity of voices on the airwaves?

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