January 2009 - KICTANet

Running commentary from Stakeholders meeting on KCA Amendments
by Brian Longwe 17 Jan '09

17 Jan '09

Hi all, We have just been categorically informed that the recently passec Kenya Communications (Amendment) Act, 2008 is actually in force, effective and totally, completely LAW. We are also informed that it is NOT A MEDIA LAW - there is already a Media Act This is contrary to many who have alleged that the law has been withheld - pending review.... wow..... Brian

4 3

[Fwd: TENDER FOR EVALUATION OF ICT WORK]
by alice 16 Jan '09

16 Jan '09

TENDER FOR EVALUATION WORK EXTERNAL EVALUATION OF ALIN's ICT WORK Specifically the evaluation will focus on: * To evaluate the network activities for the 4 years in relation to service delivery and relevance to country goals, MDGs etc. * To identify ways to increase the relevance, impact, and sustainability of the interventions, and of the project as a whole. * Carry out a technology audit of tools being used for service delivery and propose new tools * To assess the ALIN's structures for service delivery accountability. * To Recommendations improvements in relation to service delivery, partnerships, donors etc. The scope of the external evaluation consultancy will be based on developing tools for gathering comprehensive data from the field that highlights key network impacts and also make recommendations for improvement of ALIN. The general evaluation questions are: what is working, what is not, and why. Main Activities * Review project monitoring reports and meet with relevant project staff at both headquarters and in the field to learn about the range of interventions that the project has been supporting. * In collaboration with the ALIN team develop and agree on an approach for randomly selecting member activities to be visited in the field. The approach should ensure that the sample of selected activities includes a variety of intervention types. * With the help of the ALIN team; prepare a detailed plan for field visits to the selected community sites which includes logistical arrangements. The plan should specify how travel will be done and who will accompany the researchers on the field trips including key informants / members. * With the help of the ALIN team develop a plan for gathering information at the selected project sites. This may include structured interviews with key informants, spontaneous group discussions, and direct observation. Share the plan with the ALIN team for feedback. * Prepare an outline for the project activity reports and for the final overall assessment report. Share the outlines with the ALIN staff for any feedback, and modify as necessary. The plan for field visits and for research will constitute the inception report for the consultancy. * Carry out the plan for field research. * After field visits, the consultant should analyze information obtained from the visits and other sources (applying quantitative and qualitative social science research methods) to draw conclusions about the relevance, sustainability, and impact of the various project activities. * Write draft report summarising the findings from the field research and recommendations for improvement, based on the agreed outline. Present draft report to the ALIN team and stakeholders for review and comment. * Meet with the ALIN and stakeholders teams to discuss the comments and to share experiences of the field research. * Present the final report to the ALIN stakeholders. Please send your expression of interest stating approach, number of days, cost and CVs of people to be involved to; Finance and Administration Manager, Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN), PO Box 10098, 00100 Nairobi GPO, KENYA. e-MAIL: admin(a)alin.or.ke ________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ James Nguo, Regional Director Arid Lands Information Network | AAYMCA Building, along State House Crescent, Off State House Avenue | P.O. Box 10098 - 00100 G.P.O. Nairobi, KENYA email: james(a)alin.or.ke | Tel +254 20 2731557 | Telefax +254 20 2737813 | website: www.alin.or.ke -----Original Message----- From: alice [mailto:alice@apc.org] Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 5:48 PM To: James Nguo Subject: Re: M&E Hi James Please re-send the message you want disseminated through KICTAnet lists or try and re-send it again to the list. best alice > Hi Alice, > > I had sent a message for expression of interest for M&E for ALIN's > information activities through the KICTANET d-group but this was not > validated for circulation. Any chance this can be done through KICTANET > > Best regards, > > **______________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________** > > **James Nguo**, Regional Director > > **Arid Lands Information Network** | AAYMCA Building, along State > House Crescent, Off State House Avenue | > > P.O. Box 10098 - 00100 G.P.O. Nairobi, KENYA > > **email**: james(a)alin.or.ke <mailto:james@alin.or.ke> | **Tel** +254 > 20 2731557 | **Telefax** +254 20 2737813 | **website**: www.alin.or.ke > <http://www.alin.or.ke/> >

1 0

New Study on Internet Pedators by Berman Center
by alice 15 Jan '09

15 Jan '09

------------ Study finds few Internet predators By Brad Stone Published: January 14, 2009 The Internet may not be such a dangerous place for children after all. A task force created by 49 U.S. state attorneys general to look into the problem of sexual solicitation of children online has concluded that there really is not a significant problem. The findings run counter to popular perceptions of online dangers as reinforced by depictions in the media. http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/14/america/net.1-407132.php _______________________________________________ apc.forum mailing list apc.forum(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/apc.forum

1 0

Re: [kictanet] Broadcast/Media Section:-What are the good Aspects?-1day
by Jotham Kilimo Mwale 15 Jan '09

15 Jan '09

--- On Tue, 1/13/09, Jotham Kilimo Mwale <jokilimo(a)yahoo.com> wrote: From: Jotham Kilimo Mwale <jokilimo(a)yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Broadcast/Media Section:-What are the good Aspects?-1day To: "Faima Basly" <basly1(a)hotmail.com> Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 10:50 PM Section 46(H) concerned with the Commission prescribing programme code seems to me a good aspect. The positive aspect is that this section allows the Media to self-regulate in programming (see paragraph after 46(H)(d)) and the Commission will only come in if a media house is not part of this self-regulation mechanism. It is true the paragraph states that the Commission must approve the self-regulation mechanisms by the media but I do not see what is wrong with that. The argument that the Commission is not 'independent' and hence can be influenced by politicians (against who?) does not hold much water because the media is also not independent and has been influenced by the politicians (profits, etc) in the past, and it can happen in the future. In my opinion, the media have been given an opportunity to self-regulate through the Media Council of Kenya, but they have shown they are incapable or not willing to do it. A good example is during the campaign period in 2007 when the political parties came up with 'ugly' advertisements in which they tore into each other in undignified manner. The Media Council did nothing and credit goes to one media house (Nation) that chose not to air such content on their frequencies. This Act, and sections 46(H) and (I) in particular, ensures that in future all media houses will behave like the media house quoted above, self-regulate by conforming to an accepted standard in the society. Regards, Jotham --- On Mon, 1/12/09, Faima Basly <basly1(a)hotmail.com> wrote: From: Faima Basly <basly1(a)hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Broadcast/Media Section:-What are the good Aspects?-1day To: jokilimo(a)yahoo.com Cc: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Date: Monday, January 12, 2009, 12:20 PM #yiv367681158 #yiv150853050 .hmmessage P { margin:0px;padding:0px;} #yiv367681158 #yiv150853050 { font-size:10pt;font-family:Verdana;} #yiv367681158 #yiv150853050 .hmmessage P {margin:0px;padding:0px;} #yiv367681158 #yiv150853050 {font-size:10pt;font-family:Verdana;} Mr Walu, I would like to comment on the on this part, For me if the government is serious about a programming code then they must be reasonable about its implementation. It has to be a preventative approach not a punitive one. There are two sides to this coin I suspect the challenge that the media may be reacting to in the fact that the regulator/MinICT has not outlined the standards that will be used to determine appropriateness of content to be aired. so fear, masked as loss of control is driving the emotions through the depleted Ozone layer. By now direction on acceptable pre-watershed standards - attire, storylines, values, genres etc should be published for there to be meaningful debate. We are largely watching programing that is produced in the west and aired at the same time as we air it here, we are making noise because its not a cultural fit. So where are guidelines that follow our own cultures that will determine foreign content on our local TV stations? In any case if it isnt good for the young ones why should it be okay for adults? whats morally eroding for children is morally eroding for adults,I dare say. One side of the coin to me, is one of personal choice, if one feels the program is not age appropriate why is the TV on? Switch it off until news time, so why are we blaming the media, its only out to lure viewwership and make money? Dont get lured . Why does a regulator or government feel the need to exercise moral authority? Will the regulator also Monitor cable and Digital TV showing locally? . Its on kenyan airwaves in kenyan homes watched by kenyan families..The principle will have to be the same. Will there be regulation for Video and DVD libraries - or is it a question of choice to pick porn as opposed to a national geographic DVD? is this not the same as the home TV which one paid for? The other side of the coin, TV stations get into contracts that are worth millions of shillings to secure programming that is competitive and will pull and sustain a certain calibre of viewership which in turn they sell to their advertisers. They also commit way in advance for said programs and cannot wake up and cancel their contracts. It would not suprise me if what is being aired today was committed to in 2007. so there is a real potential loss of money here. Ofcourse they will cry foul. The media has itself to blame as competitiveness for viewership kept raising the bar ... Factors of influence fall far outside the TV nowadays - lets regulate Magazines too while we are at it, novels, PSP's ( lots of violent programs), Music videos, Toys ( have you seen how they dress barbie dolls nowadays?), games etc. The task of creating a programming code is noble indeed, however it will be prepared by humans with varying degrees of socio-cultural influences and it will be interesting to see the rationales behind the programming codes that are set and most important how they will be upheld reasonably without pulling media licenses and cutting programming half way. Engage the media and other stakeholders fully on this process and sanity will prevail. Ms Basly > Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 01:46:31 -0800 > From: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Broadcast/Media Section:-What are the good Aspects?-1day > CC: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > To: basly1(a)hotmail.com > > Folks, > > I know alot has been shared. But no harm reminding us what is good about this Act - under the Broadcast/Media section. My assumption is members have had a chance to go through the enacted amendments - I must admit it is not easy - one must have the relevant Policy, Bill and the Amended Act together. > > However, one easy thing I noted is the bit about the Programming Code - something that tries to regulate what is broadcasted on Radio, TV and on Internet ( the .ke internet I presume). I find this might be a good point to try and bring sanity in terms of reducing the current pornographic bias on our airwaves. > > What do the others feel? Particularly those stakeholders whom am informed are just be coming out of the 1st Consultative Meeting at Serena Hotel this morning? (which incidentally shall reconvene on Thrs 15th Jan 2009 at 11am) > > Any comments? > walu. > > > --- On Mon, 1/12/09, John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > > From: John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > > Subject: [kictanet] Online Discussion- Broadcast/Media Section:-What are the good Aspects?-1day > > To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > > Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > > Date: Monday, January 12, 2009, 9:11 AM > > Kenya Communicatoin Ammendment Act –Online Discussion. > > > > Outline Description > > The Kenyan Government has enacted the Kenya Information > > and Communication Amendment Act (2009) - popularly known as > > the ICT Bill/Media Bill and KICTAnet invites comments on the > > same. Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a > > multi-stakeholder forum that aims to enhance collaboration > > between > > various Government, Private Sector, Civil Society, > > Academia and others interested in harnessing ICT for > > development. > > > > Program Setting & Description: > > The Act has the following major categories and shall be > > discussed as outlined below: > > i) Broadcasting & Media(3days) > > ii) Information Technology (2days) > > iii) Telecommunication & Radio (2days) > > iv) Postal (1day) > > v) Academia & Socio-Cultural (implied within > > text)-2days > > > > Members shall analyse the Act over a period of two weeks > > and submit their findings for subsequent consideration to > > the Ministry of Information and Communication. > > > > > > Aim: To understand the implications of the Act and make > > recommendations for improvement. > > > > Objective > > 1. To identify and list the possible gaps, amendments and > > additions within the Kenya Communication Ammendment Act > > > > Main Outcomes/Deliverables > > 1. Participants contributions as captured and stored within > > the Online Environment > > 2. Summarised contributions in terms of Action-Items (add, > > amend, delete) > > 3. Face-2-face workshop and Presentation to the ministry. > > > > Kick off today by inviting comments on the good aspects > > within the Broadcasting sections. Tomorrow we review the bad > > and make suggestions for amemdments improvements on > > Wednesday. Floor is open. > > > > > > walu. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > kictanet mailing list > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > > > This message was sent to: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > > Unsubscribe or change your options at > > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: basly1(a)hotmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/basly1%40hotmail.com Invite your mail contacts to join your friends list with Windows Live Spaces. It's easy! Try it! _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: jokilimo(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jokilimo%40yahoo.com

1 0

Re: [kictanet] Brian Longwe's Response to Makali
by Harry Delano 15 Jan '09

15 Jan '09

Friends, I suppose it's time for this online debate to come to a close, and take in more of the interventionist steps/measures arising out of the consultative forums currently ongoing.I suppose the goodwill is there, now that everyone is back to their senses and much informed on the legislation ( I'm sure all of us). Based on the strong critique we've all witnessed here, definitely everyone has a point to make. This is not pitting Media against ICT, or vice versa. The simple nugget is that this is our country,and there is a lot that we all need to join forces to get sorted and this is just but a tip of the iceberg. Fundamental socio-economic, and democratic gains attained this far, MUST be responsibly guarded,as we move forward to gain more ground. Many thanks, and hopefully this is closure. Harry -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+harry=inds.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry=inds.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 7:59 PM To: Harry Delano Subject: kictanet Digest, Vol 20, Issue 46 Send kictanet mailing list submissions to kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke You can reach the person managing the list at kictanet-owner(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of kictanet digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Re: Makali's response to brian longwe: KCA 2008-Broadcasting-The Recommendations (Brian Munyao Longwe) 2. Re: Makali's response to brian longwe: KCA 2008-Broadcasting-The Recommendations (Victor Maloi) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:39:20 +0300 From: Brian Munyao Longwe <blongwe(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Makali's response to brian longwe: KCA 2008-Broadcasting-The Recommendations To: "dmakali(a)yahoo.com" <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Message-ID: <1EA7B49F-9251-4A1D-A8EB-1AF0139AAF5F(a)gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed; delsp=yes Hey Daudi, No reason not to like me just coz I see things a bit differently. But that's cool, as u already know, I have plenty of haters.... Anyway back to the point. I know that you have personally experienced the abuse of power in the hands of the executive and misguided officials. I have huge respect for your unshaking stand in the face of gross cruelty. But please let me clarify myself. I am not for or against Sec 88. I just see it as a piece of a puzzle which is much bigger and which needs to be looked at from many angles by different people. I hope that you will b at the consultations kesho at Regency so that with others we can discuss appropriate interventions. Best regards bro, Mblayo Sent from my iPhone On 14 Jan 2009, at 4:56 PM, David Makali <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Brian, > I thought you are a nice guy, but now I am beginning to think that > when you run for president (of malawi? hahaha!) i will not vote for > you because i can detect a dictarotial streak in your genes (smile). > Now let me turn to your views, which i hold to be fundamentally wrong > and misguided. To start with, please stop giving sympathetic > interpretations to a bad law. The law is read in the letter (and the > spirit left to the courts). May be you have not suffered injustice and > that is why you espouse such optimism about Sect 88. If you have read > that law, please re-read it to see the venom it has. It can be used > arbitrarily and has no respect to private property or the presumption > of innocence of the victim of its application. > > There are many reasons why i think it is bad law but i will be brief. > The law says that the Minister can declare a public emergency > (NOTE: it has NOTHING to do with the State of Emergency provided for > in the Constitution!).Anything can be a public emergency, including > houseflies at city market. And all that is required is for the > minister to determine it is, and for the purposes of a law, issue a > certificate do declaring, and bar communication between people. What > is worse is that if for instance the minister is wrong and he cannot > return your equipment (at the end of the so-called emergency), he > alone will determine the value to compensate you! > Now, is that fair? What happened to the right to be heard? Due > process? > But that is not grave perhaps. It is your wrong interpretation of > that law that prompts me to respond: > The law, as i havbe stated above, does not come into force during the > period when a State of Emergency has been declared by the President as > laid out under the constitution sect 83. NO, that section brings into > force provisions of section 57 (preservation of public security act). > And what would you say Michuki used when he authorised the attack and > seizure of KTN /Standard Group equipment on the pretext that the group > had infomration prejudicial to state security (his socks were torn, > perhaps)? > As you may have noticed, he has never produced the information, > returned the seized equipment, or compensated them. And as you well > know there was no state of emergency. Good thing is he never cited the > law he employed. Up to now. > Earlier last year, there was no stat eof emergency declared when the > Minister fo Internal security invoked sect 88 to ban live > boradcasting. As you well know, the ministry recapitulated and dropped > the ban when we took them to court. Why? Because it was illegal! > Finally,let me inform you and others that that section, in fact dos > not deal with boradcasting stations but those other communication > installations and short wave radio (call them "over-over") used by > security firms, G4, Cartrack, Taxis and other courier services. > Please do not justify what is patently wrong. > For us in the media, we don't want such arbitrary actions that > threatene our lives and those who invest. So we havbe asked that those > provisions apply to you if you want or so love to keep them. > > For those who have not read, I am reproducing that offending sect > below: > > 88. On the declaration of any public emergency or in the interest > of public safety and tranquility, the Minister for the time being > responsible for internal security may, by order in writing, direct any > officer duly authorized in their behalf, to take temporary possession > of any telecommunication apparatus or any radio communication station > or apparatus within Kenya, and ? > > (d) in the case of radio communication, that any communication or > class of communication shall or shall not be emitted from any radio > communication taken under this section; or > > (e) in the case of telecommunication, that any communication > within Kenya from any person or class of persons relating to any > particular subject shall be intercepted and disclosed to such person > as may be specified in the direction; or > > (f) in the case of postal services, that any postal article or > class or description of postal article in the course of transmission > by post within Kenya shall be intercepted or detained or shall be > delivered to any officer mentioned in the order or shall be disposed > of in such manner as the Minster may direct. > > (2) A certificate signed by the Minster for the time being > responsible for internal security shall be conclusive proof of the > existence of a public emergency, or that any act done under subsection > (1) was done in the public safety or tranquility. > > (3) A telecommunication apparatus constructed, maintained or > operated by any person within Kenya or any postal article which is > sized by any officer duly authorized under subsection (1) (a) shall be > returned to the telecommunication operator at the end of the emergency > or where such apparatus or article is not returned, full compensation > in respect thereof, to be determined by the Minster, shall be paid to > the owner. > > (4) A person aggrieved by a decision of the Minster under > subsection (3) as to the compensation payable in respect of anything > seized under this section may appeal to the High Court within fourteen > days of such decision. > > David > > > --- On Wed, 1/14/09, Brian Longwe <blongwe(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> From: Brian Longwe <blongwe(a)gmail.com> >> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Day 3 of 10:-KCA 2008-Broadcasting-The >> Recommendations >> To: dmakali(a)yahoo.com >> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >> Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 2:22 AM I have some slightly >> different views regarding section 88 >> >> Remembering that fact that this section can only be activated during >> a state of emergency, let us remind ourselves that since the infancy >> of this nation there has only been a state of emergency declared >> twice (in over 50 years). >> >> Why? >> >> This is because there are other laws, including the constitution, >> that state, when and how a state of emergency ought to be declared. >> These lay out the specific types of circumstances that MUST prevail >> before such a state is declared, and also who has the authority and >> mandate to declare such a state. >> >> Let us remind ourselves that during a state of emergency we have the >> equivalent of martial law - and the millitary basically have a carte >> blanche to take whatever measures necesarry to preserve the peace. >> >> The reason I say this is because whether section 88 exists or not, if >> a state of emergency is declared, broadcasters will be the first to >> receive urgent attention to ensure controlled dissemination of >> information. >> >> In fact, if the circumstances that would necessitate a state of >> emergency took place it is unlikely that any of the journalists or >> media owners would venture further than their window to peep outside >> and see if everything is OK. >> >> My point is, let us not get too emotional and overreactionary on this >> issue >> - let us keep in sight the greater goals that the KCA Amendments Act >> intends to achieve and let's get to work. >> >> Regards, >> >> Brian >> >> >> On Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 8:05 AM, John Walubengo <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> >> wrote: >> >>> Thanx for the earlier contributions of Faima and >> Vincent, and more so the >>> recent input from the Hilton Public forum as reported >> by Barrack. I will now >>> go ahead and post the proposed amendments with regard >> to the issues/problems >>> raised yesterday. >>> >>> 1. that the retained 'draconian' clause 88 >> gives unrestricted powers to the >>> two ministers (Internal Security and Information >> Ministers) and their >>> regulatory (CCK) appointees. These Powers enable them >> to declare an >>> emergency and raid media houses. The beef is that >> these powers are likely to >>> be abused particularly because of the heavy Govt >> composition of the >>> Regulatory Authorities who would likely serve their >> appointing authority >>> (Executive) rather than the common good (Public) >>> >>> Recommendation 1: Delete it or ensure that the >> Regulatory Authority (CCK) >>> is farily balanced in term of Board representation >> (i.e Govt, Media, Civil >>> Society, Academia, etc). All proposed Board Members >> must be vetted by >>> Parliament. >>> >>> 2. that the Content Regulation (Programming Code) >> aspects is also flawed in >>> that it is ONLY the Information Minister and his >> appointees who can decide >>> what is prohibited and what is not, what should go on >> air and at what time. >>> >>> Recommendation 2: This bit should be taken to the >> Media Council, whose Act >>> (Media Council Act) should be strengthened to give the >> Media Council some >>> teeth (enforcement) capabilities. >>> >>> 3. that a Signal Distribution Monopoly would be >> enforced given that current >>> broadcasters would need to channel their transmission >> through a licensed >>> signal distributor i.e. dismantle their current >> distribution infrastructure >>> in the likely event that they are not the designated >> signal distributor. >>> >>> Recommendation: ???-Havent picked up this bit of >> recommendation, someone >>> could fill in?. >>> >>> Feel free to make belated contributions on the >> previous themes as well. >>> Tomorrow we enter into the IT section and we shall >> stick to the same format >>> i.e. dissect the Good, the Bad and (the Ugly?) >> Recommendations. >>> >>> walu. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: blongwe(a)gmail.com Unsubscribe or change >>> your options at >>> >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/blongwe%40gmail. >> com >>> >> >> >> >> -- >> Brian Munyao Longwe >> e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com >> cell: + 254 722 518 744 >> blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com >> meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: dmakali(a)yahoo.com Unsubscribe or change >> your options at >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmakali%40yahoo. >> com > > > ------------------------------ Message: 2 Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:03:22 +0300 From: "Victor Maloi" <victormaloi3(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Makali's response to brian longwe: KCA 2008-Broadcasting-The Recommendations To: dmakali(a)yahoo.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Message-ID: <6e538b390901140903k70b727a2p2e42ac1d8986a628(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Everybody knows very well that when the rating of some specific media house goes down, they chokosa government so that people can be sympatetic. End of Decenber they tried to use my Maasai brother to do the same but this time round the government was smarter. I wish people like Makali can do some research instead of making arguments like an unschooled person. In Australia the arguments of Broadcast are presented in a civilized manner. Please read the attached: Victor Maloi

3 2

KCA Amendment Bill 2008
by evelyne＠kictanet.or.ke 14 Jan '09

14 Jan '09

Dear All, This is to inform you that a stakeholders meeting convened by the Ministry of Information & Communication to discuss the KCA Amendment 2008 will take place tomorrow (15th Jan 2009) at the Lyco Regency Hotel from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Regards, Evelyne Ofwona KICTANet

1 0

Re: [kictanet] A different perspective of looking at the problems caused by KC amendament act 08
by Barrack Otieno 14 Jan '09

14 Jan '09

Problems *By Dr. John C. Maxwell* In the comic strip, Peanuts, a hapless Charlie Brown occasionally would be stalked by ominous rainclouds. Although the rest of the sky would shine bright and blue, poor Chuck would be stuck under a dark cloud, getting doused by its showers. While his friends and neighbors enjoyed the beauty of the day, a drenched Charlie Brown would be a scowling onlooker. The lingering raincloud seemed to suggest Charlie Brown's inability to break clear from his problems. A melancholy character, he was prone to fits of worry and self-doubt. He concocted problems where none existed and fretted about those which were real. While we do not have to contend with perpetual drizzle like Charlie Brown, many of us live under the gloomy shadow of self-induced rainclouds. When life's twists and turns work against us, we retreat into a rotten attitude or heap blame on our surroundings. By doing so, we neglect to deal with our problems and only add to our misery. The Five Truths Leaders Understand about Problems *1. They're unavoidable.* For the aspiring leader, problems may be the most faithful companions of all. The road to success is seldom paved smoothly, and is oftentimes under construction. Potholes and barricades abound. At every bend in the journey, a leader's vision must peer around obstacles and through formidable walls to foresee a positive future. Leaders who sidestep problems stunt their growth - they end up shallow and debilitated. The successful leader stares down problems and resourcefully addresses them. *2. Perspective on the problem, rather than the problem itself, determines success or failure.* We see problems, not as they are, but as we are. That's why attitude plays such a crucial role in separating those who lead from those who follow. Alfred Armand Montapert said, "The majority see the obstacles; the few see the objectives; history records the successes of the latter, while oblivion is the reward of the former." Leaders look at problems from a healthy, self-confident vantage point. *A Wrong Perspective* Problems are unsolvable Problems are permanent Problems are not normal Problems make us bitter Problems control us Problems stop us *A Right Perspective* Problems are solvable Problems will pass Problems are natural Problems make us better Problems challenge us Problems stretch us *3. There's a big difference between problem spotting and problem solving.* Anyone, even the fairly imperceptive, can identify problems, but few people have the initiative to tackle them. As novelist John Galsworthy observed, "Idealism increases in direct proportion to one's distance from the problem." As rule, don't voice complaint about a problem until you're 1) able to put forth a recommendation for solving it, and 2) willing to take an action to solve it. *4. The size of the person is more important than the size of the problem.* You can tell the caliber of a person by the amount of opposition it takes to discourage him or her. Joke writer Robert Orben says that he once saw an ad from an entertainer that read, "Lion tamer - wants tamer lion." Clearly, this performer wasn't looking for greatness but merely for something manageable. To lead at the highest level requires wrestling with problems seemingly beyond our ability to apprehend. *5. Problems, responded to correctly, can propel us forward.* Leaders are not discovered in the limelight; rather they are forged in the darkness under heat and pressure. Leaders gain respect on difficult terrain, after taking a few blows and being shaped by the problems they encounter. As a matter of fact, courage and valor go undetected until seen through the lens of adversity. On Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 12:34 PM, Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com>wrote: > Alice, > > I may not share your opinion the study notwithstanding. The creation of an > ICT ministry is important at this point in time because of the complexity of > the sector. After listening to our learned colleagues dissecting the KC > ammendment act of 2008 and reading an article in todays standard about the > media act where they are refering to the act as "Mchuzi-Mix" am of the > opinion that creating the ministry might be for greater national good > otherwise we might continue finding ourselves in tussles due to the dynamic > nature of the ICT industry. In as much us we are talking about convergence, > we shouldnt forget to ask ourselves what is this that is converging, in my > humble opinion this is where the problem begins, each sector needs to be > ,managed as a separate entity if we are to derive benefits from it > optimumly. The PS reminded us that there was no need to re-invent the wheel > if we had working systems in other countires that we might emulate, in the > same spirit could we get input from our friends in Uganda on whether the > model is serving them. The issue is not just about having a ministry but a > high level vehicle that deals solely with matters ICT. > Regards > On Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 11:46 PM, alice <alice(a)apc.org> wrote: > >> I agree with David on some of the aspects here. >> >> We really don't need yet another ministry. Not for ICT. >> A study of Kenya's institutional structures and models for implementing >> the National ICT plan conducted by IDRC in 2005 found " evidence of >> significant role confusion" and a lack of overall coordinating mechanisms >> among ICT related public institutions in Kenya. >> >> So why not begin by addressing these challenges? more so within the >> context of the KC Amendment Act 2008. >> >> best >> alice >> >> P.S Views expressed are personal and not a reflection of any of the >> organisations/institutions I am affiliated with. >> >> >> Hi Waudo >>> Would you rather belong to the ministry of science and technology? >>> >>> I don't quite buy the idea that having a ministry is a panacea for >>> anything. I also don't quite get the rationale for this clamour for 'our' >>> ministry! Not with the many ict institutions, including ict board, already >>> in place. Actually, you guys can have the information and comm ministry. We >>> wud actually be happy to separate the laws. We in the media don't crave for >>> much govt. For us the lesser govt the better bkos it doesn't add any value >>> to our work nor do we depend on it. The framework for freedom of expression, >>> the FOl, is all we need. And that isn't forthcoming soon despite dr ndemo's >>> promises. >>> Give us that and kenya will be a beautifu and prosperous place witht good >>> govt. >>> My thoughts. >>> >>> Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: "waudo siganga" <emailsignet(a)mailcan.com> >>> >>> Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:38:46 To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> >>> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> >>> Subject: Re: [kictanet] [Fwd: [DigAfrica] Uganda consumers get ICT lobby] >>> >>> >>> Talking of Uganda I have just learnt that they have a separate ICT >>> Ministry (headed by our good friend Mulira) and a completely separate >>> Ministry of Information and NATIONAL GUIDANCE to regulate >>> media/broadcast content etc. I still believe in the superiority of a >>> distinct ICT Ministry model . >>> Waudo >>> >>> On Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:01:09 +0300, "alice" <alice(a)apc.org> said: >>> >>> >>>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- < >>>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> >>>> /index.html >>>> >>>> ---------------------- >>>> >>>> Uganda consumers get ICT lobby >>>> By ESTHER NAKKAZI >>>> >>>> Posted Friday, January 9 2009 at 14:26 >>>> >>>> Dissatisfied ICT consumers in Uganda can now seek redress from the >>>> Uganda ICT Consumer Protection Association, in case of bad service, >>>> substandard products and general unscrupulous practices by data and >>>> voice service providers. >>>> >>>> The new lobby, which starts work later this month, will particularly >>>> address the issue of slow data speeds delivered by Internet service >>>> providers that do not correspond with the bandwidth paid for; >>>> overpricing of services and substandard mobile handsets sold at rock >>>> bottom prices through product promotions. >>>> >>>> The lobby's agenda is to ensure that consumers get value for money; >>>> act as an arbiter between consumers and service providers; be a >>>> platform for redress; be a proactive independent body that will set >>>> standards for service providers and also create an avenue for >>>> educating the public on consumer rights. >>>> >>>> "We want to bring the different players together for the good of the >>>> industry. Consumers will get to understand what the suppliers are >>>> giving them and the service providers will in turn realise that they >>>> cannot get away with poor service," said James Wire Lunghabo, >>>> chairman of the lobby and an IT expert at Linux Solutions. >>>> >>>> Mr Lunghabo said the lobby is not out to antagonise service providers >>>> but to hold them accountable and make them understand that "quality >>>> of service in the ICT sector is a right, not a favour." >>>> >>>> The chairman of the Parliamentary ICT Committee Edward Baliddawa, >>>> said, "The lobby is a good initiative that will create checks and >>>> balances within the industry. It will go a long way in helping to >>>> educate consumers, most of whom do not have the capacity to verify >>>> quality of services offered." >>>> >>>> The lobby group will complement the regulator Uganda Communications >>>> Commission, which is mandated by the government to do this work. >>>> >>>> But critics say that though the Commission is mandated to handle >>>> consumer complaints, the fact that it is funded by the service >>>> providers, it cannot not be a fair arbiter. >>>> >>>> The Commission is funded through licence fees paid by ICT operators, >>>> the government, a 1 per cent levy from operators' revenue under the >>>> Rural Communication Development Fund and other fees, which the lobby >>>> group says should be accounted for by an independent body. The >>>> Commission runs a consumer relations desk that has been accused of >>>> being docile. >>>> >>>> Commission officials said the new lobby is free to ask it for funding >>>> as funds for such activities are available, given that the issue of >>>> consumer protection is too big to be handled by a single entity. >>>> >>>> "We welcome every initiative and will be glad to have civil society >>>> and public collaboration. The issue of consumer protection calls for >>>> concerted efforts by all stakeholders in the sector," said Fred >>>> Otunnu, the Director of Communications and Consumer Affairs at the >>>> UCC. >>>> >>>> However, some industry players have already expressed reservations, >>>> saying that if the lobby is to be funded by the Commission, it will >>>> be controlled by the government and so lose its independence. >>>> >>>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- < >>>> http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> >>>> /index.html >>>> >>>> __._,_ >>>> __,_._,___ >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> kictanet mailing list >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> >>>> This message was sent to: emailsignet(a)mailcan.com >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>> >>>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/emailsignet%40mailcan.… >>>> >>>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: dmakali(a)yahoo.com >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmakali%40yahoo.com >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>> >>> This message was sent to: alice(a)apc.org >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/alice%40apc.org >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> This message was sent to: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail… >> >> > > > -- > Barrack O. Otieno > ISSEN CONSULTING > Tel: > +254721325277 > +254726544442 > +254733206359 > www.issenconsult.com > http://projectdiscovery.or.ke > To give up the task of reforming society is to give up ones responsibility > as a free man. > Alan Paton, South Africa > -- Barrack O. Otieno ISSEN CONSULTING Tel: +254721325277 +254726544442 +254733206359 www.issenconsult.com http://projectdiscovery.or.ke To give up the task of reforming society is to give up ones responsibility as a free man. Alan Paton, South Africa

2 1

[Fwd: [DigAfrica] Uganda consumers get ICT lobby]
by alice 14 Jan '09

14 Jan '09

http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- <http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> /index.html ---------------------- Uganda consumers get ICT lobby By ESTHER NAKKAZI Posted Friday, January 9 2009 at 14:26 Dissatisfied ICT consumers in Uganda can now seek redress from the Uganda ICT Consumer Protection Association, in case of bad service, substandard products and general unscrupulous practices by data and voice service providers. The new lobby, which starts work later this month, will particularly address the issue of slow data speeds delivered by Internet service providers that do not correspond with the bandwidth paid for; overpricing of services and substandard mobile handsets sold at rock bottom prices through product promotions. The lobby's agenda is to ensure that consumers get value for money; act as an arbiter between consumers and service providers; be a platform for redress; be a proactive independent body that will set standards for service providers and also create an avenue for educating the public on consumer rights. "We want to bring the different players together for the good of the industry. Consumers will get to understand what the suppliers are giving them and the service providers will in turn realise that they cannot get away with poor service," said James Wire Lunghabo, chairman of the lobby and an IT expert at Linux Solutions. Mr Lunghabo said the lobby is not out to antagonise service providers but to hold them accountable and make them understand that "quality of service in the ICT sector is a right, not a favour." The chairman of the Parliamentary ICT Committee Edward Baliddawa, said, "The lobby is a good initiative that will create checks and balances within the industry. It will go a long way in helping to educate consumers, most of whom do not have the capacity to verify quality of services offered." The lobby group will complement the regulator Uganda Communications Commission, which is mandated by the government to do this work. But critics say that though the Commission is mandated to handle consumer complaints, the fact that it is funded by the service providers, it cannot not be a fair arbiter. The Commission is funded through licence fees paid by ICT operators, the government, a 1 per cent levy from operators' revenue under the Rural Communication Development Fund and other fees, which the lobby group says should be accounted for by an independent body. The Commission runs a consumer relations desk that has been accused of being docile. Commission officials said the new lobby is free to ask it for funding as funds for such activities are available, given that the issue of consumer protection is too big to be handled by a single entity. "We welcome every initiative and will be glad to have civil society and public collaboration. The issue of consumer protection calls for concerted efforts by all stakeholders in the sector," said Fred Otunnu, the Director of Communications and Consumer Affairs at the UCC. However, some industry players have already expressed reservations, saying that if the lobby is to be funded by the Commission, it will be controlled by the government and so lose its independence. http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/- <http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/-/2560/512428/-/6437suz/-> /index.html __._,_ __,_._,___

5 5

Fw: Kibaki signs Bill into law
by dmakali＠yahoo.com 14 Jan '09

14 Jan '09

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device -----Original Message----- From: dmakali(a)yahoo.com Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:04:41 To: Barrack Otieno<otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law Ndudu Barrack, The media is a basket of diverse characters and multiple interests trying to serve various demands placed on it by many publics. The situation is not helped by the fact that every1 assumes that the media should serve his or her interests however provincial. Or the assumption that there is one homogenous institution called media. To be candid, there are massive problems in the industry. But the proposed legislation is designed or will have the effect of strangling it rather than helping. To start with, I don't see the pt of applauding the things which are good in that law if that implies accepting or lessening on the gravity of the bad ones. Yet what I see on this ict list is just that -cheer readers excited by the ict provisions we have all been waiting for and a determination to gloss over or sweep aside the glaring omissions or shortcomings of the law. I find that myopic and selfish, vis-a-vis the greater public interest. The media must be understood too. Accusations of sensationalism may be valid but what else did the media have in its quest to be heard? Why were its proposals ignored? The last resort was to fight back against an unjust law using any and all means. And it was going to get worse had sense not prevailed. Now again you blame the victim and not the aggressor politician for attempting to polarise the nation. For me, this debate is polemical if you can't address objections we have raised with specific clauses. Dwelling on the good and uncontestable aspects of the bill is waste of ink. We don't have to educate the public about how the bill is good because, well, that is what it should be. But we have a duty to warn the public of an impending disaster. And why are some of you on this forum quick to lynch the media but molly coddling politicians who pay lip service to media freedom and yet go ahead to stab it? Who brought us to this pass? The same proposals they rejected with hubris before the passage of that bill are going to be taken in this time round. Why? That's something to ponder. It only takes silence or collusion such as ICT folks are engaged in to end up with tyranny. Let me conclude that its not true that the media did not make submissions to that bill. It did. And a committee was even set up to do so comprised of min officials. What became of their proposals? Let ndemo tell us. The truth is we would make proposals but the ministry was hell bent on driving thro its agenda so none of our views would be taken on board until the law was passed. Then we decided we were not going to take it. The moral is that no law should be shoved down anybody just because its govt. That era of govt fiat is gone. I admit we have quite a big house cleaning job as industry to do. But frankly, some of the claims being pinned on the media are baseless. The media can't be responsible for the failure of political leadership! Barrack, you ICT people will only begin to appeal to us on this side if you at least acknowledge the law is flawed in key ways, eg- sections 5, 46, and so on. I advice this forum to wait for our detailed amendment proposals on tuesday, and desist from vacuous charges of sensationalism against the media. What is at stake here is fundamental to our democracy and freedoms. David Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device -----Original Message----- From: "Barrack Otieno" <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 08:18:09 To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law Well Bwana Makali, As you may have realised media and ICT seem to be strange bedfellows even though we are together in the name of convergence the more reason this debate has taken this angle. Nonetheless i guess Bill has just laid on the table facts that might need to be considered by the media fraternity and i am happy you have read through his write up. We all know where this country has come from and we shouldnt continue talking about politicians nor comparing ourselves to them because we know what they are made of. As one of the leaders of the media fratenity it is important that you highlight the above mentioned issues to members of the fraternity because your house is not in order, it is unprofessional or shall we say unethical to attack personalities and institutions the way the media did in the past few days because of their opinions however much you would like to justify what you did, your acts only served to prove how media can polarise the Nation. Nonetheless the new act brings good tidings to the ICT sector despite the scare tactics being deployed i am yet to come across a balanced view of the act devoid of sensationalism from a member of the fourth estate other than the attacks being meted on personalities can we start with you Bwana Makali, where were you guys at the stakeholders negotiations to raise this issues as the PS asked? i bet this issues were there even then....What i am saying David is that the media needs to get its act together your house is not in order On Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 1:12 AM, <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > What disadvantage to ICT, Gilda, is caused by lumping so called ICT with > broadcasting issues? That's hilarious. > As for Bill's pontification below, my verdict is that he should seek to > inform himself about media operations in kenya and elsewhere first before he > purports to educate others. Some of the views he espouses are extremely > pedestrian altho he wants to pass them off as truth. While I agree with the > need to curb media conentration and monopolies, his suggestions about daily > press being owned by the public or the masses are a bit misplaced. And the > points being raised by the media are not necessarily those of media owners. > Hello! Remove your blinkers and see facts for what they are. Your defence of > the president and minister reeks of the sycophancy of yore. Presidents and > ministers have to take responsibility for their actions or inaction, they > are not rubber stamps! > Ask yourself why we have media concentration now, and how come most > frequencies are held by politicians and or their cronies or allies. How did > michuki, midiwo, koigi, etc come to own frequencies? Isn't there a cck? > Don't you think it should be independent to avoid being bullied or be > shielded from political directives? > And to say the Act should be renamed ICT and not media doesn't amount to > much change. Moreover, let the law speak for itself, we don't need anyone to > explain its intentions or the meaning - least of all you! You are neither > its author or implementer. A good law should be explicit and unambiguous in > its meaning, not open to diff interpretation. Which is part of the problem > with the new Act. Be honest at least. Skewed logic and such other partisan > and ignorant views about the media and how it should investigate stories are > clearly outside this law. Don't give it imaginary power. True, training and > capacity of the media are issues worth discussing but not in this context. > That's dabbling in territory about which you can only speculate. Before you > lament, have you ever investigated a story or given a newspaper an > investigative lead? And to claim that the duty of a journalist is to report > the truth and publish regardless of the consequence is plainly naïve and > insensitive. > Before you go far, read sect 5 of the Bill. One would expect that since you > are reading the bill uncritically when the weaknesses of the bill are > pointed out you begin to appreciate the concerns raised and not remain > dogmatic in your belief that every criticism in malicious and govt is > infallible. No? > Let's engage in constructive arguments and not spread hate. You have much > to thank the media for than you know or can admit. > David > > > Sent from my BlackBerry(R) wireless device > > -----Original Message----- > From: "Gilda Odera" <godera(a)skyweb.co.ke> > > Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2009 15:06:54 > To: <dmakali(a)yahoo.com> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kibaki signs Bill into law > > >_______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: dmakali(a)yahoo.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmakali%40yahoo.com > >_______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail… > -- Barrack O. Otieno ISSEN CONSULTING Tel: +254721325277 +254726544442 +254733206359 www.issenconsult.com http://projectdiscovery.or.ke To give up the task of reforming society is to give up ones responsibility as a free man. Alan Paton, South Africa

8 8

Obama team seeks delay in US digital TV switch
by alice 13 Jan '09

13 Jan '09

http://www.blnz.com/news/2009/01/08/Obama_team_seeks_delay_digital_1582.html Obama team seeks delay in US digital TV switch AFP AFP American Edition Jan 07, 2009 19:00 EST US president-elect Barack Obama's transition team has asked for a delay in the nation's scheduled switch to digital television next month, citing funding difficulties. The Obama transition team co-chair John Podesta has written to key US lawmakers asking for an extension to the February 17 legislatively-mandated analog cutoff date, according to copy of the letter made available to AFP. Obama will take over from President George Bush on January 20. Based on plans by the Bush administration, stations will cease their analog transmissions and broadcast only in digital form from February 17, requiring consumers who rely on over-the-air signals to install converter boxes. Consumers are to be provided with a 40-dollar coupon to defray the cost of the converter but Podesta said the program to distribute the coupons "has run out of funds." "During the transition, we have discovered major difficulties in the preparation for the February 17 conversion from analog to digital broadcasting," he said. "These weaknesses mean major problems for consumers." By early February projections suggested more than five million coupon requests would not be met, with the figure "increasing by hundreds of thousands every day," he said. In addition, the funds provided to support the conversion are "woefully inadequate," he said, pointing out that particularly low income, rural and elderly Americans would be hit. "With coupons unavailable, support and education insufficient, and the most vulnerable Americans exposed, I urge you to consider a change to the legislatively-mandated analog cutoff date," Podesta said in the letter to key legislators in the Senate and House of Representatives. The US Congress reportedly allocated 1.34 billion dollars to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to distribute converter box coupons. The switch to digital television will free up wireless airwaves for public safety agencies and other advanced mobile services. An auction of those analog airwaves raised 19 billion dollars for the government last year, according to the the Washington Post. Major American broadcasters have signaled that they support a delay. "Our first concern is what's best for our viewers, and we believe that the Obama-Biden Transition Team shares our concern," media giant News Corporation said in a statement Thursday. But the Consumer Electronics Association, an industry group, suggested keeping the February 17 transition date. It said converter boxes were available in sufficient supply and consumers were aware of and prepared for the transition, but added legitimate concerns about the coupon program should be addressed immediately. "If the goal is to avoid consumer confusion, keeping the February 17 transition date that is engrained in consumer minds is the best solution," said association president Gary Shapiro Source: http://www.blnz.com/news/2009/01/08/Obama_team_seeks_delay_digital_1582.html

1 0