During the recently held online forum on “Effective Regulation Of Online Broadcasting And OTT Streaming Services In Africa”, Mr Alfred Ambani – the Broadcast Director at Communications Authority of Kenya, was asked to share his insights and observations in relation to the creation of regulatory frameworks set to manage OTT broadcasting. In expanding his knowledge, Mr Ambani highlighted that there is currently a lack of existing frameworks; however, strategies exist, once implemented, they are set to generate regulatory balances.
Mr Ambani further retorted that broadcast operators and telecom organisations need to recognise that the formulation of regulations and policies will assist the youth in skills development and economic growth. According to Alfred, frameworks are required in order to protect consumers and the intellectual property of producers and creatives as well as address security concerns. In addition, frameworks need to be structured in a way that is advantageous for the growth of local content.
Moreover, a current challenge needs to be explored continentally in relation to the taxation of streaming services. According to Ambani, OTT streamers utilise existing infrastructures without being subjected to tax laws of which traditional broadcasters are subjected to regulatory and licencing fees.