Broadcast Summit underway in Benoni

The Department of Communications organised the summit and more than 200 delegates drawn from stakeholders in broadcasting and language issues are attending.

The summit will among many things, look at the Broadcasting Content and Language Bill, aimed at improving broadcasting and ensuring the system meets people's needs in terms of catering for languages and programming.

The Broadcasting Content and Languages Bill proposed for the increase of local content and the use of all the country's languages in broadcast media.

In January, Parliament signed into law a Broadcasting Amendment Act to establish regional language television services to focus on marginalised indigenous languages.

The department's Deputy Director-General Joe Mjwara told BuaNews that the implementation of the Bill would be done once all the stakeholders have made their inputs.

"We need to listen to what the people want and also to ensure that everyone's interests are represented," said Mr Mjwara.

"We are there to serve and be guided by the people, therefore we need to listen to them. Once the minister has looked at the inputs, full implementation of the Bill will take place."

Article by Edwin Tshivhidzo, courtesy of BuaNews, www.gcis.gov.za/buanews.