The Phenomenon of Convergence and Broadcasting

In recent years, world communications have been digitalized, consolidated, deregulated, and globalized.  The term globalization implies transnationalization, which is linked to concepts of political, commercial, and technical integration.

Mundialization, global market, integration, globalization, and globality are similar concepts.  In some cases, they may even be considered synonyms which, among the major challenges faced by and opportunities for humankind, make possible the determination that we are witnessing the birth of a globalized electronic market, a convergence phenomenon

I will focus on the situation of Latin America, as this is the region involving us within CITEL and also the region that gave rise to the International Association of Broadcasting (IAB), an advisory body of the United Nations and UNESCO founded in 1946, with the aim of seeking to ensure the defense of freedom of expression and the private communications media worldwide, by developing a profound, accredited, and recognized doctrine on the role of the media in times of convergence.

I cite below different concepts and paragraphs of the IAB’s document on digital transition in the Americas, adopted unanimously by the General Assembly of the IAB.

For 80 years, a system of public and privately-owned radio and television broadcasting stations has been developed and consolidated, thus strengthening the plurality of the media, ideas and views, the free flow of information, and the effectiveness of freedom of expression and thought.

Broadcasting techniques have evolved and continue to do so as a result of the advance of the digital age, the following points being considered of importance:

-       In order to introduce these new technologies on the terms and conditions most suited to the peoples of Latin America, regional agreements are essential that ensure the continuity of open and free broadcasting that can be received without cost, as unilateral decisions would be harmful.

-       It is very necessary for common standards for the region to be utilized..

-       Latin America should consider coordination among all of its countries so as to promote a regional agreement for work as a bloc in developing complementation industries, in order to achieve a fair and equitable digital transition reflected in the terms of trade for the international commerce involved, also taking into account the general accessibility of the new receivers so as not to leave the most vulnerable classes without access to the technology. 

All such phenomenology to be taken into account in addressing media convergence must include issues inherent to the freedom of the media and of individuals as users thereof.

The World Summit on the Information Society, held in two phases – Geneva 2003 and Tunis 2005 – and its regional projects which, in Latin America, translate as the eLAC process, are examples of interaction among governments, the private sector, and civil society with the aim of a successful outcome to the convergence process.

The 2003 Geneva Declaration of Principles establishes that, in the convergence phenomenon, information and communication technologies (ICTs) cannot depart from the guiding principle enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on the fundamental right to freedom of expression of thought.

The World Broadcasting Unions, which bring together regional radio and television unions and associations worldwide, and of which the IAB is a full member, presented the following principles and objectives at the World Summit on the Information Society: 

- THE NEW COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLGIES ARE NOT AN END IN THEMSELVES.  THEY ARE A VEHICLE FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION AND CONTENT

- FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, MEDIA FREEDOM AND PLURALISM, AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY SHOULD BE RESPECTED AND PROMOTED.

-  THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA PLAY A VITAL PART IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY.

- TELEVISION AND RADIO ARE CRUCIAL TO ENSURING SOCIAL COHESION IN THE DIGITAL WORLD.

- INFORMATION SHOULD REMAIN ACCESSIBLE TO ALL.

To conclude, we must understand that we are witnessing an historic moment of the highest importance for broadcasting - radio and television.

In that context, we must not neglect that moment from the legislative standpoint, without jeopardizing freedom of expression and the principle of lawful use of the radio spectrum, and preventing the unfortunate scourge of illegality that has caused so much harm to lawfully-established radio and television media. 

We must remain aware and contribute to the process wherein ICTs ennoble the individual and defend the principles of freedom of expression enshrined in different international and regional instruments.

For many of the world’s countries, Article 19 remains a promise, not a reality.  It is to be wished that the new communications technologies will help to fulfill this promise.