The Open Window Network, South Africa and the ZEBRA Information Office
present a joint publication:
VOICES AND VISIONS
Audio-Visual Media in the new South Africa
The publication contains contributions by various people who in recent years
have been actively involved in different areas of the South African
audio-visual media sector.
It covers issues such as the political discussions currently taking place
within the sector, the impact of new 'bitcasting' technologies, the
possibilities for training, problems of funding, the transformation of the
SABC and the latest developments within the audio-visual community
media sector.
The following examples are provided to give you a taste of the content of
VOICES AND VISIONS:
"The introduction of new media technology means that the community broadcast
sector should no longer be seen in isolation, but as an integral part of the
communication and information infrastructure. This imperative compliments
the South African government's plans for "Multi-purpose Community Centres."
The success of these centres in implementing the use of new media technology
will depend on the consultative process established to engage communities in
discussions about their local needs and requirements regarding information
and communication." writes Cassim Shariff in his article: FROM BROADCASTING
TO 'BITCASTING' - COMMUNITY TELEVISION AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES.
In her article RECONCEPTUALISING PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING -
WITHIN THE SOUTH AFRICAN BROADCAST ENVIRONMENT,
Professor Ruth Elizabeth Teer-Tomaselli
from Centre for Cultural and Media Studies, University of Natal, Durban
writes: "The greatest challenge for both public service broadcasters -
whether national or community - as well as the regulator, is the vexed
question of financing. This question deserves an entire paper on its own
but it is not a question which can be ignored indefinitely. There is a
Nigerian proverb which sums up the dilemma of public broadcasting most
aptly, by comparing it to a communally owned goat, the pride of the village.
If everyone claims ownership of the goat, but no one feeds it, then the goat
will die. It would be a great pity to see public broadcasting starve to
death because no one was responsible for feeding it."
In the article THE INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION SECTOR IN SOUTH AFRICA, Steven
Markowitz, co-director of Cape Town's Big World Cinema says:
'These days, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is far
more open to new and exciting ideas than it has ever been in its 20 year
history. I think that independent producers need to seize that opportunity
and test the institution as much as possible by giving the SABC as many
proposals as possible and start to feel out the kind of direction it is
going in.
In that way they can start to carve a niche for themselves."
In her contribution to the article TRAINING FOR THE AUDIO-VISUAL SECTOR IN
THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA, Martina Della Togna, co-ordinator of the Community
Video Education Trust (CVET) in Cape Town explains: "Community television is
by its very nature accessible and locally based, and it exists as a tool for
community development and empowerment. The people we are currently training
will be the new generation of television producers who will take their
skills and expertise particularly to the disadvantaged communities.
Community television will play a role in demystifying the medium and will
give communities a powerful voice to express their aspirations and culture
in this fledgling democracy."
The hectic days of the test transmission of Greater Durban Television are
thoroughly evaluated by Mike Aldrige. In the article: GREATER DURBAN
TELEVISION ON AIR, he explains the difficulties encountered during the
experiment with great honesty. He writes for example: "One of the major
ongoing problems with the broadcast was that programme schedules often did
not match the available video tapes. In order to fill the gaps other video
tapes were slotted in on an ad-hoc basis, programmes being selected from
whatever tapes were available in the studio at the time."
Voices and Visions - Audio-Visual Media in the new South Africa
co-ordination: Karen Thorne, OWN, editing: Signe Byrge S rensen, ZEBRA
lay-out: Troels Faber, ZEBRA published by ZEBRA Information Officer, October
1996
Ordering a copy
The price for one copy of the publication is 20 US $, which equals 120
Danish Kroner (DKK). (this includes postal charges)
If you choose to pay in US$ please include 8 US$ for bank charges.
please pay by bank transfer (SWIFT) to DABA-DKKK,3344-075484, ZEBRA, Den
Danske Bank, Holmens Kanal 2-12, DK-1060 K benhavn K, Denmark
You can also pay by national cheque
Within Europe you can use ZEBRA's postal account: 877-5222
Please make sure to write your full name and address on the cheque or the
bank transfer you make out to ZEBRA. We will send you your copy of VOICES
AND VISIONS as soon as we receive your order and payment.
What is ZEBRA?
The ZEBRA Information Centre is the headquarters of the international
association, ZEBRA, the general aim of which is to document, discuss and
support audio-visual activities with a social, cultural or political content
which promote North-South understanding, or serve as an instrument for
development projects and democratic empowerment in the South.
ZEBRA focuses on any audio-visual activity (film, video, development
education, film festivals, distribution efforts, development communication
and communication development) that functions as a means of
communicating interpretations of 'reality,' of changing attitudes, cultural
bridge
building, of confirming cultural and political identity and promoting
democratic
endeavours.
ZEBRA's present activities are:
- publication of a quarterly magazine (ZEBRA News) in English and Spanish;
- publications on the audio-visual scenario in specific countries of the
South;
- organisation of seminars and workshops;
- compilation and updating of a database on organisations and individuals
active within its field;
- servicing information requests from film and video makers, journalist,
students etc. around the world.
ZEBRA News
ZEBRA News is a quarterly magazine in English and Spanish for people
involved in audio-visual activities on North-South issues. The magazine
provides articles about the developments on the international audio-visual
scene, audio-visual activities in specific countries, communication
projects, festival notices etc. Subscribing to ZEBRA News is free, except
for
subscribers living in Europe, Israel, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
and Japan. The fee for one years subscription in these countries is 17 US$
(100 DKK) for individuals and 50 US$ (300 DKK) for organisations.
This message was issued by
Signe Byrge S rensen
ZEBRA Information Office
Elmegade 5, 1
DK-2200 K benhavn N
Danmark
Tel: +45/ 35.36.40.70
Fax: +45/ 35.36.02.15
Email: zebra.av.net@Inform-bbs.dk
In-Reply-To: 199610041619.MAA25738@dag.XC.Org