PUBLIC COUNSELING HELD ON DIGITAL SWITCHOVER OF MEDIA

The National Council of Radio and Television (NCRT) hosted three public counseling sessions in December on the impact of the digital switchover for Albanian media in Korca, Vlora, and Durres. The main aim of these sessions was to inform local media owners and directors on the draft strategy on digital broadcasting and the switchover process, and gather their feedback on the issue, in order to assure their concerns are reflected in the completed strategy. The regulatory authority’s representatives explained the EU and international requirements for frequencies and digital switchovers and the plans that NCRT envisages in this process for national and local media outlets. The participants became familiar with the technical aspects of digital switchover (available frequencies, transition scenario, criteria), along with the legal requirements in terms of programming (plurality of content, bouquet planning, respective criteria, etc.). Representatives of local media presented their own concerns and suggestions in relation to this strategy and steps for its implementation. NCRT has started this informative and consultation campaign in cooperation with the OSCE presence in Albania.