CIAO DATE: 12/2009
November 2009
National Endowment for Democracy
Throwing the Switch: Challenges in the Conversion to Digital Broadcasting explores the consequences for democracy of the worldwide conversion from analog television broadcasting to digital. The report by John Burgess, a former Washington Post editor, technology writer and foreign correspondent, looks at whether the creation of multiple broadcast channels will provide more openness and diversity on the airwaves. Alternatively, he asks, could it result in governments clamping down on critical broadcasters or loss of service? Burgess explores how media development organizations, broadcasters, regulators, and civil society groups can ensure that decisions on airwave space are made in a fair and open manner.
Resource link: Throwing the Switch: Challenges in the Conversion to Digital Broadcasting [PDF] - 582K