Broadcast Media Africa (BMA), in collaboration with 2GwanaMedia, recently hosted an online forum on “Community Broadcasting – Use Podcasting To Maximum Leverage”. During the interactive panel discussions, which delved into the role played by telecom organisations in the accessibility and sustainability of podcasting services, Thabo “Tbo Touch” Molefe, the Executive Director at International Institute of Broadcasting (SA), was asked, “how have data barriers reshaped podcasting formats?”.
Tbo Touch spotlighted the notion that catchup is for those that have unlimited access to data. He further reiterated that the future of podcasting is at the mercy of telecom organisations by means of affordable internet connectivity and access. The Executive Director then pointed out that the reason traditional radio thrives is its advantage of being free to air.
The youth has a challenge with engagement due to highlighted internet connectivity limitations; however, Touch observed success from those that have utilised social media as an extension tool to reach the market.