Exodus, Access and Inequalities: The Impact of Digital Migration in the Least Developed Countries of Africa

Abstract

Discussion on the much-heralded migration from the analogue broadcast transmission to digital terrestrial television (DTT) often praises digital migration as a catalyst that will enhance the quality of audio and visual signals and increase the number of channels as well as effective utilisation of available spectrum amongst others. Focusing on the digital divide that characterises much of Africa, this chapter examines the impact of digital migration not only concerning its anticipated benefits but also to its implication for access and inequalities in poorer countries of Africa. The chapter concludes that digital broadcasting will not necessarily bridge the digital divide and that it will instead exacerbate the inequalities in most African countries. The poor have no money for the subscription that enables them to access the multitude of channels that are available to those who have money.